Routine Checkup

EXAMS CLEANINGS X-RAYS ORAL CANCER SCREENING FLUORIDE

DENTAL EXAM

During the exam the dentist will evaluate your overall oral health by visually inspecting the inside of your mouth. Your bite and jaw will also be examined. X-rays may be taken. If the dentist identifies an area of concern, he or she will develop a treatment plan to address those issues. At the conclusion of the exam, the dentist or hygienist will perform a cleaning and remove stains or deposits.

CLEANINGS

Our cleanings involve the removal of plaque, stains, and calculus that has developed on or just below the gum line. A patient diagnosed with gum disease may require a “deep cleaning,” a treatment that involves scraping the roots of a tooth to remove bacteria and tartar. Failure to remove bacteria and buildup can lead to more serious issues like gingivitis and periodontitis.

ORAL CANCER SCREENINGS

Your dentist or hygienist will look for signs of oral cancer as part of your regular exam. He or she will feel the area under your jaw, the sides of your neck, and the insides of your lips and cheeks, as well as examine the sides of your tongue and the roof and floor of your mouth, looking for lesions or areas of concern. An oral cancer screening is performed at every visit by either a hygienist or dentist. It is non-invasive and comes at no additional cost.

X-RAYS

We use a state-of-the-art, portable x-ray system (which uses less radiation than a traditional x-ray machine) to see inside a tooth, beneath the gums, and other areas not visible to the naked eye. X-rays are required for all new patient appointments unless radiographs taken within the previous six months by another provider are transferred to us in advance.

FLUORIDE

Fluoride has been proven by the American Dental Association to prevent cavities and tooth decay. In cases where a patient shows signs of declining oral health, our dentist may recommend fluoride treatment. Fluoride can be delivered in a tray, toothpaste, mouthwash, or a varnish that is “painted” on the teeth.