Comprehensive dental exams in Atherton, CA

During your routine dental check-up, your dentist at Atherton Smiles will examine your overall oral health, assess any issues, and clean your teeth and gums. Here is what you can expect from your dental exam near me:

• Comprehensive oral examination: Your dentist at Atherton Smiles will conduct a thorough examination of teeth, gums, and mouth.
• Professional cleaning: Removal of plaque, tartar, and stains.
• X-rays: Your Atherton dental professional will use digital X-rays to check for cavities, bone loss, and other issues not visible to the naked eye.
• Periodontal evaluation: Your dentist at Atherton Smiles will assess your gum health, checking for signs of gum disease.
• ‍Oral cancer screening: Examination for signs of oral cancer.‍
• Evaluation of any past procedure: Checking the condition of fillings, crowns, and other restorations.

The standard recommendation by your dentist at Atherton Smiles is every 6 months for most patients. However, depending on the individual needs of each patient, more frequent visits may be recommended for specific conditions, such as gum disease or a history of dental issues.

When you attend your dental exam near me at Atherton Smiles, here is what you can expect:

• Dental cleaning:
  • Professional cleaning by a dental hygienist.
• Dental examination:
  • Comprehensive oral exam by the dentist.
• X-rays:
  • Use of digital X-rays to detect hidden issues.
• Gum health evaluation:
  • Checking for signs of periodontal disease.
• Oral cancer screening:
  • Screening for signs of oral cancer.
• Patient education:
  • Advice on oral hygiene practices and any necessary treatments.

Oral screening for mouth cancer is important for the early detection of the disease and more efficient and successful treatment. An oral cancer screening will identify precancerous or cancerous lesions before they become more serious.

The oral cancer screening by your dentist at Atherton Smiles is as follows:

• Visual examination of the mouth, lips, and throat.
• Palpation of the neck and oral tissues to detect lumps or abnormalities.

Dental exams at Atherton Smiles can detect:

• Oral cancer and precancerous lesions.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Signs of systemic diseases that manifest in the mouth (e.g., diabetes).
• Oral infections and other abnormalities.

Here is what you can expect during your routine dental check-up at Atherton Smiles:

• Comprehensive medical and dental history:
  • Review of your medical and dental history.
• Full oral examination:
  • Detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
• Baseline X-rays:
  • Initial set of digital X-rays for reference.
• Professional cleaning:
  • Cleaning to remove plaque and tartar.
• Discussion of findings:
  • The dentist at Atherton Smiles will discuss the results of the exam and any recommended treatments.
• Patient education:
  • Instructions on maintaining oral health and hygiene.

If our Atherton dental professional discovers dental issues during a dental exam near me, they will:

• Inform you of any issues found during the exam.
• Provide a detailed treatment plan, including procedures, costs, and timelines.
• Schedule necessary follow-up visits for treatments.
• Ensure you understand and agree to the proposed treatments.

During dental exams and oral cancer screenings at Atherton Smiles, the following technology is used:

• Digital X-rays:
  • For detailed imaging of teeth and bone structure.
• Intraoral cameras:
  • For close-up views of the mouth and teeth.
• VELscope:
  • A special light used for oral cancer screening to detect abnormal tissues.
• Advanced dental software:
  • For precise diagnostics and treatment planning.

In between your bi-yearly dental check-ups with your Atherton orthodontist, make sure you:

• Maintain proper oral hygiene: Brush and floss thoroughly before the appointment.
• Bring a list of current medications and any medical conditions.
• Have your dental insurance details ready if applicable.
• Provide previous dental records if available (e.g. dentures or other)
• Prepare any questions or concerns you may have about your oral health.

A typical dental exam at Atherton Smiles, including cleaning and oral cancer screening, usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour.