Well first the dentist visually inspects your teeth--he may use a stainless steel pick to poke around them--poking at any place where he might suspect a tooth is rotting, sometimes even physically removing built up plaque or garbage stuck to/between the teeth so he can get a better view.
After that part of the exam, which doesn't usually hurt unless he finds a spot of rot and the pick goes in, which can cause a little pain, he will then set you up for X-rays. These are usually called bitwing X-rays. He takes these pieces of X-ray film, puts them in a carrier-like thing and inserts them in your mouth--usually 4 of them are done...after he positions the film, he asks you to bite down on a tab that holds the film in place (hence the name "bitewing"). Then he puts a heavy protective apron on your body, that will stop any stray X-rays from hitting your body, he positions the X-ray machine steps back and takes a shot....he does this 4 times, one for each side of the uppers and one for each side of the lowers. (newer equipment doesn't actually use film, they put an apparatus in your mouth, follow the same procedure). Either the Dentist gets four little X-ray films of all your teeth or they show up on a computer screen.
He then examines the X-rays to see if they show any problems--in addition to cavities, these will also show whether you have any gum problems, like abcesses. No pain in this process.
If he finds any problem then he fixes it or sets a return date to fix them.
Then depending on the office, either the dentist or a dental hygienist comes in to do the cleaning. That may entail going over your teeth with floss, a dental pick which can entail scraping some, and then finally the hygienist will take a drill, attach a cleaning implement (like a brush) to it and go over your teeth with a very thorough brushing. After that with another attachment the hygienist will polish the teeth.
Now if you haven't had your teeth professionally cleaned and there is a build up of plaque and tartar below the gum line, they may have to do what is called a deep cleaning...these days they are using an electric instrument, but in older offices it is still done manually with scrapers--this can and does hurt--the gums can get a bit raw and everything gets a bit bloody because they are scraping the tooth surface below the gums...but it is important that this is done if needed. Leaves your mouth sore for a few hours sometimes to the next day.
That's about it....unless they find problems, not usually a painful process....probably, an unremarkable exam takes about 20-30 minutes.
2006-11-28 04:28:51
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answer #1
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answered by William E 5
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Dentist make a chart of your teeth, your teeth are numbered from 1-8 number 1 being your front tooth. He or she then look closely at your teeth one by one,and notes down any decay or discolouring that is found. After that they may remove any tartar that has built up on your teeth,followed by a polish, this can be done in many ways but most use a tiny little brush on a motor which spins around very fast a can tickle your gums. The time will vary in a check up,some times if there is no signs of decay but you have had some trouble with a tooth,xrays will be taken,do tell your dentist if you think or know you are having a baby, one to protect your baby from the rays and two because you will get your treatment free.
What does it feel like, well you need to hold your mouth open for a while and this can some times make your jaw ache slightly but it soon wears off, but other then the feeling of some one elise poking in side your mouth it's ok
2006-11-28 21:23:50
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Was just at the dentist. The cleaning depends on what type of instruments the hygenist uses. If it's the "Cavitron" (a sonic high-powered burst of water), it can be uncomfortable. I prefer the old-fashioned dental instruments. Another factor is how much plaque is on your teeth-more plaque, more discomfort. Along with the cleaning you may need some x-rays (no pain there). Some advice- bring a personal listening device with you to take your mind from it. Good luck and enjoy your bright shiny smile!
2006-11-28 04:22:53
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answer #3
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answered by bandit 6
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A dental check-up is nothing to be afraid of. During a cleaning and exam we usually start by taking x-rays if you're due for them. Then we feel the outside of your face and neck for any abnormal lumps or masses. Then we look around inside of the mouth for abnormalities. A cleaning is when we use metal instruments to remove tartar, plaque and stain from your teeth. After that we polish your teeth to also remove any plaque and stain and then we finish by flossing your teeth. The dentist will then come in to examine your teeth for cavities, broken fillings, or anything else that may need further treatment.
2006-11-28 05:48:34
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answer #4
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answered by hailesellase 3
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I just had mine done about 2 weeks ago... They took xrays to see if there were hidden cavities. Then they cleaned everything. it was a water pic type thingy.. the cleaning was done with pressurized water, then afterwards he scraped a bit between the teeth, that sort of hurt.. Then they used a tiny rotating brush with pink glob like toothpaste and polished everything.. It was like a bit more grainy than crest toothpaste.. Tasted fine though.. they rinced me out, I spit in the little tiny sink.. and all was done.. I think my fear of dentists and the unknown is far worse than the ordeal itself..
2006-11-28 04:24:12
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answer #5
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answered by Mintee 7
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all they really do is shine them teeth, lol they scrape the plaque out from between and around your gums, they floss your teeth resal good, that usually hurts. and brush em, just check for any serious diseases in your mouth. most people dont like the dentist but i do, i enjoy going to the dentist rather than a doctor, i hate doctors. dentist seem to be nicer and more honest about whats going on.
2006-11-28 04:20:36
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answer #6
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answered by ~*cRaCkNeSs*~ 3
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There are a pair of issues to envision whilst pondering this...You arent meant to go away your ft once you're making a verify(in specific circumstances momentum will raise you off your ft after the verify), you arent meant to take 2 finished strides until eventually now the checkk, whilst making a verify close to the boards you arent meant to have the potential to tee the call on the decrease back of the jersey to ward off boarding, you arent meant to lift the elbows.....there are distinctive little issues in touch, and there is usually a difference in a great hit and a grimy hit
2016-10-04 11:34:53
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answer #7
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answered by ? 4
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They look for tooth decay, diseases of the mouth. Clean and polish the teeth and give oral advice. Book an appoitment for any work you may need doing.
2006-11-28 04:27:32
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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what it says on the tin, let you know if anything is wrong or soon to be wrong, i love the dentist for some reason weird i know ;)
needles dont hurt at all now days maybe 5 years ago, id sooner have an injection thatbite my tongue
2006-11-28 04:20:42
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answer #9
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answered by stuio 3
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I found the clean quite painful and it hasn't helped a bit with my ongoing gum disease..
2006-11-28 04:20:58
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answer #10
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answered by Heffy 2
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