Dental Exam
During your first visit, we perform a comprehensive dental exam to assess your oral health and identify any concerns. Your examination may include:
- Digital X-rays: Detect cavities, bone loss, and other dental issues.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Check for early signs of oral cancer.
- Gum Evaluation: Assess the health of your gums.
- Tooth Examination: Identify decay, damage, or other concerns.
- Restoration Check: Examine existing fillings, crowns, or veneers.
- Intraoral Photos & 3D Scan: Capture detailed images for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings help remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Your cleaning appointment includes a dental exam and:
- Tartar Removal: Eliminates hardened plaque above and below the gum line.
- Plaque Removal: Removes bacteria to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
- Teeth Polishing: Polishes away stains for a cleaner, brighter smile.
Regular dental cleanings support long-term oral health and help maintain a healthy, confident smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
A comprehensive dental exam includes an evaluation of your teeth, gums, jaw, bite, oral tissues, existing restorations, and overall oral health. Digital X-rays and other diagnostic tools may also be used to identify concerns that are not visible during a visual examination.
Regular dental exams help detect cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental concerns early, often before symptoms develop. Early detection can help prevent more extensive and costly treatment.
Most patients should visit the dentist every six months for preventive care. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent visits based on their oral health needs.
Yes. Modern digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation and are considered safe for most patients while providing valuable diagnostic information.
A routine exam can identify cavities, gum disease, tooth wear, infections, oral cancer concerns, bite issues, and problems with existing dental restorations.
Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that forms on teeth daily. When plaque is not removed through brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which requires professional removal by a dental hygienist.
Once plaque hardens into tartar, it bonds to the tooth surface and can only be safely removed using professional dental instruments.
A dental cleaning removes surface stains and plaque buildup, making teeth appear cleaner and brighter. However, it is not the same as professional teeth whitening treatment.