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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffRegular dental exams help protect your oral health and general well-being. A dental exam gives your dentist a chance to provide tips on caring for your teeth and to detect any problems early — when they're most treatable.
When to have a dental exam
The American Dental Hygienists' Association recommends that adults schedule dental exams every six months — or according to their dentists' or hygienists' advice. Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, it's important to consult your dentist for regular dental exams to maintain your oral health and the usefulness of your replacement teeth.
References
- What to expect from a dental hygiene appointment. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Adult oral health. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/adults.htm. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Senior oral health. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/seniors.htm. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Dental records. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3030.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- X-rays. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3067.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Oral cancer fact sheet. American Dental Hygienists' Association. http://www.adha.org/oralhealth/index.html. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Dentures. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/2996.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Diabetes. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/3069.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- Medications, effects on oral health. American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/6512.aspx?currentTab=1. Accessed Nov. 14, 2011.
- 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.
- Fonseca RB, et al. Radiodensity evaluation of dental impression materials in comparison to tooth structures. Journal of Applied Oral Science. 2010;18:467.
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