Periodontal (gum) disease affects three out of four adults at some time in their lives. It doesn't necessarily hurt and you may not even be aware you have it until an advanced state. Regular dental visits are essential for detecting periododontal disease at an early stae, before the gums and the supporting bone are irreversibly damaged. We will screen your mouth for signs of periodontal disease every time you visit our office for an oral examination and prophylaxis (teeth cleaning).

During your exam, we also weill screen for pre-cancerous changes in your oral tissues, head and nect. Cancer detected at an early stage can be more successfully treated. We will check your head, neck and oral tissues for lumps, masses, growths, red or white patches, and recurring sore areas.

We will also screen your teeth for signs of tooth decay, examine your bite to make sure that you can chew properly, and check your temporomandibular (jaw) joints for signs of problems.

Dental X-rays may be necesaary as part of your exam. Among other things, dental rediographis can help to assess tooth decay and periodontal disease. In children, radiographs are also used to evaluate growth and development of the mouth.