Your first visit with Dr. Blau and our registered dental hygienist, Heather Raderman, R.D.H., will be chiefly diagnostic. At this appointment, all areas of your mouth will be evaluated, as follows:
- X-ray examination (radiography)
- Cosmetic evaluation
- Periodontal evaluation
- Oral cancer screening
- Caries (decay) detection
- Evaluation of previous restorations for soundness and aesthetic appearance
- Full mouth camera examination with AcuCam®
This appointment will include dental prophylaxis with the hygienist:
- Removal of calculus (tartar) and plaque
- Dental polishing
- Fluoride treatment for children
The hygienist will also provide preventive oral hygiene instruction regarding:
- Proper cleaning of teeth, gums and tongue
- Frequency of dental checkups and visits to the hygienist
- Limiting of stain-causing foods
- Dietary guidelines
X-Ray Examination (Radiography)
Dental X-rays give valuable information about hidden problems:
- Decay not visible in ordinary inspection
- Abscesses beneath crowns
- Periodontal disease (bone loss)
- Cancerous or non-cancerous tumors
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Abnormalities within a tooth or below the gum line
- Developmental abnormalities
X-rays are taken according to an individual’s dental needs and are based upon a review of your medical and dental history, examination results, age and symptoms. The general guidelines are as follows:
Full mouth set: every 2 to 4 years
Bitewing set: every year
Panorex (panoramic X-rays): every 3 to 5 years
Universal precautions are taken to ensure that X-rays are safe. A lead shield protects the patient’s body, and fast film minimizes exposure time. Radiation resulting from a full mouth series of X-rays is no greater than the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources, including the sun.
If your previous dentist is able to provide a suitable series of X-rays taken recently, my office will be glad to call and make arrangements to have them copied.
