Visiting Your Boise Dentist For A Comprehensive New Patient Exam

A comprehensive dental exam is essential for identifying any potential issues that may or may not present any symptoms. At Summit Dental Group, we perform a comprehensive dental exam for every new patient. This allows us to identify any issues that can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life.

Why You Need A Comprehensive Dental Exam

It’s very important to get a comprehensive dental exam during your first appointment with any new dentist. It’s also a good idea to get this exam if you haven’t visited a dentist in three or more years. This allows your Boise dentist to gain a better understanding of your dental health and come up with any necessary treatment plans.

What You Can Expect

Unlike a regular dental exam, a comprehensive exam will include several steps, designed to identify any specific potential issues. These include:

• Digital X-Rays: Your Boise dentist will perform a comprehensive dental X-ray to check for cavities, decay, tumors, cysts, bone loss, and other potential issues. An X-ray will also allow us to map out tooth and root positions so we can monitor any changes over time. With the visual reference an X-ray provides, we can better explain any conditions and treatment options to our patients.
• Gum Disease Screening: During a comprehensive dental exam, a hygienist at Summit Dental will inspect your gums and the bone around your teeth for any signs of gum disease. This is done using a periodontal probe, which is a small measuring tool that can determine pocket depth.
• Oral Cancer Screening: Unfortunately, oral cancer can go undetected for years before any obvious signs or symptoms arise. That’s why early detection is essential to promoting a positive outcome. With this in mind, your Boise dentist will inspect the tissues in your mouth for any lumps, lesions or discolorations that could signal oral cancer. This screening will include your mouth, gums, tongue, lips, and neck.
• Oral Exam: During an oral exam, your Boise dentist will inspect your teeth for any areas of decay while assessing the condition of your current restorations like fillings, bridges, crowns, and implants. If we find any potential issues, we will make recommendations on how to best correct the problem.

Preventative Care That Matters

Whether you’ve been skipping your regular dentist appointments, or you’re new to the Treasure Valley area, Summit Dental is your best choice for a comprehensive dental examination. Our Boise dentists can help you save money and maintain your overall health by identifying any oral health issues before they become severe. Take control of your dental health today by contacting us at (208) 314-2275 to schedule an appointment.