COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS
MILWAUKEE, WI

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS
MILWAUKEE, WI

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS

Good oral health creates the best smile! At Kraklow Quality Dentistry, we perform a comprehensive examination at your initial visit in our office. Our goal is to determine your immediate dental needs as well as plan for your future dental care.

At your comprehensive exam, the doctor will:

  • A full mouth series of x-rays will be taken by Dr’s assistant
  • Discuss your dental and overall health since your last dental exam
  • The doctor will review your radiographs, checking for decay, cracks, and chips
  • Evaluate your bite and jaw
  • Examine and chart existing restorations
  • Screen for gum disease and periodontal disease
  • Conduct TMJ examination
  • Screen for oral cancer
  • Discuss with you any cosmetic concerns you may have as well

All the above information will be gathered and a personalized treatment plan will be developed and discussed with you. We want to partner with you in your oral health and help you maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime!

Bad Breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is certainly unpleasant and can be embarrassing. If you’re using mouthwashes and breath fresheners, but nothing seems to help, there are other factors that could be contributing to or causing this condition:

  • Food particles/bacteria in the teeth or gums
  • Gum disease/plaque
  • Dehydration/dry mouth
  • Tobacco/gum irritants
  • Illness/disease
  • Certain Medications

Bad breath that persists despite good home care routine, is not easily self-diagnosed. We can help determine the source of your bad breath, provide treatment plans to eliminate the condition and give you the confidence to be up close and personal!

Oral Cancer Screening
Oran Cancer is said to be one the deadliest because it often goes undetected until it is in the latter stages. That is another reason why regular dental examinations are so critical. If caught and treated early, oral cancer has a very low morbidity rate. With roughly 30,000 new cases being diagnosed each year, your dentist is your first line of detection and defense against this disease.

Oral cancer can affect the lips, cheek lining, gums, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, and also move back toward the throat.

Always report to the hygienist if you discover any of these possible signs:

  • Sores that bleed easily or do not heal
  • Lumps or spots that are thick or hard
  • Persistently rough or crusted areas
  • Numbness, pain or tenderness that may be new or persisting

During your regular dental exam, we will ask if you notice problems chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving any part of your mouth or tongue. Kraklow Quality Dentistry routinely screens for oral cancer as part of every comprehensive dental exam or cleaning. In addition to the visual exam, Kraklow Quality Dentistry offers a more in-depth screening process that can detect oral cancer in its infancy.

Prophylaxis
More commonly known as a "cleaning", a prophylaxis is most often performed by a dental hygienist, however, dentists are fully trained to perform preventative cleanings as well.

A prophylaxis procedure includes measuring the level of plaque build-up and using a special tool to measure “pocket-depth”, meaning how closely are the gums attached to the teeth. As plaque builds up, it wedges its way between the gum tissue and your teeth forming a “pocket”. Your hygienist will be removing the plaque and tartar buildup as well as polishing your teeth to remove any staining. Polishing also smoothes your teeth and removes rough spots that might attract bacteria.

Your dental hygienist is able to reach and clean areas of the tooth surface, sometimes even below the gum line that you are not able to reach at home even with the best home care routine. This is why we recommend undergoing prophylaxis every six months.

If you’re concerned you could have gum disease or just want to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible, speak to your dentist about prophylaxis treatment.

Sealants
Dental sealants are a great tool for preventing cavities in hard-to-reach areas and on teeth that have deep crevices. They are typically recommended for children between ages 6 and 14, but patients of virtually all ages can benefit from their application. Dental sealants are made from specially designed dental resin or plastic. They are carefully applied in liquid form onto the back teeth in a thin layer. The sealant then quickly hardens and bonds directly onto the tooth, sometimes with the aid of a curing light. Sealants can remain effective for as long as a decade, but they still should be checked for wear during every dental check-up.

SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

Contact us at Kraklow Quality Dentistry to learn more about our comprehensive exams. We are committed to providing all our patients with quality, gentle care. We look forward to caring for the needs of each member of your family.