Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
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Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss.
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Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Professional Hygiene Care
Your regular dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are always performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your new patient appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
- Comprehensive Exam: A through evaluation and recording of (extraoral and intraoral) hard and soft tissue.
- Comprehensive Periodontal Exam: Evaluation of levels of bone and condition (health) of gums, which requires measuring and charting. It also includes a general health assessment and determination of risk factors for periodontal disease. The early to moderate-sometimes advanced stages of gum disease go unnoticed by most patients and is the number one most under diagnosed disease in the Nation.
- Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is growing living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease!
- Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for sometime and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above the gum line and can only be removed with special dental intruments. If calculus has formed below the gum line and is present along with bone loss and formation of periodontal pockets (loss of tissue attachment). Then additional treatment is required or indicated.
- Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.