Comprehensive Exam

Caries Examination

Identifying teeth that have decay and are in need of restorations. Incipient lesions can be monitored and treated with fluoride. A new detection system allows the dentist to paint a temporary dose on the tooth, which will stain only decayed tooth structure for easy identification and removal.

Periodontal Examination

Using a special periodontal probe, pocket depths between each of your teeth are measured. The pocket depth is the distance between the top of the gum and where the gum attaches to the tooth. If your pocket depth is too deep, it can harbor harmful bacteria. A permanent record is kept and a follow up is done on any irregular or diseased gum pockets at future recall visits. A referral to a periodontist may be required.

Oral Cancer Screening

If you are a tobacco or smokeless tobacco user, you are at a greater risk of developing oral cancer. Our duty is to prevent this deadly disease from occurring. We provide oral cancer screenings during all preventative care appointments.

Occlusal Examination

The forces of your bite can sometimes affect the positioning of your jaw and teeth. Minor polishing of the enamel surfaces or fillings of the teeth can help redistribute and redirect the biting forces.

Temporo-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) Examination

TMD is a condition that afflicts thousands of people. Frequent indicators of TMD include popping and clicking of the jaw, limited jaw function, pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, and pain and pressure in the face and ears. We provide conservative therapies that can eliminate this painful, frustrating problem.

X-ray Guidlines

Bitewing or "checkup" x-rays are taken one set per year and a full mouth series are taken every 5-7 years. These are guidelines and will vary pending the particular situation. A common sense, conservative approach will be taken whenever possible. We take digital x-rays in our office which reduces the amount of radiation by about 90% as compared to film x-rays. The total radiation from four bitewing x-rays is only about 0.005 mSv (micro-Sieverts), which is less than an average daily dose of radiation in everyday life.