Dental Exams in Midlothian, VA
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Contact UsThe Importance of Dental Exams
Having twice-yearly dental exams allows you to be proactive in maintaining your oral health. A dental exam can identify cavities, gum disease, and other conditions that may be influencing your dental and overall health. A thorough dental exam at Sycamore Family Dentistry also includes an oral cancer screening, which Dr. Jacob Sheppard performs to check the inside and outside of your mouth for any signs of oral cancer. With his background in oral pathology, he can determine if there are any abnormalities that need to be removed or monitored. If you would like to preserve the wellness and appearance of your smile, schedule a routine oral exam at our Midlothian, VA office.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Exams?
Benefits of regular dental exams performed at Sycamore Family Dentistry in Midlothian, VA include:
- Pinpointing any oral health issues
- Extending the healthy life of your teeth
- Beautifying your smile
- Lessening the risk of painful and expensive dental emergencies
- Utilizing the latest tools to examine your overall oral health
- Digital x-rays show any structural issues and use minimal radiation
- Checking the condition of existing restorations or other dental work
- The process is both thorough and prompt
Who Should Get Dental Exams?
Midlothian, VA patients of every age would benefit from dental exams at least once yearly for general care. Dental exams can also be carried out to evaluate dental sensitivity, injury, and other problems that could arise between checkups. Periodontal disease, the primary cause of missing teeth, and cavities, might not cause apparent signs to manifest until the more advanced stages. If oral issues are identified right away, our staff can often offer less intensive options for management.
The ADA (the American Dental Association) states that all infants and toddlers should visit a dental professional before their first birthday. To address the needs of children at this early age, we can focus on various issues (like new teeth growing in and sucking on the thumb) and guide you in taking care of your child's teeth and gum line as their jawbone tissues evolve. Annual comprehensive dental exams can help your growing family establish effective oral habits and help them enjoy glowing smiles for a lifetime.
What to Expect During A Dental Exam
Comprehensive dental exams at our Midlothian, VA office typically include a review of your medical history. One of our dentists may also speak with you about any oral health concerns or cosmetic smile goals you have to get more information about how we can better help you. During specific routine exams, a series of digital x-rays may be taken to give us greater insight into the wellness of your teeth and jawbone structures. We will then examine your mouth for oral cancer, evaluate the alignment of your arches and temporomandibular joints, monitor your teeth for cracks, inspect your gums for symptoms of gum disease, and check the condition of any dental fixtures, like fillings.
What Should I Expect After My Dental Exam?
Forming good oral hygiene routines (including thoroughly brushing after meals and flossing at least once daily) could help lessen your chances of getting cavities and periodontal disease. Dr. Sheppard conducts comprehensive oral exams, on average, once per year, commonly at one of a patient's biannual professional dental cleaning checkups; however, we might recommend exams more frequently for those with particular oral health conditions. Our office performs several comprehensive procedures, like state-of-the-art cavity fillings, dental implants, and cosmetic veneers, to help suit your unique smile goals. When needed, our team can help you plan check-in sessions.
Sycamore Family Dentistry Reviews
What an amazing dental practice. I had been a patient of Dr. Jessup for over 20 years.....with Dr. Shepard, I feel comfortable and confident about my future dental care!!
I had some dental anxiety and hadn't visited a dentist in more time than I'm willing to admit. I finally made an appointment after some nudging from my wife and I couldn't be happier that I did. Dr. Sheppard and the dental hygienist, Cindy were both nothing but professional, caring, compassionate, and non-judgmental. They gave me a ton of great advice for dental care and also gave me some options for some cosmetic improvements to my teeth. I have a bit of work to get done, so I have to go back, but I can honestly say I'm looking forward to going back and getting the work done. My teeth already look noticeably better after the thorough cleaning done by Cindy, and I didn't experience any pain during the cleaning. To anyone putting off going to the dentist or anyone looking for a dentist in general, I cant recommend Dr. Sheppard and his staff enough, they will take care of you.
Wonderful dental care and excellent patient care!
From the moment you call the office to the moment you see Dr. Sheppard, you realize that one thing is most important and that is you. Dr. Sheppard and his entire staff truly want your visit to be comfortable, like you are visiting a friend, not a practice. Everyone is so friendly, welcoming, respectful and have a common interest in making sure you are cared for and appreciated as a patient, not just a number. If you are one that gets a bit anxious and puts off dental care, STOP RIGHT NOW, NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND CALL THE OFFICE. I assure you that you will be glad to meet such wonderful people and you will leave with a smile!! Whether it is routine dental work, or an emergency They have you covered. They made me feel so comfortable that I almost fell asleep during a root canal. Do yourself a favor and stop being just another patient and become one of their family. Many thanks to Dr. Sheppard and his entire staff. Glenn
From the moment you call the office to the moment you see Dr. Sheppard, you realize that one thing is most important and that is you. Dr. Sheppard and his entire staff truly want your visit to be comfortable, like you are visiting a friend, not a practice. Everyone is so friendly, welcoming, respectful and have a common interest in making sure you are cared for and appreciated as a patient, not just a number. If you are one that gets a bit anxious and puts off dental care, STOP RIGHT NOW, NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND CALL THE OFFICE. I assure you that you will be glad to meet such wonderful people and you will leave with a smile!! Whether it is routine dental work, or an emergency They have you covered. They made me feel so comfortable that I almost fell asleep during a root canal. Do yourself a favor and stop being just another patient and become one of their family. Many thanks to Dr. Sheppard and his entire staff. Glenn Update for May 1 2024 Again, I can’t say enough good about Dr. Sheppard and his team. They are so glad to see you and truly appreciate you as a patient, only thing is that you don’t feel like a patient you feel like part of the family. So as I have said before, stop procrastinating and call them today and see for yourself.
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Preventive Dental Care
Whether you are due for routine teeth cleaning or a comprehensive dental exam, the team at Sycamore Family Dentistry can help. We strive to provide all patients with personalized attention so we can better understand your unique needs and preferences. To learn more about how we can help you maintain optimal oral health, contact our Midlothian, VA office and schedule an appointment. Dr. Sheppard or Dr. Ronald Jessup understands the importance of routine dental care and will work with you to help you achieve your smile goals.
Learn More About Sycamore Family Dentistry
About UsDental Exam FAQs
Do dental exams hurt?
How long does a dental exam take?
How important are dental exams for kids?
Will I need x-rays during my dental exam?
How can I prepare for my dental exam to get the most out of it?
Before your appointment, brush and floss regularly to keep your teeth in their best shape. It's also helpful to write down any concerns or symptoms you've noticed, such as sensitivity, bleeding gums, or jaw pain, so you don't forget to mention them during the visit. Be ready to share any changes in your health history that might affect your oral health. Lastly, don't hesitate to ask questions about the best care for your smile.
Why does my dentist ask about my medical history during a dental exam?
Your dentist asks about your medical history because your overall health can significantly impact your oral health. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or autoimmune diseases, can affect the gums and teeth. Medications you're taking may also cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Knowing your medical background helps our dental practitioners recommend treatments that align with your overall health.