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Dental Exams

Dental Exams

At Pinecrest Dental, we believe that patients can stay on the path to excellent oral health and wellness through recognized prevention techniques and appropriate patient education.

The first step of putting you on this oral wellness path is a comprehensive dental exam.  This exam is given so that we can prioritize your treatment – making recommendations for what you need right now and planning for your future care.  The more information your dentist has about you and your needs, the better he can help you.

The Comprehensive Oral Exam

The foundation of good dental care is a thorough comprehensive dental exam.  Comprehensive dental analysis not only checks for tooth decay and gum health, but also evaluates your entire mouth, head, and neck area.  The American Dental Association recommends a comprehensive dental examination for all patients every three years.

Before the exam, we will gather your medical and dental history, including a list of medications that you are currently taking.  We want to know what dental problems you may be experiencing now and any concerns or issues you may have about your dental treatment expectations and goals.

Head _ Neck Exam
Dental-Exam-Pinecrest

The comprehensive exam will include these evaluations:

Head and Neck: Your dentist will look for any problems on your head and neck, as well as feel for any swelling or tenderness (signs of infection or disease) in your lymph nodes under your jaw.  Your dentist will also examine your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and their associated muscles, which allow movement of the jaw, to make sure they are working properly.

Soft Tissues: The soft tissues of your mouth include the tongue, the inside of the lips and cheeks and the floor and roof of the mouth.  These areas are examined for any spots, lesions, cuts, swellings, or growths that could indicate an oral health problem.  The back of your throat and tonsil area will also be inspected.

Gum Tissue:  Your gums and the supporting structures of the teeth will be examined for signs of periodontal disease, including gum position and signs of inflammation, as well as tooth mobility (looseness).

Occlusion:  How well your upper and lower teeth fit together and function in harmony with the way your jaw moves will be checked.  Your dentist will look for signs of excessive wear or chipping of the teeth and clenching or grinding habits will be discussed.  Teeth position will be evaluated for signs of crowding, crookedness or excessive spacing.

Teeth:  Signs of tooth decay are looked for on the surfaces of every tooth.  Your dentist will also check for any problems with fillings, braces, bridges, dentures, crowns, or other restorations.

X-rays:  Your dentist will assign a certified technician to take the appropriate digital (low radiation) radiographs to look for signs of tooth decay and periodontal disease, as well as for other oral health problems, such as unerupted teeth, extra or missing teeth, tumors or cysts.

The Periodic Exam

A dental check-up, or periodic exam, refers to a yearly examination that is done on current patients.  This allows dentists to find any changes in a person’s health status and dental condition since a previous periodic or comprehensive evaluation.

At regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:

Examination of teeth:  All tooth surfaces will be checked for cavities, fractures and excessive wear, and all restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be evaluated for fit and function.

Gum disease evaluation:  We check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

Examination of diagnostic digital x-rays (radiographs):  Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts and bone loss.  X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

Oral cancer screening:  We check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, soft tissues and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Periodic Exam

The Treatment Consultation

The dentist will share any valuable findings with you after the examination.  Then, the dental professional can devise a treatment plan consolidating your urgent, intermediate and long-term oral needs.

Treatment Consultation

OUR PATIENT REVIEWS

I have been a patient of Dr. Kenward for over 30 years. His professionalism and skill makes dental appointments easy. My entire family sees him and Clara, his dental hygienist, and we have every confidence in their ability to maintain our dental health. His office environment is attractive and clean. His staff is friendly and very helpful.

Google Review

I love this dentist!!! I have been to 5 others here in South Florida, and Dr. Mayoral is by far the best. This practice is exceptionally clean and and the staff is incredibly professional and friendly. I don't know what else to say except that I recommended everyone I know, especially my family and friends, and all of them are very happy. I also got my Invisalign 6 months ago and have received many compliments on how nice my teeth and smile look. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!

Google Review

Pinecrest Dental Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry makes it a pleasure to go to the dentist. They are caring, professional and comforting. They put the patient first, make sure nothing is overlooked and make sure you are on top of your dental care. Every procedure is explained and discussed and all of the outcomes I have had have been wonderful.

Google Review

Call us today to schedule your next dental appointment.