Why Regular Dental Exams in Olney Matter for Your Oral Health
Your smile deserves the best care possible, and at David Eskow DDS in Olney, MD, we believe that prevention is the foundation of excellent dental health. Regular dental exams are not just routine appointments—they’re essential investments in your long-term oral health and overall wellbeing.
Many Olney residents wonder how often they should schedule dental exams. For most patients with good oral health, we recommend visits every six months. However, if you have specific dental concerns like gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or certain medical conditions, we may suggest more frequent check-ups to closely monitor your oral health.
Did you know that regular dental exams can help detect serious health issues beyond your mouth? Our thorough examinations can identify early signs of conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers that show symptoms in the oral cavity. This is why we consider your dental exam an important part of your overall health management plan.
What to Expect During Your Complete Oral Exam at Our Olney Dental Office
When you visit David Eskow DDS for your initial complete oral exam, our experienced dentists perform a thorough evaluation of your entire oral cavity. We take the time to understand your dental history, current concerns, and future goals for your smile.
During your complete oral exam, we use advanced diagnostic tools including high-quality digital X-rays to get a comprehensive view of your teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding structures. These images allow us to see what’s happening beneath the surface, helping us identify issues like decay between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, or abnormalities that aren’t visible during a visual examination.
The complete oral exam typically takes about an hour, giving our dentists ample time to thoroughly assess your oral health and discuss any findings with you. We believe in transparent communication, explaining everything in clear, easy-to-understand terms so you can make informed decisions about your dental care.
The 5 Key Components of Our Thorough Dental Exams
1. Diagnostic X-rays (Radiographs)
X-rays are an essential tool in modern dentistry that allow us to see beyond what’s visible to the naked eye. At David Eskow DDS, we use digital radiographs that provide detailed images while using significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays.
Our dentists carefully analyze these X-rays to detect decay between teeth, examine the health of tooth roots, identify cysts or tumors, assess bone levels, and determine the position of teeth and roots. This information is crucial for early detection of potential problems that might not cause symptoms yet.
For new patients, we typically take a full mouth series of X-rays to establish a baseline of your oral health. During regular check-ups, we may take bitewing X-rays to monitor specific areas or to check for changes since your last visit.
2. Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is a serious condition that, when caught early, has a much higher treatment success rate. That’s why we include a thorough oral cancer screening as part of every dental exam at our Olney dental practice.
Dr. Eskow and Dr. Chillari are trained to recognize the early warning signs of oral cancer. During your exam, they will carefully inspect your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat tissues, and gums for any abnormalities such as unusual texture, discoloration, or growths that could indicate cancerous or precancerous conditions.
If any suspicious areas are found, we’ll discuss our findings with you and recommend appropriate next steps, which might include monitoring the area or performing a simple, painless tissue sample for further analysis.
3. Gum Disease Evaluation
Periodontal (gum) disease is a common condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. During your dental exam, we perform a comprehensive assessment of your gum health to catch any signs of periodontal disease early.
Our dental team will measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums (periodontal pockets) using a specialized tool. Healthy gums have shallow pockets, while deeper pockets can indicate gum disease. We also check for inflammation, bleeding, recession, and other signs that might suggest periodontal issues.
Based on our findings, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan if necessary. This might include a standard cleaning, a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing, or referral to a periodontist for more advanced cases.
4. Tooth Decay Examination
Tooth decay can develop on any surface of your teeth and often doesn’t cause pain until it’s quite advanced. Our dentists use specialized instruments to carefully check all tooth surfaces for signs of decay.
We look for visible cavities, discoloration that might indicate beginning decay, and use dental explorers to feel for soft spots that could suggest decay beneath the surface. The information from your X-rays also helps us identify decay between teeth or under existing fillings.
Early detection of tooth decay allows for more conservative treatment options and helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure, which is always our priority at David Eskow DDS.
5. Examination of Existing Dental Work
If you have fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, or other dental restorations, we’ll carefully evaluate their condition during your exam. Over time, dental work can wear, crack, or develop gaps that might lead to new decay or other problems.
Our dentists check the margins of existing restorations to ensure they’re still sealed properly and examine the overall condition of each restoration to determine if any need to be repaired or replaced.
This evaluation helps extend the life of your dental work and prevents small issues from developing into larger, more costly problems down the road.
How Our Olney Dental Team Makes Your Exam Experience Comfortable
At David Eskow DDS, we understand that dental anxiety is real, and we’re committed to making your dental exam as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our compassionate team takes the time to explain each step of the process and answer any questions you might have.
Our modern office is designed with your comfort in mind, with amenities to help you relax during your visit. We use the latest dental technology not only to provide more accurate diagnoses but also to make your exams more comfortable and efficient.
We believe that building relationships with our patients is essential for providing the best care. Dr. Eskow, Dr. Chillari, and our entire team of skilled hygienists—Wendy, Krista, and Cindy—work together to ensure you feel like family from the moment you walk through our doors.
When to Schedule Your Next Dental Exam in Olney
Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive exams per year, and there’s good reason for this frequency. Seeing you every six months allows us to catch and address potential problems early, often saving you time, discomfort, and expense in the long run.
However, certain conditions may warrant more frequent visits. If you have gum disease, a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or have a history of frequent cavities, we might recommend more frequent check-ups to closely monitor your oral health.
Remember that prevention is always better than treatment. Regular dental exams are your best defense against serious dental problems and play a crucial role in maintaining your overall health and wellbeing.
What Makes David Eskow DDS Different for Dental Exams in Olney?
Recognized as a top dentist by Washingtonian Magazine 2025, Dr. David Eskow and his team offer exceptional dental care you can trust. Our approach to dental exams goes beyond just checking for problems—we focus on comprehensive care that considers your overall health and specific goals for your smile.
Our team stays current with the latest advancements in dental techniques and technology through ongoing education and training. This means you’ll benefit from the most up-to-date approaches to dental care during your exams and any subsequent treatment.
From our administrative staff to our hygienists to our dentists, providing a positive patient experience is our highest priority. We take the time to listen to your concerns, explain our findings in clear terms, and work with you to develop a personalized plan for your dental health.
Ready for Your Dental Exam in Olney, MD?
Don’t wait until you have pain or visible problems to schedule your dental exam. Preventive care is the key to maintaining your healthy smile for years to come.
Visit Us: 18119 Cashell Road, Olney, MD 20832
Call: 301.774.2000
Or Request an Appointment Online Today
At David Eskow DDS, we look forward to being your partner in achieving and maintaining excellent oral health through regular dental exams and personalized care.
