New patients receive a COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION, including a screening for oral cancer, gum and bone disease, blood pressure, systemic disorders and the team will take X-rays as needed.

The exam includes a hygienist measuring gum tissue pocket depth between the tooth and the connective gum tissue around the tooth with a fine instrument ruler calibrated in millimeters. Pocket depths more than 4 millimeters could indicate gum disease and infection. The deeper the pocket, the greater the extent plaque bacteria collect. Overly deep pockets enable gum disease to develop.

Established patients get a REGULAR ORAL EXAM to determine any dental and health status changes since the previous visit.

As time goes by, plaque that is allowed to sit on your teeth eventually hardens into bacteria-harboring tartar. Tartar reacts with the foods you eat and leads to tooth decay. There is more; tartar affects your breath. Bacteria in tartar can start to smell and is a common cause of bad breath.

During your dental checkup, the hygienist uses a scaling tool to remove the solid build-up of tartar. This process is most commonly known as tooth scaling. Scaling will remove tartar build-up on your teeth' front and back surfaces, just above the gum-line. Sometimes, we may detect tartar working its way below the gum line. In these cases, root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is necessary to remove this tartar from the tooth's root.

Dentists recommended having a complete set of dental x-rays taken once a year during a regular dental checkup. Most dental insurance plans will cover the cost of x-rays taken once a year. Dental x-rays will reveal any problems that might be present and can be used to prevent issues that may occur soon. Tooth roots, jaw bone, and sinuses are all visible with x-ray allowing us to detect problems with the bone surrounding teeth and even lets us see teeth that have not erupted, such as permanent teeth in children or wisdom teeth in adults.

Safe, Digital X-rays

We use modern digital x-rays with the lowest level of radiation. Digital x-rays also eliminate x-ray films from being developed, minimizing the time you spend in our dental chair.

We recommend fluoride treatment for children between the ages of 6 and 16 to help strengthen tooth enamel that can prevent cavities. Fluoride treatments are also helpful for adults.

Request an appointment and talk to us more about fluoride treatments and see if your teeth can benefit from fluoride.

During dental checkups, we will visually check and feel around for any signs of oral cancer. Many early signs of oral cancer can go unnoticed, so we check for signs of lesions inside the mouth and gently feel throughout the jaw for any lumps or swelling.

Rough tooth surfaces allow plaque to take hold and begin hardening into harmful tartar. After the hygienist thoroughly cleans your teeth, a polishing tool and a flavored polishing compound will smooth and shine the teeth. The smooth surface resists plaque and keeps teeth looking their best.