What to Expect at a Dental Examination in Richmond, CA

More than Cavity Detection

Many patients think of dental examinations as a checkpoint for discovering tooth decay. Our Richmond, California dentist uses dental X-rays to see the earliest signs of decay, so that you can benefit from minimally invasive procedures. Finding symptoms of dental caries early will help you receive treatment to stop the decay in its tracks and avoid an internally infected tooth. While cavity detection is an important part of  dental checkups, preventive dentistry does not stop there.

Oral Cancer Screenings in Contra Costa

Your next dental checkup could save your life. Oral cancer will affect nearly 40,000 people this year and cause over 8,000 deaths, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation. A highly treatable cancer in the early stages, prognosis is significantly better for oral cancer patients who receive treatment before the condition reaches advanced stages. How do you detect oral cancer early? Schedule dental checkups for  at least every six months.

Our Richmond dentist will meticulously inspect your mouth for the early signs of oral cancer and run diagnostic tests on any suspicious cells. Dental examinations with oral cancer screenings are particularly important if you smoke, drink alcohol in excess, are frequently exposed to sun, or have a family history of oral cancer. If you have any of these risk factors for oral cancer and you haven’t seen the dentist in a while, scheduling a dental checkup for an oral cancer screening can give you peace of mind.

Gum Disease Prevention in Richmond, California

Did you know that over 80 percent of Americans suffer from some form of gum disease? Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is more common than you think. Looking for the signs of gum disease and seeking immediate treatment can help you avoid the devastating effects this condition can have on your oral health. At your next dental examination, our Contra Costa dentist will look for signs of gum disease, including bleeding or inflamed gum tissue, gingival sensitivity, gums that appear deep red or purple, and plaque buildup along the gum line.

After checking for these signs of gum disease, Dr. Moiceanu can help you prevent gum disease by clearing away plaque buildup and giving you tips for more complete oral hygiene. Detecting the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis, can help you receive optimal results for periodontal disease treatment.

Hilltop Family Dental Checkups

To protect your teeth from cavities, prevent gum disease, and detect symptoms of oral cancer, schedule your dental examination at Hilltop Family Dental today at 510.758.7222. We look forward to helping you and your family achieve optimal oral health. Conveniently located in Richmond, near the Hilltop Mall, our cosmetic dentistry proudly serves patients in the Contra Costa, Alameda, and Solano counties.