What to Expect at a Comprehensive Dental Exam
It is recommended that everyone should visit a dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and dental check-ups. In order to take the first step towards maintaining healthy teeth and gums, you can schedule a new patient dental examination at Dentistry at Golden Ridge in Golden, Colorado. Our experienced dentists, Dr. Jamie Richard and our team, will ensure you feel comfortable and welcome. If you are searching for a new dental care provider, we would be happy to assist you.
A new patient’s dental examination at our office will take about two hours. The first hour of your appointment will be spent with our dental assistants and one of our dentists, followed by an hour with our dental hygienist for your oral hygiene visit. If you don’t have gum disease, we will clean your teeth the same day.
Here is what you can expect at your first exam:
- Evaluation: One of our doctors will visually examine your mouth using an intraoral camera. This small camera magnifies objects up to 30 times their actual size. The instrument allows them to see areas of your mouth that are difficult to observe, including the teeth at the back of your mouth and the backs of your front teeth.
- In-depth examination: The team will take photographs and x-rays to give the doctor an overview of what’s happening inside your teeth and gums.
- Cleaning: If our hygienist diagnoses gum disease, this will be discussed, and we will educate you on the best ways to treat this condition. However, if the condition of your gums is healthy, our dental hygienist will clean your teeth on your first visit. Using an ultrasonic scaler, the hygienist will clean the surfaces of your teeth. This device vibrates to loosen tartar and plaque, allowing the hygienist to remove them. Then, any debris from the process will be washed away with mouthwash or water. Once your mouth is clean, the hygienist will polish your teeth.
- Screening for oral cancer: Besides cleaning and a routine exam, the team will conduct an oral cancer screening.
Additionally, Dr. Richard will review your dental goals with you.
The Importance of Routine Dental Care
In some cases, oral health issues lurk beneath the surface of your teeth and gums without producing any symptoms. For example, you may not know you have a cavity without a comprehensive dental exam, and cavities can go undetected for months without symptoms. Equally important, gum disease will often present with no symptoms.
Brushing and flossing at home is essential to a healthy oral care routine. However, tartar can’t be removed with brushing, so a dental cleaning is required to take care of it. Fillings must also be checked periodically because they can loosen over time without a patient knowing it.
Core Values
Every treatment at Dentistry at Golden Ridge is guided by our core values of Excellence in professional service, continued Growth in expertise, a commitment to our patients’ overall Wellness, and a Balance between modern innovations and traditional patient-centered care.
New Patient Dental Exam Golden Colorado
When you’re ready to take your oral care to the next level, the team at Dentistry at Golden Ridge is here to serve you. Call us today at (303) 395-3333 to schedule your new patient’s dental exam.
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