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Oral Exams

At the office of Chadha & Co Dental, we take a preventive-first approach because most lasting oral problems are easier to manage when caught early. Regular oral exams are the foundation of good dental care — they inform personalized hygiene plans, guide timely interventions, and preserve function and appearance over the years. Our goal in every exam is to give you clear information, sensible recommendations, and the confidence to keep your smile healthy.

Understanding Your Comprehensive Oral Exam

A comprehensive oral exam is more than a quick look inside the mouth — it is a structured review of status, risk factors, and ongoing needs. We begin by updating your medical and dental history and listening to any concerns you bring. That context helps us interpret clinical findings and tailor recommendations to your overall health, medications, and lifestyle.

The clinical portion includes a visual inspection of teeth, gums, and soft tissues, along with an assessment of bite (occlusion) and jaw function. When indicated, we will take diagnostic images to evaluate areas that cannot be seen directly. The exam also includes screening for signs of oral cancer and an evaluation of periodontal (gum) health so that nothing important is missed.

After the exam we review our observations with you and outline sensible next steps. If treatment is recommended, we discuss the options, anticipated outcomes, and the sequence of care so you can make an informed decision. The emphasis is always on prevention and minimally invasive measures whenever possible.

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What Clinicians Check For During Your Examination

Clinicians follow a checklist to ensure a consistent, thorough assessment. We examine tooth surfaces for decay, inspect restorations for integrity, and look for cracks or wear that may signal clenching or grinding. Gum tissues are evaluated for pocketing, bleeding, and recession — early signs of periodontal disease that are best addressed promptly.

A careful oral cancer screening is a routine and essential component of the exam. This involves inspection and palpation of the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, hard and soft palate, and lymph nodes of the head and neck. Detecting unusual lesions or persistent sores early greatly improves the prospects for effective treatment.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function and jaw alignment are also assessed. Problems with the bite, abnormal jaw movement, or muscle tenderness can contribute to headaches, facial pain, and accelerated wear of teeth. Identifying these patterns during an exam allows us to recommend conservative therapies or referrals where appropriate.

Oral Health and Whole-Body Wellness

Oral health and systemic health are connected in multiple ways. Inflammation in the mouth can influence conditions elsewhere in the body, and some systemic diseases show early signs in oral tissues. Because of this interplay, an oral exam is an opportunity to note findings that may merit discussion with your medical provider.

Common systemic conditions that often have oral manifestations include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory conditions, and certain autoimmune disorders. For example, poorly controlled diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease, while some medications can reduce saliva flow and raise the risk of decay. Observations made during a dental exam can therefore be useful beyond the mouth.

Regular screenings help us detect subtle changes over time. Persistent dry mouth, unexplained ulcers, sudden tooth mobility, or rapidly worsening gum problems are signals that warrant attention. When needed, we coordinate care and communicate findings to ensure a well-rounded approach to your health.

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Why Professional Cleanings and Preventive Visits Matter

Home care is essential, but routine professional cleanings remove plaque and hardened deposits (calculus) from areas that are difficult to reach with brushing and flossing alone. These cleanings reduce inflammation and cavity risk while leaving the mouth feeling refreshed. Professionals can also polish away surface stains and provide treatment to strengthen enamel when appropriate.

For most patients, we recommend periodic preventive visits so we can monitor changes, reinforce effective homecare techniques, and intervene early when problems appear. The exact interval depends on individual risk factors such as gum health, history of decay, and certain medical conditions — we’ll recommend a cadence that fits your needs.

These visits are also educational. Our hygienists provide practical demonstrations of brushing and flossing, advise on products that match your situation, and discuss dietary factors that influence oral health. Preventive care is a partnership: small daily habits plus regular professional attention yield lasting results.

Children benefit from early, regular visits that establish healthy routines and allow us to monitor growth and development. We pay attention to how teeth erupt and jaws develop so we can recommend timely referrals for orthodontic evaluation when alignment or bite issues emerge.

How Modern Imaging Guides Diagnosis and Treatment

Imaging complements the visual exam by revealing structures below the surface. Digital radiographs help us detect decay between teeth, monitor bone levels around teeth, and assess root and bone health. Because digital sensors are highly sensitive, they provide excellent detail with minimal radiation exposure.

Common intraoral films include periapical images (focused on the entire tooth and root) and bitewing films (used to detect decay between teeth). A full-mouth series gives a comprehensive baseline, while panoramic images provide a broad overview of teeth and jaws. When complex planning or precise anatomical assessment is required, three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be used to visualize bone, nerve pathways, and sinus anatomy.

Digital imaging also improves communication and record keeping. Images can be immediately viewed on screen, enlarged for patient education, and stored in electronic records for comparison over time. This clarity supports accurate diagnoses and helps plan restorative, surgical, or orthodontic care with greater confidence.

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Routine oral exams are an essential investment in long-term health. By identifying issues early, customizing preventive strategies, and using modern diagnostic tools, we help patients maintain comfortable, functional, and attractive smiles. At Chadha & Co Dental, our team is committed to delivering thoughtful, evidence-based care that respects your time and supports your goals. Contact us to learn more about what to expect at your next oral exam and how we can help you protect your oral health.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are you accepting new patients?

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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!

How often do I need to get a dental checkup?

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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.

What if I haven't been to the dentist in a long time?

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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 Chadha & Co Dental, 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.

Should pregnant women get a dental checkup?

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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 Chadha & Co Dental, 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.

How can I improve the appearance of my smile?

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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 Chadha & Co Dental, 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.

How should I prepare for my dental appointment?

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If you're visiting Chadha & Co Dental 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.

Does Chadha & Co Dental treat patients of all ages?

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Yes! We assure you that both you and your family will be in good hands at the office of Chadha & Co Dental.

What if I'm anxious about seeing the dentist?

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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.

How much does dental treatment cost?

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At the office of Chadha & Co Dental, 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.

What if I have dental insurance?

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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.

What is the best method of replacing missing teeth?

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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.

Is flossing as important as brushing?

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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.

Do you still need to see a dentist if you have dentures?

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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.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

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Emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need- but if you do, the office of Chadha & Co Dental 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.

Why choose the office of Chadha & Co Dental?

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At the office of Chadha & Co Dental, 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.

What is a comprehensive oral exam and why is it important?

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A comprehensive oral exam is a thorough, head-to-neck evaluation that looks beyond a quick visual check to assess teeth, gums, soft tissues, bite and jaw function. It aims to identify early signs of decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer and functional problems so issues can be managed with less invasive care. By comparing findings over time, clinicians can detect subtle changes that might otherwise be missed.

At the office of Chadha & Co Dental we emphasize a prevention-first approach that uses the exam to inform personalized hygiene plans and follow-up intervals. The exam also provides an opportunity to discuss concerns, review medical history and coordinate care with other providers when systemic conditions may affect oral health. The overall goal is to preserve function, comfort and appearance through timely, evidence-based recommendations.

What happens during a typical oral exam?

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A typical oral exam begins with an update of your medical and dental history and a review of any symptoms or concerns you bring to the appointment. The clinician performs a visual inspection of teeth and restorations, evaluates gum tissues for pocketing or inflammation, checks soft tissues for lesions, and assesses bite and jaw movement. When indicated, diagnostic images such as bitewings or periapical radiographs are taken to evaluate areas that are not visible during the clinical inspection.

Examinations also routinely include an oral cancer screening that uses inspection and palpation of the lips, tongue, floor of mouth and lymph nodes to identify suspicious findings. Hygienists typically reinforce homecare techniques and may perform a professional cleaning when appropriate to reduce plaque and calculus. After the clinical portion, the clinician reviews observations and outlines sensible next steps tailored to your needs.

How do oral exams screen for oral cancer and other soft-tissue problems?

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Oral cancer screening is an essential component of a comprehensive exam and involves a careful inspection and palpation of oral tissues and surrounding lymph nodes. Clinicians look for persistent sores, white or red patches, lumps, or any tissue change that does not resolve over time, since early detection improves treatment options and outcomes. When an abnormality is found, additional evaluation, monitoring or referral to a specialist may be recommended.

Soft-tissue assessment also identifies noncancerous issues such as traumatic ulcers, infections or reactive lesions that may require different management. Documentation and photographic or radiographic records allow clinicians to track any changes across visits. Patients are encouraged to report any new or persistent symptoms between appointments so changes can be addressed promptly.

Why are digital X-rays and other imaging used during oral exams?

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Digital X-rays and advanced imaging complement the clinical exam by revealing structures below the surface, including decay between teeth, bone levels around teeth and the condition of roots and supporting bone. These images provide detailed diagnostic information with lower radiation exposure than traditional film and can be viewed immediately for patient education. For comprehensive planning or complex cases, three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) may be used to visualize bone anatomy, nerve pathways and sinus relationships.

Imaging also creates a baseline for comparison over time, helping clinicians detect progressive changes and evaluate treatment outcomes. Digital records simplify communication and coordination when referrals or multidisciplinary care are needed. Imaging choices are made judiciously and tailored to each patient’s history, symptoms and risk factors.

How often should adults and children have oral exams?

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The ideal frequency for oral exams depends on individual risk factors such as gum health, history of decay, medical conditions and lifestyle habits that affect oral health. Many patients benefit from exams and professional cleanings every six months, while others with increased risk or active disease may need more frequent monitoring. Children often require regular visits at developmental milestones to monitor eruption patterns and jaw growth.

Clinicians determine a personalized recall interval after assessing your oral status and risk profile, and they will explain the reasons for the recommended cadence. Regular screening allows the team to catch problems early, reinforce preventive habits and adjust care plans as health needs change over time. Consistent follow-up is a key element in maintaining long-term oral health.

How do oral exams relate to overall systemic health?

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Oral tissues can reflect systemic conditions and, conversely, chronic oral inflammation can influence health elsewhere in the body. Common examples include the association between poorly controlled diabetes and increased risk of gum disease, or certain medications that cause dry mouth and raise cavity risk. Clinicians take medical history and current medications into account so oral findings are interpreted in the context of overall health.

When an oral exam reveals signs that may indicate a broader health issue, the dental team may recommend communication with your medical provider or suggest additional testing. Coordinated care helps address underlying contributors to oral disease and supports a comprehensive approach to wellness. Patients should always inform the dental team about changes in medical status or new medications between visits.

What specific checks are performed to evaluate gum health during an exam?

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Periodontal assessment during an oral exam includes measuring pocket depths around each tooth, checking for bleeding on probing, evaluating gum recession and assessing overall tissue tone and attachment levels. These measures indicate whether gums are healthy, inflamed or showing signs of periodontal disease that require treatment. The clinician also examines the presence and distribution of plaque and calculus, which contribute to gum inflammation and bone loss over time.

Based on these findings, the team may recommend preventive steps, deeper cleaning procedures, or a maintenance schedule tailored to periodontal status. Monitoring changes over serial visits helps determine whether therapy is effective or if more advanced interventions are necessary. Good homecare combined with professional maintenance is essential to preserve gum and bone health.

How are bite problems, TMJ function and tooth wear assessed during an oral exam?

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Assessment of bite and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function includes observing how teeth come together, listening for joint sounds, evaluating jaw mobility and palpating muscles for tenderness. Clinicians look for wear facets, cracks or fractures that may indicate grinding or clenching, and they assess whether bite relationships are contributing to muscle pain, headaches or uneven tooth wear. A focused history about habits, stress and sleep-related breathing issues also informs the evaluation.

If functional problems are identified, conservative management options such as occlusal adjustments, night guards, physical therapy or referral to a specialist may be discussed. The objective is to reduce symptoms and prevent further damage while preserving natural tooth structure. Longitudinal records help track the effectiveness of any interventions recommended.

How should I prepare for my oral exam and what medical history is important to share?

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Preparation for an oral exam is straightforward: arrive with an up-to-date list of medications, any recent medical diagnoses or changes in health, and information about dental symptoms or concerns you would like addressed. Let the team know about allergies, pregnancy status, recent surgeries or any conditions that may affect dental care. Sharing tobacco or alcohol use, homecare routines and any history of periodontal disease helps the clinician assess risk more accurately.

Bring questions about homecare, cosmetic goals or prior dental work so the visit is productive and focused on your priorities. If you have imaging or records from another provider that are relevant, bringing them or arranging electronic transfer can improve continuity of care. Clear communication supports safer, more personalized recommendations during and after the exam.

What happens after the exam and how are treatment recommendations communicated?

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After the exam the clinician reviews findings with you, explains the rationale behind any recommended therapies and outlines a sequence of care when treatment is indicated. Recommendations emphasize prevention and minimally invasive options whenever possible, and the team discusses anticipated outcomes, necessary follow-up and steps patients can take at home to support oral health. Imaging and clinical records are used to illustrate findings and help you make informed decisions.

If coordination with medical providers or specialists is appropriate, the dental team will facilitate referrals and share relevant documentation to ensure integrated care. Patients receive clear instructions for any prescribed treatments and a follow-up plan to monitor progress. If you have questions after leaving the office, the practice staff can provide clarification and schedule necessary appointments.

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Get in Touch with Chadha & Co Dental Today

Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?

Contacting Chadha & Co Dental is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.