Dental Exam
Oral Exam
New patients receive a comprehensive examination which includes a screening for oral cancer, gum and bone disease, blood pressure, and systemic disorders. A routine oral exam is performed on established patients to determine any changes in dental and health status since the previous visit.
Your gum tissue is measured with a fine instrument ruler to calibrate in millimeters pocket depth between the tooth and the connective gum tissue around the tooth. Pocket depths more than 4 millimeters could indicate disease and infection. The deeper the pocket, the greater the extent plaque bacteria collects and infection in gum disease develop.
X-rays are taken as needed.
Tooth scaling and root planing occur as needed.
Routine cleanings also include a professional polishing (Prophy) that removes only the soft sticky plaque that is above the gum line.
During your dental exam and visit, feel free to ask us about questions you may have to improve your smile through any cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and dental veneers among others.
Comprehensive Dental Risk Analysis
Comprehensive risk analysis refers to the new patient’s initial examination and separate consultation, if necessary. It includes interview and discussion of patient’s chief complaint and reason for seeking dental care, visual and oral examination to record or chart the patients existing condition, record visual pathology and signs of potential changes, periodontal evaluation, radiographs (if needed), mounted study models (if needed), photographic images (if needed), velscope and visual oral cancer screening, and any other test or evaluation that might be indicated including referral to specialist for evaluation. This information in gathered and evaluated in order to consult with the patient about their condition and educate the patient about the time, effort, and cost to reduce their risk of losing teeth or other dental treatable conditions. Treatment options are discussed related to the pros and cons of each approach to allow each patient to make an informed decision for themselves. We try to educate the patient about realistic expectations for their time, effort, and cost of any necessary treatment.
Digital X-Rays
Our office uses the latest in digital x-ray technology. Digital x-rays offer a detailed image of your entire mouth and also deliver 90% less radiation than traditional film x-rays. X-rays play an invaluable role in the diagnosis of periodontal problems as well as provide a clear picture for Dr. McLean to accurately diagnose the problem and provide clear treatment regiments.
We place a small sensor in your mouth and then an x-ray beam is sent through your teeth and bone and onto the sensor, which records the image of your teeth and bone and sends it to the computer. The sensor can then be repositioned to capture images of other sections of your teeth and bones. The digital dental x-ray system is more sensitive than dental x-ray film systems so your exposure to x-rays is cut by 90%.
The large enhanced images that you see are what Dr. McLean sees, so it is easier for you to understand how they will treat your teeth and bones. Your periodontal checkups take less time and it is fun to watch the system work. Most patients are amazed.
Panoramic X-Rays
Panoramic x-rays offer patients a complete detailed image of the entire mouth including the teeth, upper and lower jaws, sinuses and TMJ.
It provides a complete picture on how everything looks and relates to each other.
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. You may have a very small, but dangerous, oral spot or sore and not be aware of it.
The doctor will carefully examine the inside of your mouth and tongue and in some patients may notice a flat, painless, white or red spot or a small sore. Although most of these are harmless, some are not. Harmful oral spots or sores often look identical to those that are harmless, but testing can tell them apart. If you have a sore with a likely cause, the doctor may treat it and ask you to return for re-examination.
To ensure that a spot or sore is not dangerous, the doctor may choose to perform a simple test, such as a brush test. A brush test collects cells from a suspicious lesion in the mouth. The cells are sent to a laboratory for analysis. If precancerous cells are found, the lesion can be surgically removed if necessary during a separate procedure. It’s important to know that all atypical and positive results from a brush test, or other screening tests, must be confirmed by biopsy.