Dental Exam in Myrtle Beach, SC

To keep yourself healthy, you should try to avoid dental issues by getting them diagnosed before they develop into painful conditions. These problems can be identified during a dental examination for yourself and your whole family. While the mouth is examined superficially in your biannual cleaning, a dental examination consists of a more thorough analysis. Dental examinations at Market Common Dentistry assess your total and oral health by looking for signs of oral cancer, diseases, and tooth decay. Dr. James Mills will determine your need for procedures and look for problems with your bite and jaw. Digital images can be used for a better view of the hidden problems in your teeth, jawbone, and gums. If you live near Myrtle Beach, SC, make an appointment for a dental examination at Market Common Dentistry.

Oral cancer is an abnormal cell growth in the mouth, including the jawbone, gums, lips, throat, tongue, and salivary glands. Each exam at Market Common Dentistry will include a screening for oral cancer to check for any symptoms, including inflammation, sores, lesions, and lumps. Dr. Mills will also feel your jaw and throat for abnormal growths. Should any areas of concern be discovered, a biopsy can be done or you may need care from a specialist.

Myrtle Beach, SC residents of every age should get an annual examination. Some of the most common issues, such as periodontal disease (the top reason for tooth loss), may not have signs you can see. If issues are noticed early, you will have more treatment options and a better chance at a full recovery.

The ADA (American Dental Association) suggests that babies visit a dentist before they turn one. Dr. Mills can talk about common concerns, including teething, using pacifiers, and baby bottle tooth decay. Our team at Market Common Dentistry can talk to you about ways to clean and care for your baby's oral health so they develop good habits early in life. Dental examinations are also vital for older children as their teeth, gums, and jaw develop.

Your examination will begin with a cursory evaluation of your tongue, teeth, gums, throat, inside your cheeks, roof of your mouth, and other checkpoints. This includes evaluating for symptoms of oral cancer. Dr. Mills or a member of our team may take digital images and check for abnormal gum tissue. Dr. Mills will also evaluate your neck, head, and jaw, including the bite and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). He will then discuss any issues discovered and your treatment options. Next, Dr. Mills will go over any other concerns you may have, prescriptions and supplements you are taking, and if they might affect your dental health by causing tooth decay or dry mouth. Lastly, he will check any restorations you have, such as crowns and dentures, to assess the wear and fit.

How soon you need to return will be based on the results of your exam. If Dr. Mills does not find any concerns, then you can follow a regular dental health regimen with flossing and brushing every day, plus yearly dental examinations and twice-yearly professional cleanings at Market Common Dentistry. If anything that needs treatment is found, procedures can be reviewed and planned.

Keeping your mouth healthy means you cannot just go to the dentist only when something is wrong. Instead, you need to seek preventive care as it may save you from future dental problems, plus a lot of money and time. We suggest appointments with Dr. Mills at Market Common Dentistry once a year for a dental exam. This can help you to minimize concerns by treating them in the early stages. We try very hard to make dental visits a pleasant experience for all patients so it is easier to keep yourself healthy. Contact our team in Myrtle Beach, SC to schedule your dental exam.