Dental Exams
Dental Exams
Regular dental exams are important for maintaining your oral hygiene as well as your overall health. During your initial visit to Savage Smiles, Dr. Savage will use several techniques to examine a variety of facets of your oral health. That way, we can form a comprehensive picture of the state of your mouth, gums and teeth.
When you attend Savage Smiles for regular dental checkups, your dentist and hygienist will check for the following:
- Hidden problems: x-rays (radiographs) can reveal problems that could otherwise go undetected, such as tumors, decay and bone loss. Diagnostic x-rays will also reveal the positions of teeth and roots.
- Oral cancer: an examination of the gums, tongue, throat, face and neck will allow Dr. Bob to check for signs of oral cancer.
- Gum disease: an examination of the gums and bone around the teeth will allowDr. Savage to check for signs of periodontal disease.
- Tooth decay: dental instruments will be used to examine tooth surfaces for any signs of decay or damage.
- Problems with existing restorations: an examination of fillings, crowns and any other restorations will allow Dr. Savage to check for cracks and other damage.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Your professional dental cleanings or dental prophylaxis will typically be performed by one of our professional hygienist.
Professional dental cleanings include the following steps:
- Removal of calculus or tartar, a type of plaque which has hardened on the tooth surface.
- Removal of plaque, a sticky film consisting of saliva, food particles and bacteria, the latter of which causes gum inflammation.
- Tooth polishing to remove stains and any remaining plaque.
Your dental exam gives you, the patient, the opportunity to ask us, the dentist, questions about your oral health. We'll take the time to explain any questions you may have about your current dental treatment or any future cosmetic treatment you may be considering.
Dr. Savage enjoyes providing great dental care to a wide variety of patients in the East Vally including kids, adolescents, teens and adults.