Step 1:
Initial Examination

We feel that a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination is vital to our understanding of your teeth, associated structures and overall oral health. This exam is integral to our ability to provide you with the best dental care.



Please come prepared

1. Fill out medical and dental history forms, available through download, mail (by request) or at our office.

2. We will assist you in obtaining your records from your previous dentist.

During an approximately one-hour New Patient examination, we:

1. Review medical and dental information

2. Assess oral health issues - eg pain, broken fillings, aesthetics

3. Clarify your personal concerns and desires

4. Perform an oral cancer, head and neck exam

5. Examine soft tissues

6. Evaluate teeth, checking for decay, fractures, wear, looseness, and other issues

7. Evaluate periodontal (gum) tissues

• measure gum crevices for hidden gum disease
• assess the quantity and quality of gums - gum recession, inflammation
• assess the looseness of teeth

8. Evaluate your chewing (masticatory) system including

• jaw joints (TMJ's) for clicking, grating or inflammation
• jaw movements
• jaw muscles for tension or tenderness
• test TMJ disc with load test

9. Evaluate your bite

• check if your teeth touch equally
• check how teeth meet when jaw moves
• assess for signs of occlusal (bite) disease

10. Take radiographs (X-ray pictures), including

• new radiographs to assess for decay and other potential
• problems
• assessing radiographs from previous office

11. Take digital photographs and use them as

• a visual record and diagnostic aid
• a means to address aesthetic concerns
• a patient education tool

12. Diagnostic Casts (Impressions)

• may be taken and mounted on a jaw simulator to assess the bite
• jaw movement or aesthetics

13. Perform additional diagnostic tests as necessary