At the office of , we take a preventive-first approach to oral health because catching small problems early is the best way to protect your smile over the long term. Regular oral exams give our clinicians a chance to evaluate not only teeth and gums but also the way your bite functions and how oral health ties into your overall well‑being. Alongside professional cleanings and targeted screenings, these visits are an opportunity for clear guidance and practical steps that help you and your family stay healthy between appointments.
Our exams are designed to be efficient, thorough, and tailored to each patient’s needs. Whether you're visiting with an established history or coming in for the first time, we focus on gathering the information that matters most: medical and dental history, current concerns or symptoms, and any factors—like medications or habits—that could affect oral health. From there we use a combination of visual inspection, diagnostic imaging, and careful evaluation to create a clear picture of your situation and the best path forward.
Your initial comprehensive exam sets the baseline for all future care. We begin by reviewing your medical history and any medications, as these details can influence oral health and treatment choices. You’ll have a chance to describe any symptoms—sensitivity, discomfort, dry mouth, or changes in chewing—and our team will note lifestyle factors like diet or grinding that can affect tooth wear and gum health.
The clinical part of the exam includes a full-mouth visual inspection, assessment of gum health, and evaluation of bite (occlusion) and jaw joint (TMJ) function. We also perform an oral cancer screening as part of this thorough evaluation. When appropriate, we recommend diagnostic x-rays or other imaging to reveal conditions that can’t be seen with the naked eye, such as early decay between teeth, bone loss, or issues beneath existing restorations.
After collecting all findings, we discuss what they mean in straightforward terms and outline any recommended next steps—whether that’s preventive care, a conservative repair, or monitoring over time. Our goal with the first visit is to leave you informed, comfortable, and confident about your care plan.
Oral health does not exist in isolation. In many cases, signs that first appear in the mouth can reflect conditions elsewhere in the body. During an oral exam we look for indicators—such as persistent inflammation, unusual lesions, or changes in the soft tissues—that may warrant further medical evaluation. Recognizing these signs early can help patients and their physicians investigate possible systemic causes.
Medical research increasingly shows links between oral disease and broader health concerns. Chronic gum inflammation, for example, has been associated with cardiovascular conditions and may complicate blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Conversely, systemic illnesses and certain medications can produce oral symptoms like dry mouth, ulcerations, or increased susceptibility to infection.
Because the mouth can mirror general health, routine exams play a preventive role beyond cavity detection. If we observe signs that suggest a possible systemic issue, we’ll communicate our findings clearly and recommend that you follow up with your primary care provider or a specialist. Coordinated care helps ensure that both oral and overall health needs are addressed.
Consistent professional care is one of the most effective tools for keeping dental disease at bay. Even diligent home hygiene can miss plaque and tartar that accumulate in tight spaces; a trained hygienist can remove these deposits and polish the teeth to reduce staining and bacterial buildup. These visits also allow us to monitor changes over time and address small issues before they become complex.
We typically recommend routine checkups and cleanings at intervals based on individual needs—often every six months for many patients, though some people benefit from more frequent visits. During these appointments we assess gum health, check for new decay, and provide personalized coaching on brushing, flossing, and other habits that support a lasting, healthy smile.
For children and adolescents, routine visits are doubly important: they protect developing teeth and help establish lifelong habits. We also watch growth patterns and tooth alignment so that orthodontic needs, if any, are identified early. Our team aims to make each visit productive and educational, so patients leave feeling empowered to maintain their oral health between appointments.
At , we pair compassionate care with practical education—helping families create routines that keep smiles healthy for years to come.
X‑rays are an essential part of a thorough oral exam because they reveal structures that a visual inspection cannot. Radiographs help detect early tooth decay between teeth, assess the level of bone supporting the teeth, and identify issues with the roots or surrounding bone. When used appropriately, they are a precise diagnostic tool that guides safer, more effective treatment decisions.
Modern dental imaging is faster and uses far less radiation than older film-based methods. Digital radiography, in particular, provides immediate images that can be magnified and enhanced for clearer evaluation. These images are stored in the patient’s electronic record so they can be compared over time and shared with other providers when collaboration is needed.
For complex cases, three-dimensional imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers additional detail. CBCT is especially valuable for surgical planning, implant placement, and assessment of anatomical structures that affect treatment. We recommend imaging selectively, choosing the type that best answers the clinical question while prioritizing patient safety.
Different imaging techniques serve distinct diagnostic purposes. Small intraoral films focus on individual teeth or sections of the mouth, while larger panoramic or CBCT scans provide an overview of the entire dental and jaw anatomy. Selecting the right image depends on the clinical need—whether we’re checking a single tooth, planning restorative work, or evaluating growth and development.
Periapical x-ray - Captures an entire tooth from crown to root, useful for evaluating root health and surrounding bone.
Bitewing x-ray - Provides detailed views of the crowns of the back teeth to detect decay between teeth and monitor bone levels.
Full Mouth Series - A collection of images that together show all teeth and adjacent bone for comprehensive assessment.
Panoramic Film (panorex) - Gives a broad, two-dimensional view of the jaws, teeth, and surrounding structures, useful for impacted teeth and general screening.
Cephalometric Film - A side-view image used primarily in orthodontic planning to evaluate facial and jaw relationships.
By combining the appropriate imaging with a thorough clinical exam, our team can detect issues earlier, plan treatments with greater precision, and monitor outcomes over time. Whether a simple intraoral film or an advanced 3D scan is called for, we explain the purpose of the image and how it will inform your care.
In summary, regular oral exams are more than a quick check—they’re a comprehensive strategy for preventing disease, protecting overall health, and preserving a confident smile. If you have questions about what to expect at your next exam or would like more information about the screening and imaging options we use, please contact us for more information.
Yes. We always welcome new patients and their families for care. Feel free to give us a call or reach out to us online to schedule a first visit or for any additional information on our office. We look forward to hearing from you!
Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings help ensure your smile remains in tip-top condition and that any developing problems receive the prompt care they require. While it's a good idea to schedule a checkup and cleaning twice a year, longer or shorter intervals between routine visits depend on your specific needs.
We understand that life gets complicated and busy, and for various reasons, you haven't been able to get to the dentist for care. Don't worry; it's always a good time to get back in touch with the health of your smile.
At , we offer skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of dental needs. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning, restorations, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, or the replacement of missing teeth to get your smile back into shape, we provide precise, gentle, stress-free treatment to give you a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.
Give us a call today; we're happy to address all your questions and concerns about getting your smile back in tip-top condition.
For pregnant women practicing good oral care and seeing the dentist to maintain a healthy smile is considered an important component of prenatal care. Researchers have found that pregnancy not only increases the risk of oral health problems, but these problems may also lead to pregnancy complications. At the office of , we provide the skilled and compassionate care required to help expectant mothers keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. While certain procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, we provide the necessary care and take all the necessary precautions required.
Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, teeth that have been affected by a range of imperfections or that have sustained damage from trauma or dental decay can be restored to produce a naturally beautiful looking and functional smile.
As skilled and experienced providers of care, our office can effectively improve and enhance the appearance of teeth that are stained, discolored, misshapen, chipped, fractured, gapped, crowded, or broken down due to dental decay. At the office of , we offer a comprehensive selection of the leading-edge cosmetic solutions from teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers, to prosthetic solutions and dental implants to rebuild complete and beautiful smiles.
Contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you create the smile you've always wanted.
If you're visiting for the first time, it is helpful that you contact your former dental office and have your records sent over to us. Make note of any problems you may have so that you can discuss them with your dentist.
To provide efficient service, we ask you to please bring your insurance card, an ID, plus any referral slips or diagnostic records given to you by another office. If you are taking medications, please note or make a list of what they are as you will need to provide that information.
Yes! We assure you that both you and your family will be in good hands at the office of .
We do our best to make sure every patient who steps into our office for care is put at ease. We provide precise and gentle care and our skilled, compassionate team strives to make every visit stress-free. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands and that we are doing all we can to ensure your comfort throughout every procedure. While we always take the time to explain every step in care, feel free to ask us any questions about local anesthesia and methods of dental sedation.
At the office of , we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required. Our goal is to make dental care more affordable so that you can begin treatment without any additional stress or delay.
Keep in mind that with routine dental checkups and periodic care, we can help prevent dental disease while treating emerging problems early in their onset to avoid larger issues and more expensive care down the road.
Routine dental checkups and preventive care procedures may be covered under your dental insurance plan requiring little to no out-out-of-pocket expense. We invite you to check our financial information page or give us a call to find out if our office participates with your plan, and if you have any other questions about dental insurance, dental savings plans, forms of payment, or financing options. We welcome your inquiries and do our best to help you begin care without additional stress or delay.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Absolutely! Both flossing and brushing regularly are equally important to maintain your oral health. While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans in between them. Flossing is important to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause gums to recede and lead to periodontal disease.
Even if you have dentures, it is still necessary to see a dentist! Dental checkups help ensure that your dentures are comfortable, fitting properly, and that there are no other problems. Beyond assessing your dentures, our dentist will also perform a thorough examination of the jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues both inside the mouth, the face, and neck, to confirm that you remain in good oral health.
Emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need- but if you do, the office of is here for you!
Whether you're suffering from a chipped tooth, toothache, or any problem affecting your oral health, you can be sure to get the prompt attention and compassionate care you require at our office. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities, and we offer a comprehensive range of the most advanced services to address a broad spectrum of dental needs.
While the pain of a toothache is one of the more common reasons that patients come to our office for emergency dental care, we also promptly treat emergencies that are not necessarily painful like crowns that have been dislodged and broken dentures that leave embarrassing gaps in one's smile.
You can rest assured that your oral health is in the best of hands at our office. We'll quickly determine exactly what's wrong, explain your treatment options, and then provide the precise and gentle care you require to alleviate your discomfort and get you back on the path to oral health and wellness.
Your health and comfort are our top priorities. If your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as soon as possible for care.
At the office of , we welcome patients of all ages for care and offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help every member of your family maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you or a loved one needs a routine checkup and cleaning, fillings, same-day crowns, a cosmetic smile makeover, the replacement of missing teeth or require the services of a skilled and compassionate emergency dentist, you can rely on our office for the highest quality care.
For more information on our office and the many services we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.
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from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
*Closed every Wednesday
from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
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