At the office of Contemporary Dentistry, we take a preventive-first approach to dental care. Regular oral exams are the foundation of that approach — they give our team a clear, current picture of your mouth and let us catch small problems before they become larger ones. During each visit we combine careful clinical inspection with modern diagnostic tools and patient education so you leave with both a plan and practical steps you can follow at home.
Your initial oral exam at our practice is designed to establish a baseline and set priorities for ongoing care. We'll begin by reviewing your medical and dental histories and by listening closely to any concerns you bring. Understanding your health background, medications, and oral-care habits helps us tailor the exam and any recommended follow-up to your specific needs.
The clinical portion of the appointment includes a systematic evaluation of your teeth, gums, and oral soft tissues, plus a look at your bite and jaw function. We assess for cavities, gum inflammation, signs of wear from clenching or grinding, and any unusual spots or lesions that warrant further attention. When appropriate, we also evaluate TMJ function and note how the teeth meet when you bite.
If diagnostic images are needed, we’ll recommend the appropriate x-rays and explain why they are useful for your case. After the exam and imaging, the dentist will review the findings with you, outline any recommended preventive measures or treatments, and answer your questions so you understand the reasoning behind each recommendation.
An oral exam does more than check for cavities — it often reveals signs of broader health issues. Changes in the mouth such as persistent dry mouth, unusual sores, swollen or bleeding gums, and chronic bad breath can be indicators of systemic conditions like diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or immune system changes. Our team is trained to recognize patterns that suggest a need for medical follow-up.
Research increasingly shows connections between oral inflammation and systemic health. While the relationship is complex, untreated gum disease has been associated with an elevated risk for certain cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Because of these links, we treat every exam as an opportunity to support your overall wellness, referring to medical providers when findings suggest a possible underlying condition.
We also screen every patient for oral cancer during routine exams. Early detection of suspicious lesions or tissue changes significantly improves treatment outcomes. If we identify a concern, we’ll document it, explain the next steps, and arrange closer monitoring or referral to a specialist as needed.
Regular checkups and professional cleanings are the best defense against the gradual buildup of plaque and tartar that leads to cavities and gum disease. Even with excellent home care, there are areas that are difficult to clean thoroughly; our hygienists use specialized tools and techniques to remove hardened deposits and polish the teeth so you maintain a healthy oral environment.
These visits are also an important learning moment. We demonstrate effective brushing and flossing techniques, recommend products or tools that fit your routine, and provide practical tips to help you manage risk factors such as diet, medications that cause dry mouth, or habits like tobacco use. Small changes at home can make a big difference in preventing future problems.
For children and teenagers, routine exams let us monitor growth and development so potential orthodontic needs can be identified early. Catching bite and alignment concerns sooner often simplifies treatment options later. For adults, consistent visits help us detect subtle changes in tooth structure and gum health so interventions can be minimally invasive and more predictable.
We typically recommend a schedule of routine visits tailored to each patient’s needs. Frequency depends on factors such as past disease history, risk for decay or periodontal disease, and overall health. During each recall, we compare findings to your prior records so trends are obvious and treatment decisions are based on objective information.
Visual inspection is an essential part of an exam, but many dental issues begin beneath the surface. X‑rays allow us to see between teeth, inside roots, and into the supporting bone so we can identify decay under restorations, early bone loss, infections, or developmental concerns that would otherwise be missed. When used judiciously, imaging significantly improves the accuracy of diagnosis and the safety of treatment planning.
Digital radiography has become the standard because it captures high‑quality images with lower radiation exposure than traditional film. Digital images are available instantly on-screen, which helps us explain findings to patients and use the images for precise treatment planning. They also integrate easily into your electronic records for long-term monitoring.
When a more detailed three‑dimensional view is necessary, cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides a 3D image of the teeth, jaws, and surrounding anatomy. CBCT is particularly helpful for complex diagnoses, surgical planning, and implant placement because it reveals spatial relationships that two‑dimensional films cannot.
Different types of x‑rays serve specific diagnostic purposes. A periapical radiograph focuses on a single tooth and its root, providing detailed information about root health and the surrounding bone. It’s the image of choice when we suspect a root infection, need to evaluate an abscess, or are assessing a tooth before restorative or endodontic work.
Bitewing films capture the crowns of upper and lower posterior teeth and are ideal for detecting early decay between teeth as well as monitoring the crestal bone height around back teeth. These images are commonly taken at routine checkups because they reveal cavities in areas that are hard to see clinically.
A full‑mouth series combines periapical and bitewing views to document the health of all teeth and the surrounding bone, typically used for comprehensive exams or when there has been a history of disease. Panoramic films give a broad overview of the entire dentition and jaws, which is useful for assessing tooth development, impacted teeth, and the general condition of the jawbone.
Cephalometric images provide a side profile of the facial skeleton and are valuable in orthodontic evaluation and treatment planning. When advanced three‑dimensional detail is needed for surgical planning or implant placement, CBCT is recommended because it shows bone volume, nerve positions, and sinus relationships in three dimensions for safer, more accurate care.
At Contemporary Dentistry, our approach to oral exams combines careful clinical observation with targeted imaging and patient-centered education. If you have questions about what to expect during an exam or which diagnostic tools are appropriate for your situation, please contact us for more information.
Yes. We always welcome new patients and their families for care. Feel free to give us a call or reach out to us online to schedule a first visit or for any additional information on our office. We look forward to hearing from you!
Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings help ensure your smile remains in tip-top condition and that any developing problems receive the prompt care they require. While it's a good idea to schedule a checkup and cleaning twice a year, longer or shorter intervals between routine visits depend on your specific needs.
We understand that life gets complicated and busy, and for various reasons, you haven't been able to get to the dentist for care. Don't worry; it's always a good time to get back in touch with the health of your smile.
At Contemporary Dentistry, we offer skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of dental needs. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning, restorations, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, or the replacement of missing teeth to get your smile back into shape, we provide precise, gentle, stress-free treatment to give you a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.
Give us a call today; we're happy to address all your questions and concerns about getting your smile back in tip-top condition.
For pregnant women, practicing good oral care and seeing the dentist to maintain a healthy smile is considered an important component of prenatal care. Researchers have found that pregnancy not only increases the risk of oral health problems, but these problems may also lead to pregnancy complications. At the office of Contemporary Dentistry, we provide the skilled and compassionate care required to help expectant mothers keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. While certain procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, we provide the necessary care and take all the necessary precautions required.
Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, teeth that have been affected by a range of imperfections or that have sustained damage from trauma or dental decay can be restored to produce a naturally beautiful looking and functional smile.
As skilled and experienced providers of care, our office can effectively improve and enhance the appearance of teeth that are stained, discolored, misshapen, chipped, fractured, gapped, crowded, or broken down due to dental decay. At the office of Contemporary Dentistry, we offer a comprehensive selection of the leading-edge cosmetic solutions from teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers, to prosthetic solutions and dental implants to rebuild complete and beautiful smiles.
Contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you create the smile you've always wanted.
If you're visiting Contemporary Dentistry for the first time, it is helpful that you contact your former dental office and have your records sent over to us. Make note of any problems you may have so that you can discuss them with your dentist.
To provide efficient service, we ask you to please bring your insurance card, an ID, plus any referral slips or diagnostic records given to you by another office. If you are taking medications, please note or make a list of what they are as you will need to provide that information.
Yes! We assure you that both you and your family will be in good hands at the office of Contemporary Dentistry.
We do our best to make sure every patient who steps into our office for care is put at ease. We provide precise and gentle care and our skilled, compassionate team strives to make every visit stress-free. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands and that we are doing all we can to ensure your comfort throughout every procedure. While we always take the time to explain every step in care, feel free to ask us any questions about local anesthesia and methods of dental sedation.
At the office of Contemporary Dentistry, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required. Our goal is to make dental care more affordable so that you can begin treatment without any additional stress or delay.
Keep in mind that with routine dental checkups and periodic care, we can help prevent dental disease while treating emerging problems early in their onset to avoid larger issues and more expensive care down the road.
Routine dental checkups and preventive care procedures may be covered under your dental insurance plan requiring little to no out-of-pocket expense. We invite you to check our financial information page or give us a call to find out if our office participates with your plan, and if you have any other questions about dental insurance, dental savings plans, forms of payment, or financing options. We welcome your inquiries and do our best to help you begin care without additional stress or delay.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Absolutely! Both flossing and brushing regularly are equally important to maintain your oral health. While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans in between them. Flossing is important to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause gums to recede and lead to periodontal disease.
Even if you have dentures, it is still necessary to see a dentist! Dental checkups help ensure that your dentures are comfortable, fitting properly, and that there are no other problems. Beyond assessing your dentures, our dentist will also perform a thorough examination of the jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues both inside the mouth, the face, and neck, to confirm that you remain in good oral health.
Emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need- but if you do, the office of Contemporary Dentistry is here for you!
Whether you're suffering from a chipped tooth, toothache, or any problem affecting your oral health, you can be sure to get the prompt attention and compassionate care you require at our office. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities, and we offer a comprehensive range of the most advanced services to address a broad spectrum of dental needs.
While the pain of a toothache is one of the more common reasons that patients come to our office for emergency dental care, we also promptly treat emergencies that are not necessarily painful like crowns that have been dislodged and broken dentures that leave embarrassing gaps in one's smile.
You can rest assured that your oral health is in the best of hands at our office. We'll quickly determine exactly what's wrong, explain your treatment options, and then provide the precise and gentle care you require to alleviate your discomfort and get you back on the path to oral health and wellness.
Your health and comfort are our top priorities. If your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as soon as possible for care.
At the office of Contemporary Dentistry, we welcome patients of all ages for care and offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help every member of your family maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you or a loved one needs a routine checkup and cleaning, fillings, same-day crowns, a cosmetic smile makeover, the replacement of missing teeth or require the services of a skilled and compassionate emergency dentist, you can rely on our office for the highest quality care.
For more information on our office and the many services we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.
An oral exam is a systematic evaluation of the teeth, gums, oral soft tissues, bite and jaw function that helps detect problems early and guide preventive care. Regular exams allow clinicians to identify cavities, gum inflammation, wear from clenching or grinding, and any unusual spots or lesions before they progress. By combining clinical inspection with targeted diagnostics, an exam creates a clear baseline for future comparison and long-term monitoring.
Early detection through routine exams reduces the need for extensive treatment and supports overall health by revealing issues that may relate to systemic conditions. Exams also provide an opportunity for patient education so you leave with practical steps to improve daily oral care. When findings require additional attention, the team will explain next steps and coordinate any necessary follow-up or referrals.
Your initial comprehensive exam begins with a review of medical and dental histories and a focused conversation about your concerns, medications and oral-care habits. The clinical portion includes a systematic check of each tooth, assessment of gum health, evaluation of soft tissues for lesions, and observation of how your teeth meet and how the jaw functions. The dentist will evaluate signs of wear, areas at risk for decay, and any indicators that suggest further diagnostics are needed.
If imaging is appropriate, we will explain which x-rays or scans are useful and why they help your case. After the exam and any imaging, the dentist will review findings, outline recommended preventive measures or treatments, and answer your questions so you understand the rationale behind each recommendation. This visit establishes a personalized plan and a baseline record for future visits at Contemporary Dentistry.
Frequency of exams is individualized based on factors like past disease history, risk for decay or periodontal disease, medications that affect oral health, and overall medical status. Patients with stable oral health commonly visit every six months, while those with active disease, high risk factors, or certain medical conditions may need more frequent monitoring. Your dental team will recommend a recall interval that supports preventive care and early detection.
At each recall appointment, clinicians compare current findings to prior records so changes are obvious and treatment decisions are based on objective trends. Adjusting the schedule over time helps keep management minimally invasive and improves predictability of outcomes. Open communication about changes in your health or habits also informs how often exams should occur.
The mouth often shows early indicators of systemic conditions; persistent dry mouth, unusual sores, swollen or bleeding gums, and chronic bad breath can signal issues such as diabetes, nutritional deficiencies or immune changes. Dentists are trained to recognize patterns in the oral tissues that suggest a need for medical follow-up and will document and communicate findings clearly. Identifying these signs early can prompt timely medical evaluation and coordination of care.
Research links oral inflammation with broader health concerns, so periodontal findings are taken seriously as part of whole‑body wellness. When exam results suggest potential systemic involvement, the dental team will recommend appropriate next steps, which may include medical referrals or closer intraoral monitoring. This integrated approach helps protect both oral and overall health.
Yes, every routine oral exam includes a screening for oral cancer by visually and manually inspecting the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, hard and soft palate, and throat tissues. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes, so clinicians document any suspicious lesions, note changes over time, and explain recommended monitoring or referral pathways. When warranted, adjunctive screening tools may be used to help identify tissue changes that require closer evaluation.
If an area of concern is identified, the team will provide clear documentation, photograph or chart the finding, and discuss follow-up options such as more frequent monitoring, biopsy, or referral to an oral medicine or ENT specialist. Patients are encouraged to report any persistent sores, lumps or persistent throat changes between visits so suspicious changes can be evaluated promptly. This vigilance is a key part of preventive oral health care.
Imaging complements visual inspection by revealing conditions that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as decay between teeth, root infections, and bone changes. Digital radiography produces high-quality images with lower radiation than traditional film and makes it easier to review findings with patients immediately on-screen. Images become part of your electronic record and support accurate treatment planning and long-term monitoring.
When more detailed three-dimensional information is required, cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides a 3D view of the teeth, jaws and surrounding anatomy. CBCT is especially useful for complex diagnoses, surgical planning and implant placement because it shows nerve positions, bone volume and spatial relationships that two-dimensional films cannot. Imaging choices are made judiciously and explained in context of diagnostic benefit.
Bitewing radiographs capture the crowns of upper and lower posterior teeth and are excellent for detecting early decay between teeth and monitoring crestal bone height. Periapical films focus on individual teeth and roots, helping evaluate root health, abscesses and the bone around a specific tooth. Panoramic films provide a broad overview of the entire dentition and jaws, useful for assessing development, impacted teeth and general jawbone condition.
Full‑mouth series combine periapical and bitewing views when comprehensive documentation is needed, while cephalometric images are valuable for orthodontic assessment and treatment planning. CBCT adds three-dimensional detail when surgical planning or implant placement requires precise spatial information. The dental team will recommend the minimal, most informative imaging for your situation and explain why each image is useful.
Routine cleanings and exams are complementary: cleanings remove plaque and hardened tartar that contribute to cavities and gum disease, while exams assess tissue health and identify areas that need attention. Hygienists use specialized instruments to remove deposits and polish teeth, then educate patients on effective home care techniques tailored to their needs. Removing irritants and improving at‑home habits reduces inflammation and slows disease progression.
During these visits the team will demonstrate brushing and flossing methods, recommend appropriate products, and suggest strategies to manage risk factors such as dry mouth or tobacco use. Consistent cleanings make it easier to detect subtle changes and keep treatments minimally invasive. For patients with periodontal disease, hygienists and dentists coordinate more frequent maintenance visits to stabilize oral health.
Exams for children and teens include all standard elements—teeth, gums, soft tissues and bite assessment—but also emphasize growth and development to identify emerging orthodontic needs. Monitoring tooth eruption, jaw growth and developing bite relationships allows early detection of problems that may be simpler to address if caught sooner. Pediatric exams also include anticipatory guidance on habits, diet, and oral hygiene tailored to a child’s stage of development.
For adults, exams often focus on preserving tooth structure, detecting wear from clenching or grinding, and managing periodontal health and restorative needs. Both age groups benefit from individualized recall schedules and preventive strategies; the dental team adjusts recommendations based on risk factors and clinical findings. Clear communication with parents and caregivers supports consistent home care and timely follow-up for younger patients.
You should contact the office promptly for symptoms such as persistent tooth pain, swelling, sudden or unexplained bleeding, a new or nonhealing sore, difficulty opening the jaw, or sudden changes in bite or sensation. These signs can indicate infection, injury, or other conditions that require timely evaluation to prevent complications. Clear documentation and early assessment help the team determine whether urgent treatment, monitoring or referral is needed.
If you notice changes to oral comfort or function between visits, the staff at Contemporary Dentistry can advise whether an emergency appointment is appropriate or if symptoms can be monitored until your next scheduled visit. Prompt communication ensures faster resolution and helps maintain both oral health and overall wellbeing.