what is a dental exam?
Frisco general dentist, Dr. Camelia Cooper helps every patient at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft in Frisco, TX feel confident in their smile by performing annual dental examinations. During the patient's annual dental exam, Dr. Cooper will visually inspect and manually palpate the mouth to check for signs of disease in the teeth, gums, and jaw. Dr. Cooper will also use advanced dental technology, including digital X-rays, to inspect the inside of the teeth and gums. Once the patient's mouth has been thoroughly examined, Dr. Cooper can consult with the patient on any current or developing concerns and her recommendations for treatment or preventative measures. For optimal dental and overall health, it is important that every patient receive an annual dental exam to help Dr. Cooper find and treat problems as early as possible.
Why Is Getting a Dental Examination So Important?
Getting a yearly dental examination at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft in Frisco, TX, is crucial to maintaining the health of your teeth. During your dental exam, Dr. Cooper or an experienced hygienist on her team will start by cleaning your teeth. Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth and can lead to gum disease and cavities if not professionally removed. After your teeth are cleaned, Dr. Cooper will give you a full dental exam, which includes:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease
- Checking for signs of oral cancers
- Identifying and treating dental issues like cavities, chips, cracks, and other problems
- Detecting signs of bruxism or teeth grinding, which can wear down teeth
- Checking for bite and teeth abnormalities
- Teaching proper oral hygiene practices and techniques
In short, regular annual dental exams are the wellness check to help make sure your teeth are healthy and happy for years to come. Without a regular dental examination, small issues can turn into big problems that can lead to tooth loss, gum disease, infections, or worse.
Dental Examination Reviews
What to Expect during a dental exam
The dental examination seeks to evaluate the overall health of the patient’s teeth, gums, bones, and jaw. During the examination, Dr. Cooper will look at the patient’s mouth as well and take digital X-rays to get a more in-depth understanding of their oral care needs. Through physical exams and X-rays, Dr. Cooper will be able to assess and diagnose any cavities, chips, disease, and decay in the mouth. Patients will also receive a teeth cleaning following their examination. Dr. Cooper will discuss any issues or concerns regarding their exam as well as offer recommendations for care options.
What happens after a dental exam?
Dr. Cooper highly recommends that patients receive a dental examination and check-up at least once a year at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft in Frisco, in addition to cleanings being received every six months. This ensures optimal dental health for each Sweet Tooth patient.
Dental Exam FAQ
How often should I get a dental checkup?
Everyone's oral health is different, so you need to be alert to any changes in the condition of your teeth. Dr. Cooper recommends you should have a regularly scheduled dental exam at least once a year and a cleaning every six months.
What can I expect at a dental exam?
Dr. Cooper will talk to you about your oral health history and oral hygiene practices. She will then examine your teeth. Some of the things you can expect during your dental exam include:
- Visual inspection of teeth
- Examining the mouth to check for disease in teeth, gums, and jaw
- An x-ray (if necessary)
- Teeth cleaning
- A conversation about oral health
Do dental exams hurt?
None of the procedures in a dental exam are considered painful. Some people may find the cleaning somewhat uncomfortable, but Dr. Cooper always strives to provide her patients with the gentlest dental care.
How long is a dental exam?
How long your dental exam takes will depend on any issues that may arise that need to be addressed. However, most dental exams only take about 45 minutes to an hour.

Enjoy a Healthier Smile
If you are eager to show off a smile that is healthy and pristine, call our Frisco office for a consultation. With many advanced treatment options, Dr. Cooper at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft will strive to give you a brilliant mouth of pearly white teeth. The staff at Sweet Tooth looks forward to meeting you soon.