Dental Exam in Whittier

A Comprehensive oral exam is performed during your first visit to our dental clinic. It involves examining the head, neck and mouth. It is for new patients or those that have not had one in recent years. A series of digital x-rays and intraoral photos will be taken of your teeth for the dentist to evaluate your teeth, gum, and oral health. The dentist will look at your teeth in the mouth and on the x-rays to check for any cavities (caries), infections at the roots, signs of bone loss due to gum disease and signs of bruxism (grinding/clenching teeth). The dentist also looks at the jaw joints and alignment of the teeth to determine if the joints work properly and whether you need orthodontic treatment (Invisalign, braces). Oral cancer screening is done to detect any signs of cancers on the tongue or the floor of the mouth. Following the evaluation, the dentist will show you areas of concern on the X-rays and intraoral photos.

Based on the evidence seen on the digital x-rays, intraoral photos and intraoral examination, the dentist will diagnose and provide you with treatment recommendations that will address the conditions of your teeth, existing restorations (such as old fillings and old crowns), gum and oral health to help bring your oral health back to an optimum level. The dentist will provide you with the pros vs. cons of each dental procedure starting with the most ideal treatment option to the least ideal treatment option. At this time, the dentist will answer any questions and concerns that you may have. A treatment coordinator will review with you the treatment plan, insurance benefits and finance options available to you, so we can help bring back your healthy smile. Dental procedures on the treatment plan do not have to be done all at once. Treatments can be done in phases starting with the most urgent concerns to the least urgent concerns.