Your Exam

We believe that the most valuable service that a doctor and his staff provide to a patient is a thorough examination.  A thorough dental examination involves more than just checking your teeth.  All of the information gathered during a complete examination is necessary in order to enable us to evaluate and inform you of the current conditions in your mouth, advise you of any necessary corrective treatment to achieve optimum oral health, and then to help you prevent future disease and maintain optimum oral health.

A thorough examination in our office starts with a review of your medical history.  Medical, systemic conditions can affect your oral and dental health, and many diseases have oral manifestations.  We need to be aware of any medical conditions and current medications which may affect any dental treatment.  Next, we review your dental history to discuss your immediate dental problems, your past experiences with dental treatment, and how we can best serve you and ensure a comfortable treatment environment.  We want to be certain that we have addressed all of your concerns and desires.

Our clinical examination consists of recording your blood pressure, inspection of the head and neck area, jaw bones, opening pattern of the jaw, palpation of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint) jaw, inspection of all soft tissues of the mouth (lips, cheeks, tongue, roof of mouth, throat) and oral cancer screening.  A child's examination starting at age 2 ½ years is and needs to be equally extensive.  It is at this age that existing or potential problems in growth and development can begin to be diagnosed (such as crossbite, open bite, imbalances in growth of the lower jaw relative to the upper jaw, proper arch form and adequate space). 

A thorough examination requires a radiographic evaluation of the crown and roots of the teeth, the supporting bone, and the ligaments connecting the teeth's roots to the bone.  We follow the American Dental Association's recommendation of a panoramic or full-mouth periapical series of radiographs of the roots and bone every 3 to 5 years for most adults in order to evaluate periodontal condition and signs of bone loss due to periodontal (gum and bone) disease.  Periapical digital radiographic images will also show if any asymptomatic infections, cysts, tumors, impacted teeth, or retained root tips exist.  Children and adults receive annual bite-wing (cavity detecting “checkup”) digital radiographic images to determine if any decay exists between the teeth which may not be seen clinically.

A complete clinical periodontal examination is performed for all adults starting at age 16 and includes recording of pocket measurements using a periodontal probe around each tooth, evaluation of gum tissue health, and oral hygiene.  We evaluate the patient's brushing and flossing techniques, and make any other supplemental hygiene recommendations. 

The clinical examination of the teeth involves inspection for decay (both visually and with the aid of a “Diagnodent” laser), fractures, excessive wearing of the teeth, and inspection of the occlusion (bite).  In children we check for the correct number of teeth, sequence of exfoliation and eruption, and crowding or the potential for crowding in the future (for further information about children's teeth, please refer to the “Children's Teeth” icon on the Home Page).  All this information (both clinical, periodontal, and radiographic) are stored in your computerized chart.  Your radiographs and photos are stored as digital images. 

A complete examination may also involve taking study models of your teeth.  To address any cosmetic concerns you may have, computerized imaging photos are also taken.

During your exam and cleaning, the dentist or hygienist may recommend additional information for you to review that will further explain any conditions or concerns you may have.  Each of our treatment and consultation rooms is equipped with DVD/VHS players and monitors to view any topics from our extensive patient education library. 

Only after all of these items are addressed can a doctor provide you with an accurate evaluation of the current status of your oral health.  It is only when you are given this thorough evaluation that you can make an informed decision regarding the treatment options available to you.  Your teeth and oral health are meant to last a lifetime.  We can help you achieve and maintain optimum health and a confident, attractive smile.