Dental Exam and Checkup Expectations

Every patient will have a slightly different experience during their dental exam and checkup, but in general the process will involve the following:

• Initial evaluation of your oral hygiene and overall health
• Evaluation for indications of bone or gum disease and/or root or tooth decay
• Evaluation for need of tooth replacement or restoration
• Inspection of existing restorations
• Occlusion inspection and evaluation of jaw
• Removal of surface deposits or stains on the surface of your teeth
• Demonstration of proper oral hygiene self-care for teeth or dentures
• Assessment of need for fluoride treatment
• If necessary, X-rays and/or additional diagnostic testing

Additional routine dental exam and checkups may include the following:

• Oral cancer screening: One of the most important services we provide is examining your lips, gum, throat, neck, and face for indications of oral cancer
• X-rays: If necessary, X-rays or other diagnostic tests will be taken to detect bone loss, decay, tumors, cysts, and/or to inform procedural approaches
• Examination of dentures or bridges: Adjustment for improved fit will be made if necessary.
• Discussion of lifestyle changes: In addition to providing intervention support, we are also committed to helping you maintain and improve your oral health at home. We are happy to provide insight and information into steps you can take to alter lifestyle habits to improve your oral health, such as stopping smoking, changing your diet, or practicing proper brushing and flossing techniques.
• Dental impression: It may be helpful to use your dental exam checkup as an opportunity to make an impression of your jaw or jaws to evaluate your bite, or in preparation for designing a customized mouth or night guard.

Deep Teeth Cleaning

There are two primary types of deep teeth cleanings that may be performed, depending upon the general health of your gums. If our initial evaluation indicates that your gums are in good general health and the pockets are no deeper than 3mm, the dental cleaning will typically consist of removing calculus, plaque, and stain that has accumulated above the gum line. This type of cleaning is an important step for maintaining healthy teeth, gums, and bone.

If our initial exam indicates that the pockets are deeper than 3mm, this is likely an indication that periodontal disease has begun to develop, in which case you will need a deep teeth cleaning and scaling and root planing procedure. In addition to providing a standard cleaning, your dentist will also remove the bacteria, debris, and tartar that has developed below your gum line. Once this has been removed, the surface of your tooth will be planed or smoothed out, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to develop.