Dental Exam in Melbourne, FL

Oral cancer includes any abnormal group of cells in the mouth, including the gums, lips, jawbone, tongue, salivary glands, and throat. Every dental examination at our private practice includes an oral cancer screening to look for early signs, including sores, inflammation, lumps, and lesions. Dr. Patel will also palpate the neck and jaw for abnormalities. If any areas of concern are found, a biopsy may be performed, or you will be referred to a specialist for further care.

In the case that you have a dental emergency, our office sets time aside for emergency dental examinations. Whether you have sustained an injury or have begun to notice any abnormalities in your mouth (such as bleeding, swelling, pain, or an abscess), Dr. Patel can perform an emergency dental exam to assess your complications and address your concerns. Depending on the problem, your emergency may be treated that day, or a treatment plan can be developed to fully address the issue.

Melbourne, FL patients of all ages should undergo a dental examination every year. Many common conditions, like gum disease (the most common cause of tooth loss), do not have symptoms you can notice on your own. When concerns are caught early, you are more likely to have more treatment options.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children go to the dentist before their first birthday. Dr. Patel can help with problems, like using pacifiers, teething, and baby bottle tooth decay. Our team at Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA can teach you how to care and clean your baby's mouth, enabling them to start practicing healthy habits early, which will also help them throughout their life. Dental exams are also crucial for children as they get older and their mouths begin to develop.

Utilizing the latest in dental technology advancements to diagnose and monitor a series of dental problems, dental examinations at Dr. Patel's private practice are comprehensive. Your exam will start with an overall evaluation of your teeth, tongue, gums, throat, palate, inside your cheeks, and other oral checkpoints. This includes looking for signs of oral cancer in your mouth. Dr. Patel or a member of his team will take digital x-rays and screen for abnormal tissue in the gums. Dr. Patel will evaluate your head, neck, and jaw, including your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and bite. He will then discuss any concerns found and how to best treat them. Dr. Patel will go over any health conditions you have, prescriptions you may be taking, and how they might impact your oral health. Finally, he will examine any prosthetics you have, such as bridges and dentures, to check the fit and wear.

Scheduling your next appointment will be dependent on the overall condition of your mouth. If Dr. Patel does not identify any problems, then the only follow-up will be to continue a good at-home oral care routine by brushing and flossing twice a day, along with attending annual dental exams and bi-annual cleanings at our office. If Dr. Patel does see something that needs to be treated, options will be discussed and scheduled.

Since a dental exam is important to your dental health, it is usually covered by dental insurance. Our office will talk to your insurance company to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs. If you do not have dental insurance, our facility accepts many payment options, including medical financing. Dr. Patel works with you to make that affording good oral health is not an issue.

True oral health involves more work than just going to the dentist when something is wrong. You have to be proactive with preventive care. It can save your teeth and gums, as well as a significant amount of time and money in the long run. We recommend visiting Dr. Sangiv I. Patel at his private practice, Sangiv I. Patel, D.D.S., PA, annually for dental examinations. Doing so will enable you to stay on top of problems by catching them early. We work hard to make dental examinations a positive experience for you so you'll enjoy coming back. Contact our office in Melbourne, FL to schedule your annual dental exam.