At our office, we feel that a comprehensive initial exam is very important. Your first visit with us will last approximately one hour. This will allow us to listen to your concerns, and make sure that we meet the goals and expectations you have for your dental health. X-rays are typically updated at your new patient exam. We use digital x-rays (80% less radiation compared to traditional x-rays) and these aid the doctor in viewing any dental decay, infections, abscesses, cysts, tumors, malformed roots, the structure of the jaw, the position of any teeth that have not yet erupted, the condition of any existing dental restorations, and any other dental/jaw abnormalities.

Before starting the exam, Dr. Pendleton will review your medical/dental history. Please be sure to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health. It is important to note any hospitalizations or illnesses, as well as any current medications. Be sure to make us aware of any negative dental experiences you have had in the past, so that we can do our utmost to make your experience a pleasant one.

Dr. Pendleton will then perform a thorough exam, which includes a screening of your gums and other soft tissues, evaluation your temporomandibular (jaw) joints, oral cancer exam, and a detailed check of your teeth (which includes a laser to aid in early detection of cavities). The oral cancer screening involves looking for anything atypical on the gums, lips, hard/soft palate, tongue, and floor of the mouth.

Finally, we will take photos with our intra-oral camera, which will assist Dr. Pendleton in educating you on your dental health, and in developing the best treatment plan to meet your needs.

Dental Anxiety

It is important to us that our patients have a comfortable experience, and we have everything from warm blankets and pillows to nitrous oxide and CDs with headphones to make your time with us as relaxing as possible. If needed, medications to help you relax may be prescribed.

Consultation

After Dr. Pendleton has completed your comprehensive exam and reviewed your x-rays and any photographs, he may ask you to come in for a consultation visit to discuss your treatment plan in detail, and answer any questions you may have. Our front office staff can assist you with any financial questions and will be happy to help you schedule your appointments so that you may complete your treatment in a timely manner.

Preventive Care Appointments

Don’t brush off regular visits to the dentist! They are essential to maintaining good oral health, and we encourage checkups at least every six months. Seeing the dentist regularly is recommended because Dr. Pendleton can:

• check for problems that you might not see or feel
• find early signs of decay (we use a laser to aid in the early detection of cavities)
• treat oral health problems early, while they are still manageable

Preventive care appointments include a thorough cleaning, polishing, and an oral exam by Dr. Pendleton. During the oral exam, the doctor checks the health of your gums, teeth, tongue, and other soft tissues, including an oral cancer exam. In addition, old fillings and restorations will be checked, as constant pressure from chewing, grinding, and clenching can cause wear, cracks, and breakdown.

Digital Radiographs

Dental radiographs, or x-rays, are an important part of a thorough dental examination. A full set of x-rays (18) is usually required for patients who are new to a dental practice, and four follow-up or check-up x-rays called “bite-wings” are taken every 12 months. Our dental technology involving dental x-rays is digital x-rays. They offer the advantage of an 80 percent reduction in radiation, no need for film or processing chemicals (which is kinder to our environment), production of a nearly instantaneously image, and the ability to use color contrast in the image. They can also be enlarged to aid in patient education.

Dental x-rays are important for many reasons. They can expose hidden dental decay; reveal a dental abscess, cyst or tumor; show impacted or extra teeth; and also help determine the condition of fillings, crowns, bridges, and root canals. Dental x-rays can also reveal bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease, locate tartar buildup, find foreign bodies within the gum or bone, and see if there is enough bone for the placement of dental implants. These are just some of the many reasons why we rely on dental x-rays for comprehensive care at our office.