Dental Exams & X-Rays

Usually performed at the same appointment as your dental cleaning, a dental exam is a key part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. By coming in for these check-ups twice a year, we can catch any developing problems while they're still at an early stage. This means less damage to your teeth and lower costs compared to treating bigger issues later.

How Your Exam Works

We'll start by examining your mouth visually, using dental tools like mouth mirrors and high-intensity lights. We'll look for cracked or decayed teeth and review several important areas:

• Medical history review: We'll assess how any new medical conditions or illnesses may affect your dental health.
• Oral cancer screening: We check your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Gum disease evaluation: Your gums and the bone around your teeth are examined for any evidence of periodontal disease.
• Existing restorations: We make sure current fillings, crowns, and other restorations are in good order.

Diagnostic X-Rays

Diagnostic x-rays reveal hidden problems, especially in areas below the gums that we can't see during a visual exam. Bitewing x-rays are typically taken every 12 months, and a panoramic x-ray, which revolves around your head, is taken every 3–5 years.

If it has been over 6 months since your last checkup, we encourage you to schedule your next visit with us.