Comprehensive Dental Exam
The dental examination is a diagnostic evaluation of a patient’s overall oral health and hygiene. During a dental examination, Dr. Ricco or your hygienist may…
- check for signs of decay or periodontal disease
- ask about any medications
- x-ray using low radiation digital imaging
- evaluate occlusion (bite)
- evaluate jaw
- discuss proper cleaning
- remove stains or debris
- take a dental impression
Dr. Ricco or your hygienist may also perform an oral cancer exam. We use the latest technology to detect changes in oral tissue consistencies and/or lesions. A specialized light is shined into the mouth to detect unhealthy tissue. Healthy tissue looks lighter under the light, while spots of bad tissue appear dark. With early detection, cancer may be caught before it has time to spread, potentially saving lives.
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning, also known as an oral prophylaxis, removes dental plaque and tartar (calculus) from the teeth. Specialized instruments are used to gently remove these deposits without harming the teeth. First, an ultrasonic device that emits vibrations and is cooled by water is used to loosen larger pieces of tartar. Next, hand tools manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned of tartar and plaque, the teeth are polished.
