A general examination will determine your oral health status. The dentist will conduct an oral exam of your mouth (for signs of oral cancer or other diseases), gums, and teeth; ask about changes in your overall health or medicine use; review the cleaning done by the hygienist; diagnose any oral health problems; and make treatment recommendations. This is often done in connection with cleanings.
X-rays
An X-ray is a radiograph of a specified area of the mouth. It provides an image of what is inside the tooth and below the gum line. It is used to detect problems in the mouth at an early stage, to evaluate the teeth or to plan treatment for oral surgery or teeth that are misaligned. These are taken at the dentist’s discretion in order to see problems that are not readily visible.
Types of X-rays
Bitewing
This uses the least amount of radiation and shows the upper and lower back teeth in a single view. It is often used to detect decay between teeth and shows bone loss.
Panoramic
Here, a broad view of the jaws, teeth, sinuses, and nasal area and jaw joints is provided, but it cannot reveal cavities. This x-ray can also detect impacted teeth, bone abnormalities, cysts, tumours, infections and fractures.
Occlusal
This shows the roof or floor of the mouth and is used to detect the presence of extra teeth, teeth that have not broken through the gum, clefts in the roof of the mouth, cysts, abscesses and foreign objects.
Periapical
It shows the entire tooth, from exposed crown to the end of the root and bones that support the tooth. It is also used to detect dental problems below the gum line and teeth that are impacted.
Anyone can access this type of dental healthcare.
- Have a general oral exam or another procedure.
- Obtain recommendation for x-ray.
- Participate.
- Pay additional fee if required.
- Follow further recommendations made.
Click here for a list of Dental Healthcare Facilities. Dental Healthcare Facilities.
This varies by facility.
This varies by facility.
This varies by facility. There is no deadline date for this service.Please contact the individual facility for this information.
The Department of Oral Health
Poncianna Hill Building
Meeting Street
P. O. Box N-3730
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 502-4869
Fax.(242) 502-4874
Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays
Poinciana Building Meeting & Augusta Street
P. O. Box N 3730
Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas
healthgeneral@bahamas.gov.bs
Phone: (242) 502-4700 or 502-4877
Fax: (242) 502-4711
Office Hours: 9am to 5pm, Monday - Friday, except public holidays