Comprehensive Exams in Mercer Island, WA
Keep your teeth and gums healthy with a checkup at Islander Dental Arts.
When was the last time you visited a dentist for a full dental exam? If it’s been too long, but you’re afraid or embarrassed for whatever reason, then it’s time to rethink the importance of your oral health and the impact it has on your overall health. Undetected dental issues can turn into serious health problems that can end up costing more time, money, and stress.
Dental visits are far from scary at Islander Dental Arts. Our team makes sure you’re comfortable from the moment you walk into our office, where we’ll gently clean and examine your teeth, mouth, and gums.
Regular dental exams can help prevent:
Your overall health depends on your oral health, which is why exams and oral cancer screenings at the dentist are such a big deal.
A happy, healthy smile starts with well-maintained teeth and gums. In addition to taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing at home, we recommend a dental exam every six months.
A comprehensive exam with Islander Dental Arts in Mercer Island, WA is a stress-free process:
- Step 1
If it’s your first time visiting our office, schedule a comprehensive dental exam appointment, and feel free to ask any specific questions you have over the phone. We are a premier provider with Delta Dental and can bill other insurance companies as long as you can see any dentist you would like.
- Step 2
We’ll safely complete digital X-rays if needed, take photos, scan your teeth, and take gum measurements. Once complete, the dentist will review the images, examine your teeth, gums, and bite, and conduct an oral cancer screening by gently checking under the jaw, inside the lips, along the tongue and cheeks, and the floor and roof of the mouth.
- Step 3
After your exam, your teeth will be professionally cleaned. If your needs are not too complex, Dr. Novak may complete your cleaning that same day. Otherwise, we’ll schedule a dedicated visit with one of our hygienists. During your cleaning, we remove buildup from around and between the teeth and carefully floss. You’re always welcome to ask questions and receive personalized tips for maintaining your oral health at home.
Once your dental exam is complete, the dentist will provide tips for maintaining oral health or recommended steps to prevent and treat issues such as cavities, gum disease, or cosmetic issues.
Sit back and relax; we’re a judgment-free zone and are here to answer any questions that you may have. Prevention and early detection are crucial to maintaining a beautiful and healthy smile.
- What does a comprehensive exam include?
A comprehensive exam consists of examining your mouth, including the teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, and neck. The dentist begins by reviewing your health history and performing a thorough evaluation, which includes digital X-rays (if needed), photos, a scan of your teeth, and gum measurements. After the exam is complete, your teeth and gums are professionally cleaned. Our goal is to make sure you’re staying healthy and maintaining your oral health long-term.
Besides making sure you’re brushing and flossing correctly, our dentist checks for existing tooth decay issues, gum disease, potential bone loss in the teeth, and jaw and bite alignment. If you have any cavities or crowns, we check to make sure they don’t need to be fixed or replaced.
Our dentist in Mercer Island, WA, also performs an oral cancer screening at each exam because early detection is vital to your long-term health.
The dental exam is a pain-free process, and preventive health care can stop problems before they arise or worsen. After the exam, we’ll discuss anything of concern and the next steps. Feel free to ask any questions about your teeth and gums; we’re here to help.
- How long do comprehensive exams take?
New patient appointments are scheduled for two hours for our dentist to thoroughly clean your teeth and check your teeth and gums’ health. Each patient is different, so the exact time it takes to complete an exam varies from patient to patient.
- Does a comprehensive exam hurt?
Comprehensive exam do not hurt. Our team at Islander Dental Arts in Mercer Island, WA, is here to make you feel comfortable from start to finish.
If you have dental anxiety and are afraid of going to the dentist, please let us know, and we’ll take extra steps to ease your dental fear and stress. Maybe you haven’t been to the dentist in a long time, but please don’t worry about starting your visits up again. We don’t judge anyone and are happy to help you maintain a healthy smile (even if that means you’re a little late with your visit).
- What do dentists do on a first visit?
On your first visit, our dentist completes a comprehensive dental exam that includes checking your teeth and gums, reviewing any necessary X-rays, evaluating your bite, and performing an oral cancer screening.
This initial visit allows us to understand your oral health, discuss any concerns you may have, and recommend next steps tailored to your needs.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions during your first exam. If there’s anything on your mind regarding your oral health, please let us know—we’re here to help.
- Is it bad not to go to the dentist?
Yes, it’s bad to avoid the dentist.
Your oral health affects your overall health, so it’s important to schedule regular dentist visits. Neglecting to see a dentist for an exam puts you at risk for tooth and gum disease, including cavities and gingivitis. Undetected tooth and gum damage may be irreversible and may end up costing you more to fix in the long run.
Dentists also complete cancer screenings of the mouth. By doing so, cancer can be detected early, which is vital to successful treatment. Additionally, problems in the mouth can affect other parts of your body. A few examples of related diseases include heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Even if you no longer have natural teeth, it’s important to see a dentist who can check for other dental issues in your mouth. A healthy mouth is important for a healthy, happy body.
Stay healthy by scheduling a dental exam with Islander Dental Arts in Mercer Island, WA.
Meet your Mercer Island dentist who cares for the whole you, with compassion and transparency.
