Young woman with curly black hair smiling warmly while wearing a blue apron in a dental office setting.

Exams

It is important to have regular dental checkups to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. These checkups can help prevent costly issues from arising and catch any problems early. The Academy of General Dentistry recommends scheduling checkups twice a year for people of all ages to keep their oral health in top condition. By staying consistent with your dental exams, you can prevent more serious and expensive issues in the future.

How it’s done

The dentist will start by visually inspecting your mouth using dental instruments like mouth mirrors, dental picks, and bright lights. They will look for cracked and decayed teeth, as well as evaluate other important factors such as:
  • Medical history review: The dentist will assess how any new medical conditions or illnesses may affect your dental health.
  • Examination of tooth decay: Your mouth will be checked for cracked or decayed teeth.
  • Oral cancer screening: The face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums will be checked for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Gum disease evaluation: Your gums and bone around the teeth will be checked for any evidence of periodontal disease.
  • Examination of existing restorations: Current fillings, crowns, and other restorations are made sure to be in good order.

Digital X-Rays

Keeping up-to-date with the latest treatment techniques is essential in dentistry, but utilizing cutting-edge dental technology is equally important. Our practice is dedicated to providing the safest and most convenient treatment options, which is why we integrate advanced digital X-ray technology into our office.

Digital X-rays provide numerous advantages, such as saving time, generating clearer images, and minimizing radiation exposure when compared to traditional X-ray technology.

We place a high priority on your comfort during your dental visits. If you have any inquiries about our technology or treatments, feel free to ask during your next appointment.

Screenings for oral cancer are available.

Ensuring not only the health of your smile but also your overall well-being is our top priority at our office. Our dental care approach is holistic, which means that we include an oral cancer screening as a standard part of your regular exam. Detecting and treating oral cancer early is vital, as it can become life-threatening if left untreated.

Our team is well-trained and equipped with the necessary skills and tools to identify early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions. While these symptoms may sometimes be related to less severe issues, it is crucial to make an appointment at our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. Some common symptoms of oral cancer to watch out for include:

  • Presence of red or white spots or sores in the oral cavity
  • Easy bleeding or non-healing sore
  • Development of a lump, thickening, or rough spot
  • Experience of pain, tenderness, or numbness in the mouth or on the lips
  • Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

Our team is trained in a simple, quick screening that involves an examination of your oral cavity as a whole, and not just your teeth, to detect cancerous and precancerous conditions. Besides a visual examination of your mouth, we will also feel the tissue of your mouth and throat to detect any abnormalities. If we find an area of concern, we may perform a simple test, such as a brush test, which collects cells from a suspicious lesion in the mouth to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If this test comes back atypical or positive, we may recommend a biopsy.

Aside from receiving an oral cancer screening during your checkup at our office, there are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer:

  • Avoid all tobacco products and only drink alcohol in moderation.
  • Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
  • Limit your exposure to the sun and always wear UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips.

During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment.

Dental Cleanings

Regular professional dental cleanings, recommended by the Academy of General Dentistry, are essential for improving oral health. These cleanings help remove hardened plaque and tartar that can't be eliminated through regular brushing and flossing alone. It's important to schedule cleanings with your dentist to maintain optimal oral health.

During a cleaning, our team will carefully clean your mouth, removing plaque and tartar, polishing your teeth, and thorough flossing. Cleanings are usually accompanied by a comprehensive examination to ensure your oral health is in good condition.

Consistent neglect of oral hygiene, both at home and professionally, can lead to periodontal disease, requiring additional care and expenses. It's crucial to stay consistent with oral hygiene practices to keep your mouth healthy!

New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!