Dental Exam

A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by dentist at your initial dental visit. The following will be included in the exam:

TMJ evaluation:

Check the muscles and joint to determine if the pain and discomfort is caused by muscular issues, a

misaligned bite, or if there area some more serious problems with the physical joint.

Oral cancer screening:

Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums to look for signs of caner or precancerous

conditions. The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater

chance for a cure.

Radiographic examination:

X-rays will be evaluated for detection of dental decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help

determine tooth and root positions.

Clinical examination:

All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments. Sometimes a special machine

called Diagnodent (check the Technology section) can be used to confirm dental decay. Intra-oral

pictures will be taken for record keeping and to show the patient what they look like (one picture can tell

thousand words)

Gum evaluation:

Check the gums and bone around the teeth will be checked for any signs of periodontal disease. This

exam involves taking six measurements around each tooth to measure the depth of the space between the

tooth and gums. Additionally, any recession or mobility of the teeth will be measures.

Oral hygiene instruction:

Your teeth and gum will show how you have taken care of them at home. Depending on how they look,

dentist will suggest how to do brush, floss, and what kinds of toothpastes and brushes to use.

Dental X-rays

There are different types of x-rays in dentistry.

Bitewing x-rays:

Bitewings show teeth above the gum line and the height of the bone between

teeth. They help diagnose gum diease and dental decay between teeth.

Normally, 2 bitewing x-rays are taken on each side for adults, and 1 bitewing

for children.

Periapical x-rays:

Perioapical x-rays capture the whole tooth (from the crown to the root). They

are often used to detect any unusual changes in the root and surrounding bone

structures like abscess.

Panoramic x-rays:

Panoramic x-rays show the entire mouth area on a single x-ray. They are

useful to detect the position of fully erupted as well as erupting teeth, can

identify impacted teeth, find where the sinus and big nerve canals are, and

aid in the diagnosis of tumors.

3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT):

3D CBCT is a specialized type of x-ray that provides more information

than conventional dental x-rays. They allow accurate, three-dimensional

(3D) imaging of hard tissue structures. Especially in implant dentistry,

CBCT is helpful to map out where the sensory nerves are to select the

right implant length. This helps reduce the risk of nerve damage. It is

invaluable when managing complex root canal cases, assessing failures,

and searching for missed nerve canals.

Are dental x-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. Digital x-rays produce a significantly lower level of radiation compared to traditional dental x-rays. Not only are digital x-rays better for the health and safety of the patient, they are faster and more comfortable to take, which reduces your time in the dental office. Also, since the digital image is captured electronically, there is no need to develop the x-rays, thus eliminating the disposal of harmful waste and chemicals into the environment.

Even though digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered very safe, dentists still take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation. These precautions include only taking those x-rays that are necessary, and using lead apron shields to protect the body.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based upon the review of your medical and dental history, a dental exam, signs and symptoms, your age, and risk of disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients. A full series is usually good for three to five years. Bitewing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.