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Comprehensive Dental Exams for you and your loved ones
At Hale Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of exams to cover all your needs. From general checkups in order to maintain oral health and preventative dental procedures like teeth cleanings or sealants for children who are still developing their smiles; our team will work with you every step along the way!
Oral Exams and X-Rays
The first step in maintaining a healthy smile and reducing dental emergencies is visiting the dentist for regular dental exams and X-Rays. Did you know that not all dental exams are the equal? At Hale Family Dentistry, we offer a variety of exams for different purposes. In addition, we use modern tools, such as digital X-Rays to assist the dentist in general diagnostics, identifying abnormalities, and creating custom treatment plans. If it’s been longer than six months since your last checkup, get back on track with healthy teeth by giving us a call.
New Patient Comprehensive Exam
If you’re a new patient, the dentist will perform a complete oral health checkup to get you started. Our dental assistants will take X-rays that help Dr. Hale address issues beyond what a visual exam can see. This provides a full picture of your current dental health and oral care routine. Dr. Hale will then propose treatment plans and answer any questions during this time. A complete exam takes about an hour.
- Oral cancer screening
- Screen for gum disease (Periodontal Disease); Bone Loss
- Chart tooth decay
- Analyze bite position
- Propose new dental treatments
- Review treatment options
- Discuss financing if needed
Routine Cleaning and Dental Checkups
Suppose you’re an established patient with our dental office. In that case, the dentist performs a routine oral exam (also referred to as a periodic exam) at your dental cleaning appointment. Routine exams are essential to ensuring a healthy smile in the long run. This is a much shorter appointment that is completed alongside the dental hygienist.
- Update bitewing X-Rays and panoramic X-Ray, if needed
- Review concerning areas
- Discuss outstanding treatment
- Propose new treatment, if any
- Annual periodontal charting
Focused Oral Exam
A focused dental exam (also known as a limited exam, emergency exam, or problem-focused exam) is where a dentist will address a specific concern. This is a short (and sweet) appointment where tooth pain is likely presented.
What is a Dental Emergency?
- Pain in the mouth, tooth, jaw areas, or gums
- Dental abscess or sores
- Lingering pain that doesn’t go away
- Major accidents such as broken teeth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
The ADA recommends visiting the dentist twice a year. This helps find and treat more minor problems that might otherwise get worse and become much larger, more severe conditions.
Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
An essential part of the exam includes using diagnostic X-rays. We use the highest standard and most up-to-date technology to ensure an effective and safe environment for digital X-Rays. Visual exams don’t allow the dentist to see what’s going on beyond the tooth surface, but X-Rays can see through the tooth and into the root. Without a proper X-Ray image, your dentist will not be able to make a confident diagnosis. Annual X-rays are an essential part of your dental exam and to keep your oral health in check.
Hale Family Dentistry provides you with the comprehensive services you need to maintain a healthy smile. We are here for you, from routine exams and digital x-rays to emergency care. Schedule a dental visit today and let us help keep your oral health in check, your gums healthy, and your smile shining brightly!
