Frequently Asked Questions

A complete examination and charting includes, but not limited to, the following:

The doctor reviews your medical history and checks for any illnesses. This is important because many illnesses present or past may influence the type and manner of care.The doctor reviews any medications you may be taking because this may also effect the type and manner of care. It is also important because of potential drug interactions. The doctor reviews any allergies you may have. These include any past reactions you may have had to any medications, foods or hayfever.

• The doctor checks your blood pressure.
• The doctor examines each and every tooth.
• The doctor examines all of the soft tissue in your mouth including your tongue, lips and cheeks.
• The doctor performs an oral cancer screening.
• The doctor checks your tonsils and back of your throat.
• The doctor performs a periodontal examination.
• The doctor checks your temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ) for any problems.
• The doctor checks the glands underneath your chin and top of your neck.
• The doctor may take radiographs.
• These are only some of the many things that are done.

Do I really need to see the hygientist for my regular appointments just to get my teeth cleaned?

Yes, but only if you want to keep your teeth! These appointments are the most important visits in our dental office for many reasons. Your gums and supporting structures are much more important than your teeth because these structures provide the foundational support to hold your teeth in place! If these supporting structures are not kept in excellent shape, your teeth will literally fall out of your mouth no matter what shape your teeth are actually in. 

Hygienists do a lot more than just clean your teeth. Hygienists are highly trained professionals who care for your entire mouth including your gums and supporting structures. Did you ever wonder what is actually done during your recall and cleaning with the hygienist? 

• The hygienist updates your medical history and checks for any recent illnesses.
• The hygienist reviews any medications or changes in medications you may be taking. Medications frequently have side effects which involve your gums.
• The hygienist reviews any changes in allergies.
• The hygienist reviews any problems or concerns you may be having.
• The hygienist checks your tongue, lips and all soft tissue in your mouth for any abnormalities.
• The hygienist scales your teeth and cleans out debris that has accumulated between your teeth and gums.
• The hygienist polishes your teeth to get them as white and bright as possible.
• The hygienist designs and reviews oral hygiene instructions tailored to your needs. No two patients are ever exactly alike.
• The hygienist dispenses home care items including tooth brushes, floss, floss aides, and even Special toothpastes and mouth rinses if needed.
• The hygienist checks the fluoride level in your drinking water if you're not sure of it's Concentration. Too much or too little can result in serious problems.
• The hygienist checks eruption patterns in children and dispenses fluoride.
• The hygienist designs a recall schedule tailored to your needs. 
• The hygienist is often the first to find a problem when it is just beginning and stops It from turning into a major one.

These are only some of the things that are done.