This exam is performed at your initial dental visit and again at your subsequent check-ups.  Your dentist and hygienist will determine how frequently that will be. A comprehensive dental exam is just that, comprehensive.  It is a very thorough look at all the contributing factors to your overall oral health and will include all the following main points:

Digital X-Rays

Our offices are equipped with the highest quality digital equipment available. By examining the x-rays your dental team can detect decay, bone loss, tumors, cavities, cysts, and numerous other dental situations, while helping the team map tooth and root positions. Another important feature of this type of x-ray is that it allows greater interaction between and your doctor. Instead of your dental team telling you about the situation, they can show you on computer screens exactly what they are talking about and from many different views.

Oral Cancer Screening

Your team will check for signs of oral cancer in your mouth, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums. This is a painless and quick process.

Gum Disease Screening

Your hygienists will check your gums and bone around your teeth for signs of periodontal diseases. This is done by using a periodontal probe, a tiny measuring stick, to measure the space between your tooth and the gum tissue that surrounds it. Typically healthy gums have pockets depths that measures from 1 to 3 millimeters, anything over 4 millimeters is not healthy. Bigger numbers usually indicate areas of infection that need treatment.

Examination for Tooth Decay:

This is where each surface of every tooth is checked for decay.

Examination of Previous Work Done (Existing Restorations):

Our team will check all your fillings, crowns, bridges, and any other existing dental work.