Dental Exams & X-Rays

Regular dental exams and X-rays in Nashville are essential to maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. At Iroquois Dental in Nashville, our team, including Dr. K.B. Parkes, Dr. Tyler Smith, Dr. Jody Glover, and Dr. Megan Allred, provides thorough dental exams and state-of-the-art X-ray services to ensure your mouth is in excellent condition. With our commitment to quality care and patient comfort, we strive to make each dental visit a positive experience.

Why Are Regular Dental Exams & X-Rays in Nashville Important?

Dental exams and X-rays serve as a foundation for oral health, helping to identify potential issues early and allowing for timely, effective treatment. Therefore, here’s why regular dental exams and X-rays in Nashville are crucial to your overall health:

Early Detection of Oral Issues

First, exams and X-rays help catch issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer at an early stage. Plus, detecting these problems early can prevent more extensive damage, saving you from discomfort and potentially costly treatments.

Prevention of Major Dental Problems

Next, routine exams allow us to identify and treat minor issues before they become major concerns. For example, a small cavity can be filled before it requires a root canal.

Overall Health Benefits

Additionally, oral health is closely linked to overall health, with gum disease being connected to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Therefore, by keeping your oral health in check, you’re supporting your overall wellness.

Tailored Preventive Care

Finally, regular visits allow us to track oral health over time and tailor preventive strategies to address specific needs or concerns.

What to Expect During a Dental Exam at Iroquois Dental

At Iroquois Dental, we believe in making patients feel comfortable and informed about their care. However, here’s a breakdown of what you can expect during a dental exam:

Medical History Review

First, before your exam begins, we’ll review your medical history, including any recent changes in your health or medications. However, this information helps us provide personalized care and identify any factors that could impact your oral health.

Visual Examination

Next, our skilled dentists, Dr. Parkes, Dr. Smith, Dr. Glover, and Dr. Allred, will conduct a thorough visual examination of your teeth, gums, and other soft tissues. Moreover, this includes checking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, bite issues, and oral cancer.

Gum Health Assessment

Periodontal health is a critical component of oral health, so we evaluate the condition of your gums to detect any signs of gum disease. Plus, we may use a small probe to measure the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth. Healthy pockets are shallow, while deeper pockets can indicate gum disease.

Evaluation of Bite & Jaw

Furthermore, your bite alignment and jaw function are also examined, as issues with your bite can lead to problems like TMJ disorders or tooth wear. However, identifying bite-related issues early can prevent discomfort and more severe complications.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is a vital part of our dental exams. Our dentists will check for abnormal tissue changes in your mouth, which could indicate early signs of oral cancer. Plus, early detection is crucial for effective treatment, and we prioritize this screening to safeguard your health.

X-rays for a Comprehensive View

X-rays provide an in-depth look at the structures beneath the surface, allowing us to identify issues not visible during the visual exam. X-rays can reveal cavities between teeth, infections in the roots, and bone loss related to gum disease. However, during your visit, we’ll discuss the need for X-rays, ensuring you’re informed and comfortable with the process.

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Understanding Different Types of Dental X-Rays

Iroquois Dental uses advanced X-ray technology to provide accurate diagnostics while minimizing radiation exposure. Here are the types of X-rays you may encounter during your dental exam:

Bitewing X-rays

Bitewing X-rays capture images of the upper and lower teeth in a single area, showing how your teeth align and helping to detect cavities between teeth. These are typically taken once a year as part of routine exams.

Periapical X-rays

Periapical X-rays capture the entire length of a tooth, including the root and surrounding bone. This type of X-ray is helpful in diagnosing issues with the roots or bone structure, such as abscesses or impacted teeth.

Panoramic X-rays

Panoramic X-rays provide a broad view of the entire mouth, including teeth, jawbones, and sinuses. These images are helpful for assessing overall oral health, detecting issues like impacted wisdom teeth, jaw disorders, or tumors.

Digital X-rays

At Iroquois Dental, we use digital X-ray technology, which reduces radiation exposure by up to 90% compared to traditional X-rays. Digital X-rays offer immediate image capture, allowing us to review and discuss results with you on the spot.

How Often Should You Schedule Dental Exams and X-Rays?

The American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and X-rays every six months. However, your unique needs may call for more or less frequent visits. For example:

High-Risk Patients: Patients with a history of gum disease, smokers, or individuals with certain chronic health conditions may benefit from more frequent exams and X-rays.
Low-Risk Patients: Plus, those with excellent oral hygiene and a history of good dental health may only need annual X-rays, depending on their dentist’s recommendation.

Benefits of Choosing Us For Your Dental Exams and X-Rays in Nashville

At Iroquois Dental, our team provides thorough, compassionate care. However, here’s what sets our practice apart when it comes to dental exams and X-rays in Nashville:

Experienced Team of Dentists

Our team, led by Dr. K.B. Parkes, Dr. Tyler Smith, Dr. Jody Glover, and Dr. Megan Allred, brings years of experience and a deep commitment to patient-centered care. Plus, they’re known for their expertise and friendly approach, helping you feel comfortable and cared for during every visit.

State-of-the-Art Technology

First, we use the latest diagnostic tools and digital X-ray equipment, ensuring accurate diagnostics with minimal radiation exposure. However, digital X-rays are faster and more comfortable than traditional X-rays, providing clear images for detailed analysis.

Personalized Preventive Care

Every patient’s oral health needs are unique. Plus, we create personalized care plans tailored to your specific risk factors, lifestyle, and goals, ensuring you receive the best preventive care possible.

Focus on Patient Education

Furthermore, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge. Moreover, during your exam, our dentists will explain what they find, discuss any potential issues, and answer your questions. Additionally, our goal is to help you understand your oral health and make informed decisions about your care.

Convenient Location and Hours

Located in Nashville, Iroquois Dental offers convenient hours, making it easy for you to schedule your exams and X-rays around your busy life. Plus, our friendly staff is here to assist with appointment scheduling, insurance inquiries, and anything else you need.

What to Expect After Your Dental Exam

After your exam, we’ll provide recommendations based on our findings. This may include:

Preventive Treatments: First, if you’re at risk for tooth decay or gum disease, we may recommend preventive treatments such as fluoride applications or dental sealants.
Oral Hygiene Tips: Additionally, we’ll discuss personalized strategies to improve your at-home oral care, including brushing and flossing techniques tailored to your needs.
Treatment Planning: Finally, if any dental issues are detected, we’ll discuss treatment options, helping you understand the pros and cons of each choice. Plus, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your budget, lifestyle, and oral health goals.

Schedule Your Next Dental Exam and X-Ray in Nashville

Routine dental exams and X-rays in Nashville are the cornerstone of a healthy smile. However, if it’s been a while since your last visit, or if you’re due for a check-up, the experienced team at Iroquois Dental is here to help. Dr. Parkes, Dr. Smith, Dr. Glover, and Dr. Allred ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of care in a comfortable, friendly environment.

Contact Iroquois Dental today to schedule your dental exam and X-ray appointment in Nashville. Together, we’ll work to keep your smile healthy, beautiful, and strong for years to come.

Iroquois Dentistry

Our top-rated dentists have been serving the Nashville community since 1946. We use the latest technology to offer gentle and effective care at affordable prices, and we are members of various national and local dental organizations:

To schedule a visit at Iroquois Dentistry, contact us online or call 615-551-3639.

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