Dental Exams & Cleanings
Dental Exam
A comprehensive dental examination will be performed by your dentist at your initial dental visit. At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
- Intraoral photography: Dr. Kamins was an early adapter of intraoral photography. We recognize the value of communicating with our patients.
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Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions. Radiographs are only performed as needed to determine your diagnosis. We have state-of-the-art digital x-ray sensors and use multiple protocols to reduce exposure to a fraction of traditional x-rays.
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Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheeks, and gums for any signs of oral cancer. We use the Velscope system in our office for early detection of suspicious areas.
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Examination of existing restorations: Evaluation of the current fillings, bonding, crowns, etc.
Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments. Information from the introal photographs, raidographs, and oral evaluation will be evaluated to create a personalized treatment plan.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Recent medical research has shown that periodontal (gum) disease significantly increases risk of heart attack, coronary artery disease, negative consequences on pregnancy and newborns, and other serious medical conditions. Our office is concerned about the overall health of our patients, not just their dental needs. In view of these medical implications we are even more motivated towards providing the treatment and preventive skills necessary to maintain your good oral health.
Adult and young adult dental prophylaxis treatments are performed in our office by Registered Dental Hygienists. These professionals have completed a rigorous specialty program and, as a result, are highly trained. They are licensed and certified specialists in the field of dental hygiene maintaining their diagnostic and clinical skills by regularly attending continuing education seminars. Additionally, our hygienists are incredibly compassionate and caring, gently providing the best care possible.
The periodontal condition of your mouth (gums and bone) determines the foundation of your oral health. Appropriate treatment will be recommended based on the professional evaluation of your gum tissues during your hygiene visit. Periodontal disease progresses as the spaces between the teeth and gums (pocket or sulcus) become filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, causing irritation and damage to the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they cause destruction of the fibers that support and connect the gums with the teeth and eventually destroy the bone that supports the teeth.
Left untreated, this condition can lead to pain, halitosis, loosening, and ultimately the loss of otherwise healthy teeth.
Prophylaxis (D1110): If gum disease is caught in the early stages (gingivitis) and no permanent damage has been done, then two to four regular annual cleanings will probably be recommended. You will also be given instructions on improving your daily oral hygiene habits. Some patients form tartar faster than others, so a more frequent recall schedule may be recommended, varying from six months to three months.
If the disease has progressed to more advanced stages, then special periodontal cleanings, called Debridement and/or Scaling and Root Planing (deep cleaning), will be recommended. To read more about these procedures please refer to the section on Periodontal Treatment.
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