Parkwood Dental Associates

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Comprehensive Exam

Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive dental examination is a process in which we take the necessary records to provide a thorough diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan. This thorough examination will include:

  • Oral Cancer Screening
  • Periodontal/Gum Health Examination
  • Occlusal/Bite Examination
  • Caries/Cavity Examination
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction Examination

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer is one of the most overlooked yet widespread forms of cancer. In fact, the American Cancer Society has recently reported that while the overall incidence of cancers in the United States has decreased, the number of oral cancer cases is actually on the rise, along with its mortality rate.

With proper screening and early detection, the severity of oral cancer can be greatly reduced. However, as with most cancers, early detection is critical. That’s why our office utilizes advanced oral cancer screening technology to detect and assess lesions that may indicate oral cancer with ease and precision. Using specialized lights and optics, your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening that reveals lesions invisible to the naked eye. These screenings are quick, completely comfortable, and most importantly, they are the best way to ensure your mouth stays healthy and cancer-free!

We recommend an annual oral cancer screening for our patients, especially if you:

  • Are over the age of 30
  • Use tobacco products or have used them in the past 10 years
  • Consume one or more alcoholic drinks per day on average
  • Have previously been diagnosed with any form of cancer

Don’t become another statistic—talk to us today about the risks and warning signs of oral cancer, and schedule a screening during your next appointment!

Periodontal/Gum Health Examination

 

The term “periodontal” refers to “around the tooth,” so periodontal disease impacts the gums and the bone that supports the teeth. Gum, or periodontal, disease can lead to inflammation, tooth loss, and bone damage. The condition begins when bacteria in plaque—a sticky, colorless film on your teeth—cause the gums to become inflamed. While this is often the primary cause of periodontal disease, other factors can also negatively affect the health of the gums and bone, such as:

  • Smoking or Tobacco Use
  • Stress
  • Genetics
  • Pregnancy
  • Medications
  • Diabetes
  • Poor Nutrition

Periodontal disease manifests in various forms. Gingivitis is the mildest type of gum disease. Although the gums may become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding, this stage of the disease usually involves little to no discomfort. With good oral hygiene and professional dental care, gingivitis can be reversed.

Periodontitis is another type of periodontal disease and can be either aggressive or chronic. Aggressive periodontitis is characterized by rapid bone destruction and attachment loss in otherwise healthy patients. Chronic periodontitis, one of the most common forms of periodontal disease, is often seen in adults. It progresses slowly and is marked by gum recession, bone loss, and the formation of pockets around the teeth.

Treatment and Prevention

In certain situations, periodontal surgery may be recommended to address periodontal disease when non-surgical treatments prove ineffective. We might suggest procedures such as pocket reduction, soft tissue grafts, or bone regeneration to manage the disease. If a tooth has been lost due to periodontal disease, dental implants are always a viable option for permanent tooth replacement.

Maintaining good oral hygiene and regularly visiting your dentist and periodontist can help prevent periodontal disease. Daily brushing and flossing can minimize plaque buildup, and when combined with professional hygiene services 2-4 times a year, they can keep your teeth healthy for life.

Contact our office if you notice any warning signs of periodontal disease:

  • Gums that bleed persistently or easily
  • Swollen, tender, red, or pus-filled gums
  • Teeth that appear excessively “long” or gums that are receding
  • Persistent bad breath or a lingering bad taste in the mouth
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • Changes in your bite (occlusion)

Occlusal/Bite Examination

We offer expert analysis of your occlusion, or bite. The way your teeth align when you bite can provide valuable insights into your dental and periodontal health, as well as indicate the condition of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Common bite issues include:

  • Underbites: Where the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw.
  • Spacing Problems: These can be cosmetic or orthodontic concerns.
  • Upper Front Teeth Protrusion: When the upper front teeth extend too far forward, leading to aesthetic and functional issues.
  • Crowding: Occurs when there is not enough space for teeth to emerge, a common orthodontic complaint.
  • Crossbite: Where the upper teeth sit inside the lower jaw, causing occlusal and jaw growth issues.
  • Overbite: When the upper teeth extend too far in front of the lower jaw.
  • Openbite: Where the upper and lower teeth do not overlap at the front of the mouth, significantly affecting chewing.
  • Mismatched Midlines: When the centers of the upper and lower jaws do not align, often due to misalignment in the bite of the back teeth.

Caries/Cavity Examination

 

Tooth decay is a progressive disease caused by the interaction between bacteria that naturally exist on the teeth and sugars found in our everyday diet. When sugar is consumed, it triggers a reaction in the bacteria, leading to the production of acids that erode the minerals in teeth, resulting in cavities. Dentists remove the decay and fill the affected tooth with various materials to restore it to a healthy state. Severe decay can lead to nerve damage, which may necessitate the use of a crown—a larger filling that covers and strengthens the tooth.

Preventing unnecessary decay requires strict adherence to a dental hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental check-ups, managing your diet, and utilizing fluoride treatments. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps avoid unhealthy teeth and costly treatments.

Sealants

The grooves and depressions on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are extremely challenging (if not impossible) to clean of bacteria and food particles. When bacteria interact with food, acids form that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Recent studies indicate that 88 percent of cavities in American school children result from this process.

Tooth sealants offer protection for these vulnerable areas by sealing the grooves and depressions, preventing bacteria and food particles from accumulating. The sealant material is a resin that is typically applied to the back teeth, including molars and premolars, as well as other areas prone to cavities. Sealants can last for several years but should be checked during regular dental appointments.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen teeth and makes them more resistant to decay. Regular consumption of fluoridated water, along with consistent brushing and flossing, significantly reduces the likelihood of cavities. Dentists can assess the fluoride levels in your primary drinking water source and recommend fluoride supplements—usually in the form of tablets or drops—if needed.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction Examination

The “temporomandibular joint,” commonly known as the “jaw joint,” is responsible for the basic opening and closing movements of the jaw. Unfortunately, this joint is a frequent source of recurring pain. The exact causes of TMJ disorders are not fully understood. While it is commonly believed that “popping” sounds in the jaw joint indicate TMJ dysfunction, this is not always the case; the jaw can function normally even if popping sounds occur while chewing or speaking.

We provide a TMJ exam that assesses the joint tissue in the jaw’s “hinge.” Potential issues may include swelling, deterioration, or damage to the joint tissue that cushions the jawbones during mouth movements. Common pain relievers and cold compresses can offer temporary relief for most TMJ cases. Disorders of the TMJ are also a frequent cause of recurring headaches and migraines.

For more severe TMJ cases, we may recommend alternative treatments. Often, this includes using a mouthguard to alleviate teeth grinding. In some instances, we may advise the use of orthodontic appliances or retainers to relieve discomfort or adjust the positioning of the TMJ joint. For the most serious cases, certain invasive procedures may be suggested. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, please contact our office for a TMJ evaluation.