New Patients
New patients will meet with our dentist Dr. Young for a thorough initial dental examination. Time is set aside specifically for you. During this comprehensive examination she will discuss with you your dental concerns and your wishes and expectations. The necessary records will be taken to provide for a thorough diagnosis, prognosis and your individual treatment plan. This examination will address your interests and concerns regarding your oral health.
The examination will include:
Oral Cancer Screening
People who smoke cigarettes, chew smokeless tobacco, or drink alcohol excessively, are in danger of developing oral cancer. In 2014 there were 224,000 oral cancer cases reported. We are committed to the prevention of oral cancer through early identification of pre-cancerous conditions and provide oral cancer screenings at each preventive care appointment. If you ever notice a lesion that lasts for more than 2 weeks, please do not wait to have it examined.
Periodontal Examination
Periodontal disease, or "gum disease," is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. Dr. Young will examine your gum tissue to determine the health of your periodontal structures (gum and bone levels). Successful dental treatment depends on healthy gums. We take your periodontal health seriously and will monitor it during your hygiene maintenance (cleaning) visits. No matter the situation, Dr. Young will assess your teeth, gum, and bone health and recommend the best treatment for you.
Existing Conditions Exam
During this visual examination, Dr. Young locates areas of decay and breakdown of the teeth. Both clinical exam and radiographic (x-ray) findings are used to determine the most conservative treatment plan for your oral needs.
Occlusion Screening (Joint/Jaw/Bite/Alignment)
This section of the examination pertains to your bite, abnormal tooth wear, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the chewing muscles. Abnormalities in these areas can cause facial pain, headaches, joint pain and a variety of other related symptoms. If problems are noted, a more detailed evaluation may be needed to determine the full extent of the problem.
Digital Photographs
Dr. Young will often take a series of digital photographs to use for treatment planning and treatment education. Often the old saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words" applied to the dental photographic aspect of your examination. High-resolution photos enable the doctor and patient to see things more clearly. Photos illustrate the presence of problems the patient may not be aware of.
Digital Dental Radiographs (x-rays)
Dr. Young uses digital dental x-rays as a standard of care in her office. They provide images for a more accurate diagnosis. The process of digitally capturing an image is much faster, safer and more comfortable for the patient. The digital dental x-ray system is more sensitive than x-ray film systems, so your exposure to x-rays is reduced by as much as 90 percent. The large enhanced images let you see what your dentist sees, so it's easier for you to understand how your dentist will treat your teeth.
There are no longer considerations for photo chemicals, film and processing or film storage. Therefore, used photo chemicals and film are not polluting the environment. Your dental checkups take less time, and the x-rays are available to be viewed by the doctor immediately.
