Dental exam

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How you prepare

By Mayo Clinic staff

If you're scheduling your first adult dental exam or you're looking for a new dentist, consider asking friends, loved ones, neighbors, co-workers or your doctor for a recommendation. Consider whether the dentist has a convenient location and whether he or she participates in your health plan. Before you're treated, make sure you understand the fees and payment options.

If you're feeling anxious about having a dental exam, share your concerns with your dentist or hygienist. He or she might be able to adjust your treatment to help you feel more comfortable.

What you can expect Why it's done
References
  1. What to expect from a dental hygiene appointment. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  2. Adult oral health. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/adults.htm. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  3. Senior oral health. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/seniors.htm. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  4. Dental records. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3030.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  5. X-rays. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3067.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  6. Oral cancer fact sheet. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  7. Dentures. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2996.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  8. Diabetes. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3069.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  9. Medications, effects on oral health. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/6512.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
  10. Brooks SL. Guidelines for prescribing dental radiographs. In: White SC, et al. Oral Radiology: Principles and Interpretation. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:244.
  11. Fonseca RB, et al. Radiodensity evaluation of dental impression materials in comparison to tooth structures. Journal of Applied Oral Science. 2010;18:467.
MY01097 Feb. 18, 2012

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