Regular Checkups

Don't brush off regular checkups to the dentist.
Regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health. We encourage regular checkups at least every six months. Seeing the dentist twice a year is recommended because your dentist can:

• Check for problems that you might not see or feel
• Find early signs of decay, and
• Treat oral health problems early, while they are still manageable.

Regular checkups include a thorough cleaning, polishing, and an oral exam by the doctor. During the oral exam, the doctor checks the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. At each visit, the doctor also checks old fillings and restorations because constant pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause them to wear away, chip, or crack.

Your First Visit
On your first visit to our office you will receive a comprehensive examination of your mouth. This includes first taking a series of digital x-rays that will be used to diagnose decay, faulty fillings, and the level of your gumline. Sometimes, the doctor may also request a Panoramic x-ray which is used to show the wisdom teeth and the shape of the upper and lower jaws. Then, your blood pressure and pulse will be taken with an automated instrument. Next, your doctor will review your medications and health history, and discuss with you your reason for visiting. You will be asked about any dental problems you are experiencing, as well as what changes you would like to make in the appearance of your smile.


Once your concerns have been reviewed, we will then begin the examination, which consists of four major parts. First, your doctor will evaluate you for jaw problems (sometimes known as “TMJ”) by examining your jaw joints and feeling the muscles of your head and neck. Second, he will check all of the soft tissues of your mouth for abnormalities or cancer. Your teeth and existing dental restorations (filling, crowns, bridges, etc.) will be evaluated for decay, and any functional or cosmetic concerns will be evaluated. Third, your doctor will evaluate your bite (known as occlusion) to see how well the upper and lower teeth function together. Last, your gums will be measured to see how healthy they are and to determine what type of dental cleaning is most appropriate for you.

Even though we perform a very thorough initial examination, some patients require even more evaluation before ideal dental treatment can begin. Sometimes, impressions of the teeth, photographs of the smile, or a video-camera “tour of the mouth” are needed to assist in treatment planning patients with complex or difficult dental problems.

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