When we call our exams comprehensive, we mean it. Your first exam with us is especially significant, giving us a baseline to compare all future findings against, but every exam is important. During each exam we:

• Check your face, neck, and mouth check for abnormalities
• Complete an oral cancer screening and soft tissue inspection
• Measure your gum pockets
• Perform a bite appraisal looking for changes or issues with restorations
• Evaluate for signs of sleep apnea
• Inspect for signs of bruxism(clenching and grinding)
• Look for tell-tale signs of physical illnesses and syndromes

Your ongoing exams are scheduled at the same time as your cleaning for the sake of convenience and usually include an intraoral camera exam. These little cameras are great for us and for you since they let you see what is going on – super magnified and in HD – on the computer screen right along with your doctor or hygienist. Kids love it and adults find these exams ultra-educational. If it has been a while since your last x-rays, we’ll recommend screening with digital x-rays at your first exam and every few years to follow up, depending on your oral health and personal needs. Your comprehensive exam is an excellent time to discuss any concerns you have been having, tell us about any symptoms such as bleeding or discomfort, and discuss the possibility of cosmetic adjustments.