Examinations - Comprehensive and Problem Focused
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Problem Focused Exams are centered around a particular problem you have. Generally this type of exam is reserved for emergency visits. While we do typically look around to get a general overlook of your teeth and tissues, our focus is on one particular tooth or lesion that you have brought to us for evaluation. After this type of exam, a comprehensive exam is still necessary to evaluate each tooth individually as well as in function with each other.
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During a Comprehensive Exam, we chart each tooth, their respective problems, and note other issues that may be occurring in your mouth. A short list of what we look at includes:
We may evaluate other issues that are directly related to you, specifically, so this list is by no means as comprehensive as our exams! |
Teeth Cleaning and Polishing
Brushing teeth is actually a technique sensitive task. Having your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year can help maintain healthy gums, teeth, and give your dental team an opportunity to help you perfect your tooth brushing and flossing technique. There may be some areas that you always miss that we see - and prevention is your first line of defense! We also clean underneath your gums, and remove deposits on your teeth that your toothbrush can't. Then we polish them to make them shine, and the smoothness helps keep food and other particles from sticking.
Radiographs
Dental x-rays are important tools to help us find caries in teeth, especially areas that we cannot see clinically. They can show us extent of decay in a cavity, warning signs of disease that may turn into problems, and help us give an accurate diagnosis and prognosis of a diseased tooth.
While taking radiographs, the patient wears a lead apron, such that only the head is exposed to radiation, and the x-ray unit is designed to reduce scatter, so that the beam is focused only in the area we want exposed for film. We also ask everyone but the patient wearing the apron to leave the room. The radiation dosage is so low, and our training and safety precautions are so high, that it is not a significant risk of causing lifelong problems for patients. Staff occupational exposure, those that are around dental x-rays all year, is much lower than that of hospitals and medical offices. For more information about radiation risk, click here.
While taking radiographs, the patient wears a lead apron, such that only the head is exposed to radiation, and the x-ray unit is designed to reduce scatter, so that the beam is focused only in the area we want exposed for film. We also ask everyone but the patient wearing the apron to leave the room. The radiation dosage is so low, and our training and safety precautions are so high, that it is not a significant risk of causing lifelong problems for patients. Staff occupational exposure, those that are around dental x-rays all year, is much lower than that of hospitals and medical offices. For more information about radiation risk, click here.
Sealants
Sealants are generally recommended for children with teeth that we think may be susceptible to pit, groove, and fissure cavities. It is a preventive measure that involves sealing off the deep grooves so that food and bacteria cannot create a cavity. This procedure does not require any use of numbing medication.
In some cases, sealants are recommended for adults, but most insurance plans do not pay for adults to have this preventive procedure. If we think you need one and your insurance plan will not cover the expense, remember that preventing a problem is always cheaper than fixing a problem!
In some cases, sealants are recommended for adults, but most insurance plans do not pay for adults to have this preventive procedure. If we think you need one and your insurance plan will not cover the expense, remember that preventing a problem is always cheaper than fixing a problem!