Parkside Dental logo in Westland, MI
(734) 261-6060Book Online

Oral Examsin Westland, MI

Quality Oral Health Services in Your Neighborhood

When searching for comprehensive oral health care near you, Parkside Dental in Westland, MI, offers the personalized attention you deserve. Dr. Cohen and his experienced dental team create a welcoming environment where your comfort comes first and your questions are thoroughly answered.

Whether you need preventive care or have specific dental concerns, families throughout the area trust our gentle, patient-centered approach to oral examinations. Ready to experience dental care that puts you first? Call our Westland dentist at (734) 261-6060 today to schedule your comprehensive oral examination.

dental checkups at Parkside Dental
older woman visiting the dentist

Why Is an Oral Exam Important?

Oral examinations serve as the foundation of preventive dental care, enabling the detection of oral health issues before they progress to more serious stages. Early detection represents one of the most compelling reasons to schedule regular oral exams with Dr. Cohen at Parkside Dental. Many conditions, including tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers, develop silently without obvious symptoms. By the time patients notice pain, these conditions may require extensive and expensive treatments.

Regular exams also provide professional cleaning that removes harmful bacteria contributing to decay and gum disease. The connection between oral health and systemic health has become increasingly clear through research, with poor oral health linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other serious conditions. Dr. Cohen, one of the best dentists in Westland, may identify signs of systemic health issues during examinations, contributing to early medical intervention. Preventive care through regular oral exams proves far more cost-effective than treating advanced dental problems.

Regular dental exams can help prevent tooth loss and other serious oral health issues. Additionally, the exams can help maintain your overall physical health, as oral health is closely linked to overall health. It is essential to schedule dental exams, recommended at least twice a year, to ensure optimal oral health.

What Does An Oral Exam Look For?

A comprehensive oral examination at Parkside Dental involves Dr. Cohen systematically evaluating your entire oral cavity. The examination includes visual inspection of each tooth for decay, cracks, and wear patterns, gum health assessment for inflammation or periodontal disease, and soft tissue examination of your tongue, cheeks, lips, and throat for abnormalities or signs of oral cancer. Dr. Cohen also evaluates bite alignment and jaw joint function, takes digital X-rays when necessary to examine tooth roots and bone structures, and performs lymph node palpation to check for swelling that might indicate infection or other health concerns.

The Benefits of Dental Checkups Near Ann Arbor

Regular dental checkups at Parkside Dental provide numerous advantages beyond maintaining clean teeth. Prevention of dental emergencies ranks among the most significant benefits, as Dr. Cohen’s thorough examinations identify potential problems before they cause pain or require urgent treatment.

Key Advantages of Regular Dental Checkups:

  • Emergency prevention: Dr. Cohen identifies potential problems before they cause pain or require urgent treatment. Small cavities can be addressed with simple fillings before requiring root canals or extractions, while early gum disease can be treated before progressing to advanced periodontitis.
  • Significant cost savings: Preventive care costs significantly less than treating advanced dental problems. A routine cleaning and examination costs a fraction of emergency treatments, crowns, implants, or extensive periodontal therapy, with insurance typically providing excellent coverage for preventive services.
  • Professional deep cleaning: Specialized techniques and equipment remove plaque and tartar buildup that contribute to decay and gum disease. Even patients with excellent home care routines benefit from professional cleaning that reaches areas impossible to clean at home.
  • Personalized health education: Dr. Cohen and his team guide proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend appropriate oral care products, and offer dietary advice that supports optimal oral health based on your specific needs.
  • Peace of mind and confidence: Regular monitoring provides reassurance that problems are caught early and addressed appropriately. Professional cleanings remove odor-causing bacteria, maintaining fresh breath and allowing you to enjoy social activities without worry.
  • Customized treatment planning: Comprehensive information gathered during examinations allows Dr. Cohen to track changes over time and develop personalized strategies for maintaining optimal wellness based on your unique risk factors and lifestyle.
  • Overall health monitoring: Regular checkups may reveal signs of systemic health conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or autoimmune disorders that first manifest as oral symptoms, leading to timely medical intervention and better health outcomes.

Who Benefits Most from Regular Oral Exams:

  • Patients with Diabetes or Heart Disease: These conditions increase risk for gum disease and oral infections, making regular monitoring essential for maintaining both oral and systemic health.
  • Tobacco Users: Smoking and tobacco use significantly increase risks for oral cancer, gum disease, and tooth loss, requiring more frequent professional evaluation and intervention.
  • Individuals with a Family History of Dental Problems: Genetic predisposition to tooth decay or gum disease makes preventive care crucial for avoiding inherited oral health issues.
  • Busy Professionals: People with demanding schedules benefit from preventive care that reduces the likelihood of dental emergencies disrupting work and personal commitments.
  • Senior Citizens: Age-related changes in oral health, medications affecting saliva production, and increased risk for oral diseases make regular monitoring vital.
  • Parents and Caregivers: Those responsible for family health benefit from professional guidance on maintaining optimal oral hygiene and preventing dental problems in children.

Comprehensive Care For the Whole Family

Cleanings

Dental cleaning, also known as teeth cleaning or prophylaxis, is a routine dental procedure that involves removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the teeth. Your dental hygienist will perform the procedure using tools like a scaler and polisher to clean the teeth and gums. Dental cleanings are recommended at least twice a year to maintain good oral health and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Learn More
X-ray

Dental x-rays detect cavities, abscesses, tumors, and other issues that may not be visible during a visual exam. X-rays can also help the dentist plan treatments and monitor progress since they’re an essential part of the diagnostic process and can detect problems early on before they become more severe.

Learn More
Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings are imperative for your dentist to keep an eye out for early signs of oral cancer. Catching cancer in its earliest form gives the patient the best chance to receive treatment.

Learn More
Children’s Dentistry

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic disease among children in the United States. Our dentists have extensive experience in educating children on how to properly care for their teeth. We take pride in instilling good oral hygiene practices that will benefit them for a lifetime.

During your child’s appointment, we will examine the inside of their mouth and remove plaque and tartar buildup. We also check for any signs of tooth decay and ensure their adult teeth are coming in as they should be.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients benefit from oral examinations every six months, though Dr. Cohen may recommend more frequent visits for individuals with higher risk factors such as gum disease, diabetes, or a history of dental problems. Some patients with excellent oral health and low risk factors may be able to extend the interval between visits. Dr. Cohen will work with you to determine the optimal examination schedule based on your individual needs and oral health status.

Digital X-rays used at Parkside Dental expose patients to significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays while providing superior image quality. The frequency of X-rays depends on your individual risk factors and oral health status. Dr. Cohen typically recommends bitewing X-rays annually for most patients, with a full mouth series every three to five years. Patients with active dental problems may require more frequent imaging to monitor treatment progress.

Yes, Dr. Cohen’s comprehensive oral examinations can reveal signs of various systemic health conditions. Changes in oral tissues, gum inflammation patterns, tooth wear, and other oral symptoms may indicate diabetes, autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, eating disorders, or other health concerns. While Dr. Cohen cannot diagnose these conditions definitively, he can recommend appropriate medical follow-up when concerning signs are detected.

keyboard_arrow_up