Patient Education: Your New Patient Dental Exam

Welcome to our practice! Your first dental exam is an important step in maintaining your oral health. This comprehensive visit allows us to assess your teeth, gums, and overall dental condition while creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What to Expect During Your New Patient Exam

1. Digital Panoramic X-Ray (Pano)

• A panoramic X-ray provides a complete view of your upper and lower jaws, teeth, sinuses, and jaw joints.

• Helps detect issues such as impacted teeth, bone loss, cysts, or TMJ concerns.

• Quick, painless, and low-radiation.

2. Bitewing X-Rays (2 Films)

• These X-rays focus on your upper and lower back teeth, showing cavities between teeth and bone levels.

• Essential for detecting early decay and gum disease not visible during a visual exam.

3. Periapical (PA) X-Rays (If Needed)

• A close-up view of a specific tooth, including the root and surrounding bone.

• Used if there’s a concern about infection, abscesses, or root abnormalities.

4. Intraoral Photos

• High-resolution digital photos of your teeth and gums for detailed analysis.

• Helps track changes over time and visually explain treatment recommendations.

5. Comprehensive Oral Examination

• Tooth Decay & Existing Restorations – Check for cavities, cracks, or failing fillings/crowns.

• Gum Health – Assess for gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis).

• Oral Cancer Screening – Examine lips, tongue, throat, and soft tissues for abnormalities.

• Bite & Jaw Function – Evaluate TMJ (jaw joint) and occlusion (how teeth fit together).

6. Personalized Treatment Plan & Discussion

• After reviewing your X-rays, photos, and exam findings, we’ll discuss:

  • Any immediate dental needs (e.g., cavities, gum treatment).

  • Preventive care (cleanings, fluoride, hygiene tips).

  • Cosmetic or restorative options (if desired).

Why Is This Exam Important?

• Early Problem Detection – Identifies issues before they become painful or costly.

• Baseline for Future Care – Helps track changes in your oral health over time.

• Customized Care – Ensures your treatment plan matches your unique needs.

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• Bring a list of medications and medical history.

• Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete paperwork (or fill out forms online in advance).

• Let us know if you have dental anxiety—we offer comfort options!

We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, confident smile! Let us know if you have any questions before your visit.

Patient Education: Emergency Dental Exam

When dental pain or trauma strikes, we're here to provide prompt relief and expert care. Our emergency dental exam is designed to quickly diagnose your problem and provide immediate treatment to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Exam

1. Focused Diagnostic Imaging

• Periapical (PA) X-Ray: A targeted image showing the entire tooth from crown to root, helping identify abscesses, infections, or fractures.

• Bitewing (BW) X-Ray: Reveals decay between teeth and bone level changes that might be causing your discomfort.

• CBCT Scan (If Needed): For complex cases, a 3D cone beam CT scan provides detailed views of teeth, roots, jawbone, and surrounding structures - especially useful for impacted teeth, severe infections, or trauma cases.

2. Thorough Clinical Examination

Our dentist will:

• Assess your pain source and severity

• Check for visible damage (cracks, chips, or lost fillings/crowns)

• Test tooth vitality

• Evaluate gum inflammation or abscesses

• Examine jaw function and bite alignment

3. Immediate Pain Relief Options

Depending on your diagnosis, we may provide:

• Emergency extractions

• Pulpectomy

• Temporary fillings

• Antibiotics for infections

• Splinting for loose teeth

4. Clear Treatment Plan

We'll explain:

• The cause of your emergency

• All treatment options

• Costs and timelines

• Follow-up care needed

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

• Severe toothaches

• Knocked-out or loose teeth

• Broken teeth or restorations

• Abscesses or swelling

• Lost fillings or crowns

• Trauma from accidents

Why Prompt Emergency Care Matters

• Prevents worsening infection

• Saves damaged teeth when possible

• Reduces risk of complications

• Provides immediate pain relief

We understand dental emergencies are stressful. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, efficient care when you need it most. Same-day appointments are available for urgent cases.

Patient Education: Digital X-Rays – Advanced Dental Imaging for Your Care

At our practice, we utilize state-of-the-art digital radiography to provide the safest, most precise diagnostics for your dental health. Unlike traditional film X-rays, our digital system uses minimal radiation while delivering immediate, high-resolution images that help us detect problems early and plan your treatment accurately.

Why Digital X-Rays? Key Benefits:

✔ 80-90% less radiation than traditional X-rays
✔ Instant results – view images chairside immediately
✔ Sharper details for more accurate diagnoses
✔ Eco-friendly – no chemical processing needed
✔ Easy sharing with specialists if needed

Our Digital Imaging Options:

1. Bitewing X-Rays

• Focus on upper and lower back teeth

• Detect cavities between teeth and monitor bone levels

• Recommended annually for preventive care

2. Periapical (PA) X-Rays

• Show one complete tooth from crown to root

• Diagnose abscesses, infections, or root problems

3. Cephalometric (Ceph) X-Ray

• Side-view of your entire skull profile

• Essential for orthodontic treatment planning

• Evaluates jaw relationships and airway

4. Cone Beam CT (CBCT)

• 3D imaging of teeth, jaws, nerves, and sinuses

• Used for:

  • Dental implants planning

  • Impacted teeth (especially wisdom teeth)

  • TMJ and airway analysis

  • Complex root canals or surgeries

Safety & Frequency:

• Our digital system uses less radiation than a day of sunlight

• Recommended schedule varies based on your individual needs

• Protective lead apron always provided

How We Use Your X-Rays:

• Detect hidden decay or bone loss

• Plan precise treatments (fillings, crowns, implants)

• Monitor growth (for children/ortho patients)

• Identify infections or abnormalities early

Digital X-rays are a vital tool in providing you with personalized, preventive care. We only recommend necessary imaging based on your unique oral health needs.

Patient Education: Dental Hygiene – Your Guide to a Healthy Smile

Good dental hygiene is the foundation of a healthy mouth and a confident smile. At our practice, we believe prevention is the best medicine, and proper oral care at home combined with professional cleanings can help you avoid cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems. Here’s what you need to know to maintain optimal oral health.

Why Dental Hygiene Matters

Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health. Poor oral hygiene can lead to:

• Tooth decay and painful cavities

• Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)

• Bad breath (halitosis)

• Tooth loss and bone deterioration

• Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health issues

By following a consistent hygiene routine, you can keep your teeth strong, your gums healthy, and your smile bright for life.

The Basics of a Great Oral Care Routine

1. Brushing – Do It Right!

• Brush twice daily (morning and night) for 2 minutes each time.

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

• Angle the brush at 45 degrees toward the gumline to remove plaque effectively.

• Don’t forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen breath.

• Replace your toothbrush (or brush head) every 3-4 months or when bristles fray.

2. Flossing – Don’t Skip It!

• Floss at least once a day to clean between teeth where brushing can’t reach.

• Use gentle, C-shaped motions to avoid damaging gums.

• If traditional floss is tricky, try floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes.

3. Mouthwash – An Extra Boost

• Use an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash to reduce plaque and strengthen enamel.

• Avoid alcohol-based rinses if you have dry mouth.

Professional Dental Cleanings – Why They’re Essential

Even with great home care, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas. That’s why regular dental cleanings every 6 months (or as recommended) are crucial.

What Happens During a Hygiene Visit?

✔ Plaque & tartar removal (scaling)
✔ Teeth polishing to remove surface stains
✔ Gum health evaluation (checking for inflammation or recession)
✔ Oral cancer screening
✔ Personalized hygiene tips based on your needs

Additional Tips for a Healthy Mouth

• Limit sugary & acidic foods/drinks – They erode enamel and feed cavity-causing bacteria.

• Stay hydrated – Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

• Don’t use teeth as tools – Avoid opening packages or cracking nuts with your teeth.

• Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play sports.

• Quit smoking – Tobacco increases gum disease and oral cancer risk.

When to Call the Dentist

Even with good hygiene, see us if you notice:

• Bleeding or swollen gums

• Persistent bad breath

• Tooth sensitivity or pain

• Loose teeth

• Mouth sores that don’t heal

We’re Here to Help!

Your dental health is a team effort—we’ll work with you to keep your smile in top shape. If you have any questions about brushing, flossing, or your oral care routine, just ask at your next visit!

Your smile deserves the best care—let’s keep it healthy together!