Your perfect smile starts here—thorough, tailored assessments for a personalized path to beauty.
A comprehensive exam is typically the first step in establishing a solid foundation for ongoing dental care. It involves a thorough assessment of the patient’s oral health and general well-being. This process can take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case.
Medical History Review:
Dr. Castellanos will begin by reviewing the patient’s medical history, including any chronic conditions, current medications, allergies or past surgeries. She will ask questions to check for potential risk factors related to oral health, such as heart disease, diabetes or pregnancy. This information is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment planning.
Extraoral Examination:
Dr. Castellanos will perform a check that involves examining the head, neck and surrounding tissues. She will observe the lymph nodes for any swelling or tenderness, which may indicate infection or other underlying health concerns. The face, jaw and neck muscles will be manually examined to detect signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, pain or misalignment. Dr. Castellanos will also evaluate the symmetry of the face and any potential facial asymmetries that might indicate underlying issues.
Intraoral Examination:
Next, Dr. Castellanos will move on to the intraoral exam, carefully inspecting the inside of the mouth. She will examine the soft tissue (gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth) for signs of abnormalities, such as ulcers, lesions or signs of oral cancer (e.g., discoloration, lumps or sores that do not heal). Teeth are checked for decay, wear, fractures or misalignment. Any fillings, crowns or previous dental work will be assessed for integrity. The dentist will also assess the bite and look for signs of misalignment or problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), such as clicking or pain.
Periodontal Exam:
The gum health will be evaluated using a periodontal probe to measure the pocket depths around each tooth. Dr. Castellanos will check for signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), such as bleeding, redness or swelling of the gums. Plaque and tartar build-up will also be assessed.
X-Rays (if needed):
Dr. Castellanos may order X-rays to get a deeper look at the bone structure, root health, and any areas that are not visible during a visual exam, such as cavities between teeth or bone loss.
Treatment Plan:
Based on the findings, Dr. Castellanos will outline a personalized treatment plan for you, which may include restorative work, orthodontic treatment or recommendations for improving oral hygiene. Preventative measures like fluoride treatments, sealants, and oral cancer screenings might also be discussed.
