Comprehensive Dental Exams in Newtown, PA
A foundation for greater health, beautifully planned and patiently delivered.
Comprehensive Dental Exams Versus Periodic Checkups
Three Types of Dental Exams
A Broader Lens
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. Bob designs a plan for greater aesthetics, he also considers greater health.
A Focused Visit
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 dental care only forms what is lovingly referred to as a mish-mash, patchwork of dental care. The results are not effective in the long term.
Your General Cleaning
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. Our Periodic Exam includes a complete head, neck, and Oral Cancer Screening at every visit.
Periodontal Charting Is a Roadmap
Our hygienists take a full Periodontal Charting at every visit. Many patients tell us they've never had this done before, let alone at every cleaning. The chart is like a roadmap. It shows the hygienist exactly where the problem areas are. Patients sit with us, see the chart, and we walk through the numbers. As we go around your mouth, you'll hear different numbers. Usually, ones, twos, and threes are okay. When we start hearing higher numbers — or when we call out a bleeding point — you'll know what's going on. A good goal is to stay below 10 bleeding points. Even better is none.
What's the difference between a Comprehensive Exam and a regular checkup?
Three types of Dental Examinations are common — a Comprehensive Exam, a Limited Exam, and a Periodic Exam. A Comprehensive Exam is a full baseline assessment. A Periodic Exam (your regular six-month check-up) updates and monitors that baseline. A Limited Exam focuses on a specific urgent need only. We initiate a new patient journey with a Comprehensive Exam. Lifelong urgent-care-only visits create a mish-mash, patchwork of dental work — and that doesn't lead to long-term health.
How much does a Comprehensive Dental Exam cost in Newtown, PA?
The cost depends on whether you've had recent diagnostic films. As much as possible, we aim to utilize what's already available. When diagnostic films aren't available, we'll discuss the anticipated fee with you before moving forward. Even though we are not contracted with insurance carriers, most PPO plans offer benefits toward your care — though frequency limitations set by insurance (things outside of our control) can affect coverage. We're transparent with our fees so you always know what to expect before any treatment is scheduled.
How long does the appointment take?
We reserve a minimum of 90 minutes for your initial Comprehensive Exam. That includes time for Dr. Bob to review your medical and dental history, perform the hands-on exam, take any needed diagnostics, and walk you through the findings together. We don't rush. If you have questions or want something explained twice, we have the time.
How often should I come back for a checkup?
Dental Health Visits are best done every six months at a minimum. Six months is the average time span between check-ups, but depending on your dental health Dr. Bob may increase or decrease that. If your teeth and gums are in very healthy condition, your overall health is good and stable, and your home care shows there is no significant plaque build-up, the doctor may agree to one annual check-up. High-risk patients — those with gum disease, bone loss, heavy plaque buildup, low immunity, smokers, or pregnant women — may need to increase to three or four visits a year.
Comprehensive Dental Exams in Newtown, PA
➔ Healthy mouth baseline: teeth, gums, jawbone, jaw joint, airway, occlusion
➔ Doctor time dedicated to listening, not just looking
➔ Periodontal Charting at every visit — like a roadmap
➔ Oral Cancer Screening included at every Periodic Exam
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept new patients?
Yes. We welcome new patients of every age — we care for patients from 2 to 102. Once your appointment is reserved, your commitment to your health is reserved alongside it.I haven't been to the dentist in years. Will I be judged?
Never. Many of our most loyal patients started exactly where you are. The more regularly you come, the easier and less expensive it stays. If you've been waiting until something hurts, you're just perpetuating the problem and the fear. Our hygienists are excellent here. People who come in with a history of issues often end up with no cavities for 10 or 15 years. That's where we want you.What should I bring to my first appointment?
Your completed registration forms (we send a secure link after scheduling), a list of current medications, your insurance information if applicable, and any prior dental records or X-rays you can access. If you've had a full series of films within the past 3 years, we'll try to obtain them so we can minimize duplication.Do you take my insurance?
We are not contracted with any insurance carrier, but we accept assignment of benefits and file claims as a courtesy. Approximately 98% of the time, your PPO benefit can be applied toward your care.
The Mouth-Body Connection —
Lantzy DMD Blog
Dementia prevention. Sleep apnea. Why your child's behavior might be a breathing problem. Dr. Bob writes about the things most dentists don't, because he believes patients deserve to understand what's really going on.
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