There is no average mouth. Every person is unique and it is important for us to get to know you before we prescribe any specific treatments or services. When you visit us for the first time, we will conduct a comprehensive and very comfortable dental exam to get a good idea of where you are today.
Before your first visit, please fill out the forms below:
Your first visit exam includes:
Radiographic Exam
Radiographs are vital to diagnose the health of tooth structure. Decay and abnormalities that cannot be detected by a clinical exam are readily seen through a series of x-rays. We take x-rays of all teeth and both upper and lower jaws. Gillespie Dentistry offers the latest in radiographic technology in the form of a 3D conebeam scan. Lesions and problems that are difficult to detect by standard 2D x-ray images are easily seen in this 3D replica of the jaws. Read more about 3D Conebeam benefits and technology!
Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer can be prevented if diagnosed early. Every visit will include a detailed screening to ensure no signs of oral cancer are detected.
Head and Neck Exam
We examine all areas surrounding your mouth that can contribute to your dental health. Muscles of the head and neck, salivary glands, and lymph nodes all effect proper function of the oral cavity.
Functional Occlusion Exam
During this exam, we note the skeletal position of your jaw and evaluate the alignment of your teeth their function together.
Soft Tissue Exam
Your mouth is more than just your teeth. Your cheeks, tongue, soft palate and surrounding soft tissue all contribute to your dental health and we will screen for any signs of abnormalities.
Airway Exam
The shape of your palate, and the size of your tonsils and tongue greatly contribute to your ability to breathe comfortably during the day and night. Evaluation of these structures will help us determine the cause of any snoring and or sleep apnea issues.
Tooth by Tooth Exam
To keep every tooth in your mouth healthy, we must understand its current health. We value the integrity of each tooth above all else. Evaluation of all current fillings and crowns is necessary. We strongly encourage prevention of problems before they start through remineralization, minimally invasive procedures, and conservative treatment plans.
Smile Design
A smile is a funny thing. Each person has a unique perfect smile. It should look natural and match the twinkle in your eye. We can assist you to keep or change as much as you would like to achieve your perfect smile.
Initial Cleaning and Periodontal (gum) Exam
The periodontium (gums and surrounding bone) provide the basis for healthy teeth. We closely examine the health of the tissue around each tooth and determine the maintenance interval that is specific to you to keep your gums in optimal health. We will also provide you with a thorough cleaning. Due to the length of your initial visit, we often schedule this portion on a following visit.
5 – 10 Year Plan
Once we are finished (about 1 hour for your first visit, 2 hours if the cleaning is included), together we will discuss all of our findings. We want to understand your personal dental goals, from healthy gums and teeth to cosmetic concerns. We will often request a time to sit down and determine what is most important to both of us and devise a unique treatment plan that spans 5 to 10 years.