Reasons for Initial Oral Examination

Here at Confident Smiles, we always welcome new patients. At your first visit, we will start out with a thorough examination and radiographs so that we can evaluate your overall dental health. This also allows Dr. Dogra to take a look at anything that is bothering you, such as tooth pain, bleeding gums, loose or broken teeth, and also inspect any existing fillings, crowns, bridges, or veneers.

Initial Oral Examination procedure

At this initial oral exam, we will begin by having you fill out some paperwork so we can get a better sense of what brings you in and what kind of dental care you’ve been receiving. We’ll also ask you to provide your dental insurance if you have it, so we can ensure you’re getting the most out of your coverage. If you have questions about what insurances we accept, or what offers we have for cash patients, please don’t hesitate to call us.
After completing your paperwork, you’ll be taken back for radiographs (x-rays). We will take both bitewing and panoramic views which allows us to see any hidden decay or problems with the roots or bone structure.
Please let a member of our staff know if you are pregnant, so we ensure you are appropriately shielded during your radiographs. The American Dental Association (ADA) and the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (ACOG) both agree dental radiographs are safe while pregnant with proper coverage; however, you also have the option of waiting to have radiographs completed until after you’ve given birth.

Once we’ve completed your radiographs, you’ll be taken to a treatment room where one of our hygienists will clean your teeth in preparation for your exam. Teeth cleaning is relatively quick and involves scaling accumulated plaque from your teeth and around your gum line. This is typically painless, although if you have a considerable amount of plaque buildup, you may experience very mild discomfort. At Confident Smiles, we strive to make this process as pleasant as possible, so please let your hygienist know if you’re uncomfortable. After scaling the teeth, your hygienist will then use a rotary brush and a special kind of toothpaste to polish your teeth, giving you a gleaming smile.

Afterward, Dr. Dogra will inspect your teeth and measure your tooth pockets to ensure you aren’t developing gingivitis or other conditions like periodontal disease. While he examines your teeth and gums, he will be looking for signs of decay, inflammation, bleeding, infection, and oral cancer. If during his exam anything is uncomfortable, please let the doctor know. This will help him diagnose any potential problems.

If Dr. Dogra finds anything during his exam that needs further attention, he will let you know right away. Once the exam is complete, we will go over your options and schedule any additional appointments that are needed. We always let you know what all of your choices are so that you leave feeling well-informed and confident in the care you received. Our goal is to give you a beautiful, healthy smile as quickly and painlessly as possible.
In addition to initial exams, we offer professional cleanings, fillings, root canals, and much more. We also do cosmetic dental procedures, including whitening, implants, bridges, and more to give you a healthy and happy smile! Please take a look at our Services page for a complete list of all we offer to our dental patients.

It is our goal to make you proud of your smile! We will do everything that we can to help you achieve that.