Dental Exams in Richardson, TX

When it comes to your oral health, you should try to avoid dental problems and get them diagnosed and treated before they develop into larger conditions. Some patients put off regular dental visits for reasons of financial concern or the time required for the visit. Postponing or neglecting needed dental care can actually result in more expense or time required if you wait until a small problem becomes a big painful one. When our Richardson dentists detect a problem very early, you have the luxury of having it treated when it’s convenient for your schedule and budget, often before any pain starts. These problems can be identified during a bi-annual dental exam for yourself and your whole family. Dental examinations at Smile Blvd Dental assess your general and oral health by checking for tooth decay, diseases, signs of oral cancer, and ways to restore normal function and beautify your smile. Board-certified dentists at our Richardson office will determine your need for treatment, assess your options, and discuss with you the treatment approach that best meets your dental health goals. In addition to oral cancer screening, there are three different types of dental exams available.

Oral cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the mouth, including the lips, gums, jawbone, salivary glands, tongue, and throat. Each dental exam at Smile Blvd Dental will include a screening for oral cancer to check for any symptoms including inflammation, sores, lesions, and lumps. Our Richardson dentists will also feel your throat and jaw for abnormal growths. Should any areas of concern be discovered, you may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation.

This exam is for patients new to our practice or patients who have not had an exam in three years or more. This thorough exam allows our Richardson dentist to assess the health of your teeth, gums, oral soft tissue, and the supporting bone structure. The comprehensive oral exam includes checking and recording blood pressure, intra-oral photos of your teeth and surrounding tissue, charting of existing restorations (fillings, crowns, implants, etc.) and missing teeth, oral pathology (such as cavities or periodontal disease), oral cancer screening, and TMJ evaluation. When problems are diagnosed early, your chances of recovery are higher and you may have more treatment options. A full mouth series of radiographs (x-rays) are typically taken at this appointment to check for problems with your teeth and bones and are not included in the exam fee.

This is the exam performed each time you return for a routine checkup and cleaning with our hygienists. They will review your medical history and record any changes, check and record your blood pressure, review the health of your gums, and survey for changes in tooth health such as broken teeth or cavities. Our Richardson dentists will perform the cancer screening, TMJ evaluation, review intra-oral photos and bitewing x-rays, and diagnose needed treatment. They will then discuss anything discovered and your treatment options.

This exam focuses on a specific problem and is usually performed during an emergency visit. Smile Blvd Dental makes every effort to accommodate patients with dental emergencies. Sometimes this limited exam follows a surgical procedure that requires post-surgical evaluation. If our Richardson dentists do find anything that needs to be addressed, procedures can be reviewed and planned.

The ADA (American Dental Association) suggests that all children visit a dentist before they turn one. Our Richardson dentists can talk about common issues including teething, baby bottle tooth decay, and the use of pacifiers. Our team at Smile Blvd Dental can help you understand ways to clean and care for your baby’s oral health so they develop good habits early in life. Dental examinations are also important for older children as their teeth, gums, and jaw develop.

Having a healthy mouth means you can’t go to the dentist only when something is wrong. Preventive care is vital. This may save your teeth, plus a lot of money. We suggest visiting Smile Blvd Dental twice a year for a dental exam. This can help you minimize issues by catching and treating them in the early stages. Our Richardson dentist does his best to make dental exams a pleasant experience for you and your family so staying healthy is easier. Contact our team in Richardson, TX to schedule your appointment.

Since dental exams are vital to your oral health, it’s typically covered by insurance. We can work with your dental insurance company to determine your coverage and any personal expenses. If you don’t have insurance, Smile Blvd Dental takes several payment methods, including dental financing. Our staff is happy to work with you to help you afford good dental health.