Dental  Check-Ups

A Dental Check-up includes professional teeth cleaning, oral cancer screening, and a dental exam. Depending on the needs identified at your exam, Dr. Mike or Dr. Janet will recommend a maintenance schedule for your checkups. This will help detect small dental issues before they become serious oral problems.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

You brush your teeth, you floss, and you use mouthwash. You take good care of your teeth. However, some harmful bacteria still grow in your mouth that can only be professionally removed by our Dental Team. These bacteria can cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. They are linked to other illnesses such as heart disease, and further studies are being conducting concerning diabetes.  

During professional dental cleaning, our hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums by removing tartar build-up, plaque, and surface stains. Also known as dental prophylaxis, professional teeth cleaning effectively helps patients maintain good oral health and prevent gum disease (periodontal disease). If you do have gum disease, the hygienist and dentist will work as a team to ensure you understand what type of periodontal disease you have. If you need to see a specialist, we will refer you and determine what types of professional periodontal treatment you may need to create a healthy mouth.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer refers to the group of cancers that affect the head and neck areas. The National Cancer Institute estimates that oral cancer kills one person every hour. At our practice, we have the skills to detect oral cancer through a comprehensive screening of your mouth and throat.  This involves checking your oral cavity for any patches, lumps, swelling, or other abnormalities.  We also evaluate your head and neck region. If we find anything of concern, we may refer you to an Oral Surgeon or Dermatologist for a biopsy. When oral cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, it is treatable in 90% of cases. Please feel comfortable to express any concerns to us for a private, confidential conversation.

Dental Exams

We ensure that your visit involves a comprehensive review of your oral health, allowing you to understand your recommended dental treatment. Dr. Mike and Dr. Janet will carefully determine if radiographs are necessary and choose which and when radiographs should be taken. Radiographs allow us to see what we cannot see with our own eyes: detect cavities in between your teeth and analyze the health and level of your bone. Radiographs help us examine the roots and nerves of teeth and assess for conditions such as cysts or tumors. Refer to Advanced Technology for more information. We will take our time to get to know you and your dental history, understand your current methods of dental care, and discuss your goals to customize a care plan that works best for you.