Dental Exams in Pine Beach, NJ
We encourage our patients to come visit us at Century Dental East every six months. At your regular appointment, our dentist will look at your teeth to detect any issues in their early stages and then suggest further treatment. If you have any oral health issues you are worried about, call Dr. Mariya Medlenov at 732-341-6010 to schedule your next dental exam in Pine Beach, New Jersey!
Dental exams are a key part of keeping your mouth and smile healthy. We recommend that you receive a dental exam every six months, as this will allow our dentist to monitor your oral health and ensure that any developing problems are diagnosed and treated promptly. Dental exams are often performed as part of your regular cleaning appointments.
A dental exam consists of our dentist checking your teeth and supporting oral structures for any signs of damaging dental conditions or diseases. Dental X-rays may be used to further evaluate your teeth and supporting structures and check for tooth decay or other developing problems. During the exam, our dentist will check for problems such as cavities, bone loss, oral cancer and periodontal disease.
We will review our findings with you so that you can understand the current state of your oral health. Our dentist and team may also make recommendations on ways to improve your at-home oral hygiene. If you require any treatment, we will discuss your treatment options with you so you can make a fully informed decision about your care. We are always happy to discuss any concerns that you may have; we want you to feel comfortable and confident in the care you are receiving.
If you experience a dental emergency, pain or injury, we encourage you to call us as soon as possible to make an appointment and receive treatment.
To schedule your dental exam and learn more, call our office today. We look forward to helping you care for your smile!
What Happens at a Dental Exam
Knowing the order of events makes the appointment easier, particularly if it has been a while since your last visit.
A step-by-step look at the appointment
An exam is a methodical check of the whole mouth, not just the teeth. Dr. Medlenov works through the same sequence each time so nothing is missed.
Health history review. We ask about medications, medical changes and anything that has been bothering you since your last visit, because both can affect the mouth.
Soft tissue and oral cancer check. The lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, throat and neck are examined for anything that looks or feels out of the ordinary.
Tooth-by-tooth examination. Each tooth is checked for decay, cracks, wear and any existing restorations that are breaking down.
Gum and bone assessment. The gum tissue is examined for inflammation, recession and pockets that suggest gum disease.
Bite and jaw joint. We look at how your teeth meet, and at signs of clenching or grinding such as flattened edges.
Discussion of findings. We explain what we found in plain language and what, if anything, needs doing.
How Often Should You Have a Dental Exam?
Every six months is the usual starting point, but the right interval depends on your own risk.
When we may suggest coming in more often
Some patients benefit from being seen at shorter intervals so that changes are caught while they are still small.
A history of gum disease. Gums that have been treated need closer monitoring. See our periodontics page for more on gum care.
Frequent cavities. If you tend to develop decay, more regular checks and preventive measures such as fluoride treatment can help.
Dry mouth. Reduced saliva, often a side effect of medication, raises decay risk considerably.
Smoking or tobacco use. This affects both gum health and soft tissue screening.
Pregnancy. Hormonal changes can make gums more reactive.
Extensive dental work. Crowns, bridges and large fillings need periodic checking.
Exams for children
Children should be seen regularly from an early age so that their developing teeth and jaws can be monitored, habits can be discussed and protective measures such as dental sealants can be considered when the permanent molars come through.
Why Regular Exams Are Worth Keeping
The point of an exam is to find problems while they are still small and simple to treat.
Small problems stay small
Decay that is found early can often be handled with a straightforward dental filling. Left alone, the same tooth may eventually need a crown or root canal treatment. Early gum inflammation can usually be reversed with better cleaning and professional care, while advanced gum disease involves bone loss that cannot be undone.
Problems you cannot feel
Tooth decay between teeth, bone loss around the roots and early soft tissue changes are typically painless in their early stages. They are found by looking, measuring and, where appropriate, by X-ray, which is why an exam is useful even when nothing feels wrong.
Exams and cleanings work together
The exam identifies what is happening; the dental cleaning removes the plaque and tartar that drive decay and gum disease. Scheduling them together means one visit covers both.
Book a Dental Exam in Pine Beach
Century Dental East welcomes patients from Pine Beach and across Ocean County at 241 Washington Avenue. If it has been several years since your last exam, that is not a problem and it is not a reason to put it off any longer. Tell us when you book and we will allow the time to go through things properly.
Many dental plans include preventive visits. Our team can check what your plan covers and talk through financial options before you are seen.
To schedule an exam with Dr. Mariya Medlenov, call (732) 341-6010 or get in touch with our office.
Visit Our Pine Beach Office
Century Dental East — Gentle, Modern Dentistry for Families in Pine Beach, NJ.
241 Washington Avenue, Pine Beach, NJ 08741
(732) 341-6010
Hours
Mon 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tue 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wed 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thu 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fri-Sun Closed
Serving patients across
- Toms River
- Lakewood
- Lakehurst
- Forked River
- Bayville
- Beachwood
- Pine Beach
- Barnegat Light
- Ocean Gate
- Maple Shade
- Leisure Village
- Cedar Grove
- Waretown
- Howardsville
- Brookville
- Holly Park
- South Toms River