Dental Exam

At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays - X-rays are essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. and also help determine tooth and root positions.

• Oral cancer screening - We examine your neck, face, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

• Gum disease evaluation - Your gums and the bone around the teeth are checked for any signs of periodontal disease.

• Examination of tooth decay - Your teeth are checked for decay with special dental instruments.

• Examination of existing restorations - We check current fillings and crowns for any signs of deterioration or leakage.
  

Dental Cleaning

Cleaning your teeth is very important. Our cleaning appointment includes:

• Removal of calculus (tartar) - Calculus is hardened plague which forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

• Removal of plaque - Plaque forms on the teeth as a sticky film and should be removed to minimize the chance of gum inflammation. 
  

• Teeth polishing - Stain and plaque that are not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling are removed by our polishing procedure.

X Rays

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients.  Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.  Dental x-rays provide valuable information which is not visible during a regular exam. X-rays may reveal cysts, abscesses, bone loss, decay, tumors (both cancerous and non-cancerous) and problems inside the teeth or below the gum line.