Comprehensive Exams

Ready to make your smile shine? At Kirkwood Family Dental, we're your dedicated partners in dental wellness. We kick off every new relationship with an in-depth getting-to-know-you exam, because great dental care starts with understanding what makes your smile one-of-a-kind.

What to Expect During Your Exam

During your first visit to our practice, we can introduce you to our team, including our dentists, Dr. Allison Winkler and Dr. Akshay Vij. We serve patients of all ages, from children to grandparents, in our relaxed and comfortable office. We provide an intraoral and extraoral examination, evaluating your teeth, gums, tongue, and all the surrounding oral tissues, muscles and joints. This exam also includes a full series of digital radiographs as well as photographs that help in diagnosing gum disease, cavities, or any other abnormalities. Digital radiographs allow for accurate diagnoses while limiting radiation exposure. We may also take a scan of your mouth to create a digital model that is very helpful in visualizing the teeth in 3 dimensions and for educating our patients.

Your First Defense Against Big Dental Problems

Your regular dental exams are where we give your teeth and gums a thorough evaluation to ensure whole mouth health. Preventative dentistry is all about catching small issues before they become bigger problems. Plus, it's your chance to chat with us about any concerns – because nothing beats the confidence of knowing your teeth are in tip-top shape!

Your Visit: What Really Happens?

Here at Kirkwood Family Dental, we've turned dental visits into a science of smiles! First up, we'll take a close look at your unique dental landscape with ultra-modern digital X-rays (don't worry – they're super low radiation.). We'll check everything from cavity risks to oral cancer screening, leaving no tooth unturned. We may take photos to help educate our patients and help create an ideal treatment plan. Our dentists will perform a full exam, discuss any conditions seen, and review any recommendations.

Will I Get a Cleaning on My First Visit?

Before diving into a cleaning, we'll check the health of your teeth and gums to determine the type of cleaning that's best for you. This careful approach ensures you get exactly the care you need – whether that's a regular cleaning or a more specialized treatment. Often patients will receive a cleaning with one of our hygienists following the initial exam.

Comprehensive Exam: FAQs

  • Your first comprehensive exam typically takes approximately 1 hour, giving us plenty of time to get to know your smile.

  • Your exam includes digital X-rays, oral cancer screening, gum health evaluation, cavity check, and a thorough review of your oral health history and concerns.

  • Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care, including routine exams and cleanings. We'll help you understand your coverage before your appointment.

  • Not at all! Digital X-rays are quick, comfortable, and use minimal radiation. They're an essential tool for spotting potential issues before they become problems.

  • No judgment here! We're just glad you're taking this step now. We'll take extra time to ensure you're comfortable and create a personalized plan to get your oral health back on track.

  • Many dental issues develop silently beneath the surface. X-rays help us catch problems early, saving you time, money, and discomfort down the road.

  • We understand! Let us know about your concerns, and we'll take extra steps to ensure your comfort. We can discuss various comfort options and take breaks whenever you need.