Comprehensive Dental Exams in Newtown, PA
Comprehensive Dental Exams vs Periodic Checkups
Comprehensive Dental Exams are the foundation for a future of greater health. The concept is simple. When you look at something with a broader lens, you have a greater chance of making a plan that is pleasing to look at and provides long-term health.
In the lens scope are your teeth, gums, jawbone, jaw joint, airway, occlusion, oral manifestations, and medical history. When Dr. Lantzy designs a plan for greater aesthetics, he also considers greater health.
The treatment plan may be simple or complex. For complex cases, a phased approach is discussed.
The result of a comprehensive exam forms a baseline. We enjoy helping our patients, and they enjoy seeing where they started and how far they’ve come along their journey of health.
Three types of dental examinations are common to most dental practices….a Comprehensive, a Limited, and a Periodic Exam.
A Limited exam focuses on care for a specific and emergent need only.
Emergencies come up and when they do, we will absolutely see you through your urgent need. Once your urgency is smoothed over, it is likely that we will encourage a comprehensive exam. We have witnessed patients whose lifelong experience of urgent care dental only, forms what is lovingly referred to as a mish-mash, patchwork of dental care. The results are not effective in the long term for dental or overall greater health.
Periodic Exams are commonly referred to as the “Regular Dental Check-ups”. They are an integral part of your Dental Health Visit which also incorporates a type of cleaning to maintain your health. Periodic exams regularly update changes to your medical health. In addition, our periodic exam includes a complete head, neck, and oral cancer screening at every visit. It includes a progress check on gum and tooth health. On an annual basis, we generally update radiographic images, though an individual’s health is considered in what is recommended. The diagnostic images will be read as a part of the periodic examination.
Here are some important facts about what to expect at your Comprehensive New Patient Exam:
- We will send you registration forms in advance. This is so that you have time to think and offer complete information as this improves our ability to help you.
- If you have had a full series of films taken within the past 3 years, we will try to obtain them so we can minimize duplication of another complete series.
- When it’s time to arrive, you will be welcomed to our Office. The Mouth-Body Concept will be introduced.
- Dr. Lantzy will review the information you provided. After any additional diagnostics that are needed to reveal any dental problems that are not easily visible, the doctor will perform a hands-on examination to evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums.
- With your permission, he will go over the results with you. Together, you will decide the next steps if any are needed.
- If there are multiple dental procedures needed, a treatment plan will be created for you and a blueprint for health will be created.
One of the foundational items to start you on your way to greater health is care from our hygienist. The particular type of cleaning will be dictated by the health of your gums and bone support. When you visit with our hygienist, a discussion will take place to find out your homecare routines. We know that what you do on a daily basis makes a profound effect overall. This is why we spend valuable time coaching and sharing tips and tools to help you with your particular needs.
During the subsequent Dental Health Visits (check-ups), a check of progress will take place. This monitoring provides feedback and suggests where further improvements are needed. Our care that day will cover your needs; further coaching with instructions will help to guide you in your daily dental care routine at home.
How often should you go to the dentist?
Dental Health Visits (check-ups) are best done every six months at a minimum. Six months is the average time span between two check-ups, but depending on your dental health Dr. Lantzy may increase or decrease the number of annual check-ups. For example, if your teeth and gums are in very healthy condition, your overall health is good and stable, and your homecare shows there is no significant plaque build-up in-between visits the dentist may agree to one annual check-up.
On the other hand, high-risk patients may need to increase the number of dental maintenance visits to three or even four. People who fall in this category are:
- Patients who suffer from gum diseases
- Patients with abnormal plaque and tartar build-up
- Persons with low immunity to infections
- Patients who smoke or chew tobacco
- Patients with comorbidities like diabetes
- Pregnant women
Visit Robert Lantzy DMD, LLC for wellness visits that save yourself from the pain of infections and other serious problems. If you would like to schedule an appointment for your dental check-up in Newtown, call our office today!
