As well as completing a dental exam, your dentist will also compile a medical history. Certain medical conditions can have a direct impact on your oral and dental health. Equally some medical conditions can impact on the focus on dental treatment and prevention. For example, if you have diabetes, increased blood sugar levels can also increase levels of plaque build up. The National Institute of Diabetes explains how this can increase your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

‍It’s also really important that your dentist is aware of regular medication and any allergies for treatment planning.

Dental x-rays in Puyallup are used to complete the dental and oral picture of your smile. Your dental exam will only show your dentist the health of teeth and gums from the outside. There are different options for dental x-rays depending on your individual smile:

• A bitewing x-ray - gives your dentist a view of the crowns of the upper and lower teeth.
• A periapical x-ray - gives your dentist can see the entire tooth and the surrounding bone area.
• An occlusal x-ray - shows your dentist how your bite is working.
• A panoramic x-ray - used to give your dentist a view of your whole mouth, rather than focusing on one area.
• Cone beam computerized tomography - your dentist will get a 3D view of your mouth - this can be used when planning restorative dentistry.