Initial Examination
This is the beginning of starting our partnership with you. Our dentists will review your medical history and conduct a thorough initial examination to determine the best treatment for your teeth and gums. We would like this to be an open dialogue, where you have the freedom to ask any questions you like to ensure you understand your treatment and the reason behind our proposed services. As a partner, your opinion and desires matter.
All dental procedures begin with an initial exam. The initial exam has 3 parts; a visual exam for cavities, x-rays to see inside the teeth and a measurement of your gingival tissue (gums).
Visual Examination
During a visual exam, your dentist will use some instruments and touch your teeth with light pressure to check for any cavities on your teeth. Your dentist not only looks for cracked and decayed teeth, but also for growths and sores on the roof and floor of your mouth, tongue, lips, gums, and the mucous membranes that line your cheeks and gums. An intraoral camera can also be used so you can see exactly how your teeth that need treatment look.
X-rays
X-rays detect issues with your teeth we can’t see visually. With x-rays we can see inside of your tooth and let you know if the teeth are healthy or treatment is recommended to make them healthy. We use digital x-rays that emits 90% less radiation than conventional dental x-rays.
X-Ray
Probing Depths (Measurement of Gum Tissue)
A tooth is composed of two parts, the crown and the root. The crown of the tooth is the portion that you can see. The root of the tooth is the portion that is inside the tissue and bone in which you cannot see. Gums and bones surround the root making the tooth strong and stable. If the gums and bones recede, the root of the tooth loses its stability and becomes weak, leading to risk of losing the tooth.
Probing Depths
Gingival tissue (gums) covers the roots of teeth and forms a pocket. The depth of this pocket determines how healthy your gums and bones are and how well they support the tooth. A deep pocket means that bacteria and debris is trapped between the tooth and gums which can lead to destruction of the bone that supports the tooth. Our dentists gently place an instrument between the teeth and gums to measure this pocket.
A measurement of 1-3 millimeters means that the teeth and gums are healthy.
A measurement of 4-5 millimeters means that the gums have mild periodontitis (gum disease) and there is a small risk of losing your teeth.
A measurement of 6-7 millimeters means the gums have moderate periodontitis and there is a significant risk of losing your teeth.
A measurement greater than 8 millimeters means the gums have severe periodontitis and there is an extreme risk of losing your teeth.
A cleaning, deep cleaning or gum surgery is recommended depending on the stage of gum disease.
Stages of Gum Disease and Pocket Depths
Our initial exam will allow us to give you a thorough diagnosis of your dental needs and propose a treatment that will provide long term health for your teeth and gums.
Limited Time Specials:
Fee: Visual Exam and X-rays: $39
Visual Exam, X-rays and Routine Cleaning: $99