Dental Exams in the Belvidere/Rockford Area

The Importance of Routine Dental Exams

The best way to protect against oral health issues is with preventive dentistry. Preventive dentistry is a discipline of oral health focused on preventing oral health issues from developing or catching them in their earliest stages for more effective treatment. One of the key components of preventive dentistry is attending regular dental exams.

Even patients who follow the most rigorous at-home oral hygiene routines can develop oral disease. Detecting oral health issues often requires a diagnosis from a trained professional with access to special equipment. At Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry, we use the latest technology and most accurate techniques available in modern dentistry to detect problems in their earliest stages or prevent them altogether.

Keeping up with your dental examinations can save you time and money. It eliminates the need for more invasive, costly procedures like root canals and extractions. Preventing oral health issues with regular exams and cleanings can also help protect your overall health.

What Happens During a Routine Dental Exam?

During a routine dental exam at Chapko and Shah Modern Dentistry, we’ll perform a few key tasks to determine your level of oral health. Some of these tasks include:

  • Cleanings
  • Oral Exams
  • Cancer Screenings
  • X-rays

Oral Exams

During your oral exam, your dentist will use special equipment to examine your mouth and throat. Oral exams assist in determining which areas are prone to problems or if there are problems present. If your dental professional has reason to believe there’s a problem, they can perform a further examination using X-rays and cancer screenings.

Digital X-Rays

Digital radiography, also known as a digital X-ray, is especially useful for detecting problems that often can’t be seen with the naked eye. Your dentist may recommend taking X-rays to get a better look at what’s going on beneath your gums. They allow our doctors to gain a better understanding of the state of your jawbone and the structure of your teeth.

Rest assured that X-rays performed by our trained professionals are completely safe, giving off less than 2 percent of the background radiation you’re exposed to on a daily basis.

Cancer Screenings

The American Cancer Society estimates that oral cancer will affect over 54,000 Americans and throat cancer will impact over 12,470 Americans. In both cases, early detection allows for more successful treatment. During a cancer screening, our dentists will examine your mouth and throat, and look for abnormal or possibly cancerous tissue growths and sores.

Professional Cleanings

During a professional cleaning, we’ll thoroughly brush, floss, and polish your teeth for you. This process not only helps to brighten your smile, but it also removes bacteria-laden, acidic plaque, and tartar.

Plaque and tartar are results of bacteria and food particles mixing with the saliva in your mouth. This bacteria replicates and produces acid as waste, increasing your risk of the following:

  • Bad breath
  • Gum disease
  • Tooth decay

While regular brushing and flossing help remove these substances, they can accumulate in hard-to-reach and easy to miss areas. Our skilled staff will detect and remove these substances from areas that toothbrushes can’t easily reach, helping to prevent these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chapko & Shah Modern Dentistry

530 S State St #101
Belvidere, IL 61008

Office Hours

Mon
9am – 6pm
Tue
8am – 6pm
Wed
8am – 6pm
Thu
8am – 4pm
Fri
8am – 12pm
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