Dental Exams & Check-Ups in Santa Barbara, CA
Comprehensive Dental Exams in Santa Barbara, CA
Regular dental exams will protect your oral and dental health and overall health. During a routine dental check-up, your dentist will check for early warning signs of problems like plaque, tartar, gingivitis, and dental cavities. Catching these issues early enough will give you more treatment options and help you avoid complications that could affect your health. Call Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS, to schedule a dental exam in Santa Barbara, CA.
Importance of a Comprehensive Dental Exam
Undergoing comprehensive dental exams at least once per year can help you manage your overall health and well-being. Your oral health and overall health are closely linked. Untreated tooth decay, dental infections, and gum disease can cause complications like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, or blood infections. Dr. Stratford-Jones and his team will check for early warning signs of problems that could get worse or more dangerous without treatment. Dr. Stratford-Jones and his team recommend regular dental check-ups, x-rays, dental cleanings, and exams as part of our preventive dental care services. When you properly care for your teeth and gums at home and schedule annual dental exams, you can reduce your risk of common oral and dental health problems, including:
- Plaque and tartar buildup
- Dental infections
- Dental abscesses
- Dental cavities
- Tooth decay
- Gingivitis
- Gum disease
- Bad breath
- Tooth loss
- Jawbone loss
- Tooth and jaw pain
What to Expect at a Dental Exam and Cleaning
Most annual dental visits include a dental exam, cleaning, and x-rays. However, if you haven’t visited a dentist in years, have an oral health condition, or are concerned you have one, your exam may be more extensive. In general, our dental check-ups include:
- A full exam of the interior and exterior of your mouth.
- Evaluation of the health of your teeth and gums.
- Assessment for signs of oral health issues like dental cavities, tooth decay, gingivitis, and oral cancer.
- Dental x-rays or radiographs.
- Examining each tooth and its health, structure, and alignment.
- Evaluation of your bite.
- Assessment of cosmetic issues like staining or discoloration.
- Professional dental cleaning during which plaque and tartar buildup are removed.
- Education regarding proper care of teeth and gums at home and what dental products you should be using.
How Often Do I Need General Dental Check Ups?
Most adults need an annual dental check-up to maintain their health. However, some adults should visit us twice per year for a dental exam, cleaning, and check-up. We may recommend that you visit us more often if you:
- Are over 65 years old.
- Have a pre-existing condition like gingivitis.
- Frequently get dental cavities or have major tooth decay.
- Have gum disease.
- Are at risk of oral cancer, gum disease, or another oral or dental health issue.
- Have a chronic health condition like diabetes.
- Are on medication that could affect the health of your teeth and gums.
What We Look for During Routine Dental Check-Ups
During routine dental check ups and teeth cleanings, Dr. Stratford-Jones and his team look for any signs of oral health problems. If you are at risk of a certain oral health issue, we may perform additional tests to screen you for early warning signs. Our dental check-ups include an assessment for signs of:
- Plaque and tartar
- Tooth infection
- Tooth decay or dental cavities
- Gingivitis or gum disease
- Damaged teeth
- Loose teeth
- Mouth, gum, and soft palate injury
- Bite problems like misalignment or malocclusion
- Crooked or overcrowded teeth
- Dental abscesses or cysts
- Bone loss
- Tumors
- Poor tooth position
- Developmental abnormalities
Why Choose Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS
Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS specializes in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. We offer comprehensive dental exams, dental cleanings, preventive dental care, dental health screenings, and more. Our patients keep coming back to us because our staff is warm, friendly, and inviting. We have a lot of experience helping patients overcome dental fear and anxiety so that they can get the dental care services they need to stay healthy. We also offer cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry services, including orthodontic treatment, tooth whitening, dentures, dental crowns, periodontal treatment services, and tooth extractions. Our goal is to enhance the health and beauty of our patients’ smiles and empower them to take care of their oral and dental health.
Schedule a Regular Dental Check Up & Exam
If you can’t remember when you last had a dental check-up or dental exam in Santa Barbara, CA, our team can help. Jeffrey A. Stratford-Jones, DDS has 33 years of experience, and his team is committed to providing highly personalized and comfortable patient care. Call us today or contact us online to make an appointment.