“I Just Want My Teeth Cleaning!”

 There had been an increase in the amount of new patients requesting to only have a dental cleaning on their first visit. Having necessary digital x-rays taken and a comprehensive exam done by the doctor is crucial on a first visit for multiple reasons. Even if you have had regular care under another dentist, your new dentist will want to become familiar with your health. This will allow him or her to notice changes or problems more easily during future visits. It’s very important to know full medical history, allergies, and any medications being taken before being treated by the hygienist, as these can impact dental disease and its treatment.  What exactly is a comprehensive exam? It is a thorough exam that includes evaluation of the following components:
• Review of medical history, evaluating predisposing conditions
• Review of dental history, evaluating past dental care and current status
• Review allergies, and medications currently being taken
• Head and neck exam
• Oral cancer exam
• Exam of the teeth and their restorations
• Radiographic exam
• Periodontal evaluation, including evaluation of pocket depth, recession, mobility, bone loss, and bleeding
• Documentation of clinical findings
• Discussion of the diagnosis and recommended treatment plan and its options along with the consequences of non-treatment.
With a completed comprehensive exam, we will be able to come up with the best possible treatment plan for your needs. If the doctor notices any periodontal issues, such as pocket depths that are four’s or greater, a regular dental cleaning may not be enough. In this case periodontal therapy, also known as a deep cleaning, would be recommended to obtain a healthy, overall status.  Eighty percent of adults in the U.S currently have some form of periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease ranges from simple gum inflammation to a more serious condition that results in erosion of the gums and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost. Some signs of Periodontal disease include; bad breath that won’t resolve, red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, receding gums or longer appearing teeth.
Included in the initial comprehensive exam is a full set of x-rays, which is mandated every five to seven years.  An “FMX” or full set of x-rays is the only screener for bone cancer in the jaw, and can indicate abscessed or decayed teeth that may have gone unnoticed; they also check bone loss caused by periodontal disease. It’s important to catch decay and bone loss in the earliest stages to avoid escalating infection.  A detailed treatment plan will be given to you with first priority treatment to least priority. Allow us to get you on the right track with a comprehensive dental examination!
For more information, please call Kimberly A. Rosen, DDS at 661-255-2545.