Comprehensive Dental Exam in Tupelo, MS

Maintaining good dental health is an essential component of enjoying a healthy lifestyle. To keep your family's smiles healthy, it is essential to schedule annual dental examinations with a team that puts your comfort and care first. Dental examinations at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry evaluate your total oral health by checking for signs of oral cancer, gum diseases, and tooth decay. Experienced general dentists, doctors Richard Caron or John Kenney, will also determine your need for any dental treatments and check your bite and jaw for hidden or obvious concerns. At our modern dental practice, we proudly utilize the latest in comfortable patient care and diagnostic techniques to comprehensively evaluate your oral health needs and smile concerns, from digital x-rays to advanced bite analysis. If you live in or near Tupelo, MS, schedule a dental examination for your family with doctors Caron or Kenney today.

Oral cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the mouth, including the jawbone, gums, lips, throat, salivary glands, hard and soft palates, cheeks, and tongue. Every exam at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry includes a screening for oral cancer to check for any signs or symptoms of abnormal, precancerous, or cancerous concerns, including sores, irregularities, lumps, and lesions. Doctors Caron and Kenney will also palpate the neck and face for abnormalities. Should any areas of concern be discovered, a biopsy can be performed or you may be referred to a specialist for further care.

During your dental examination visits (and prior to some dental procedures), you may be surprised to learn that we routinely take your blood pressure as part of our comprehensive approach. Routine blood pressure screenings have helped us identify many cases of undiagnosed or uncontrolled hypertension among our patients. Taking blood pressure readings is part of our overall approach toward helping our patients enjoy a healthy lifestyle that extends well beyond their smiles.

Doctors Caron and Kenney use state-of-the-art technology to perform a comprehensive bite analysis and equilibration. Through this advanced diagnostic service, we can gain a clear understanding of how your upper and lower teeth fit together and identify conditions of the mouth that may be contributing to bite concerns. A proper bite analysis may include a combination of digital x-rays, a clinical exam, and 3D scans, which our team will use to study your bite and make appropriate recommendations for stabilizing the oral function and correcting any conditions. 

At Tupelo Smiles, we are proud to use the latest in dental technology to offer a faster, more accurate, and more comfortable approach to diagnosing oral conditions. Some of our advanced technology includes:

Digital X-rays: Digital x-rays produce low radiation (up to 90 percent less than traditional films) and generate highly detailed diagnostic images. We take x-rays to detect cavities, bone loss, cysts and tumors, abscessed teeth, and other problems involving the teeth and jaw.

Intraoral Camera: Shaped like a pen, our high-tech intraoral camera enables us to take real-time pictures of areas in the mouth that may be hard to see. These images give you a better idea of your treatment needs and allow us to increase the accuracy of our dental procedures.

3D Imaging: Advanced 3D imaging technology enables us to visualize the structures of the face, jaw, and mouth in a three-dimensional view. 3D images help improve accuracy and may be used in routine procedures or for more complex surgeries, such as dental implant placement.

3D Impressions: Using our iTero intraoral scanner, we can take quick, comfortable impressions of the teeth and gums without the need for messy impression materials. These digital images are then uploaded into your patient chart and can be used in a wide range of procedures, from crowns and implants to Invisalign.

Tupelo, MS residents of every age should have a comprehensive dental exam at least once each year. Many common problems, like periodontal disease (the biggest cause of tooth loss) and early tooth decay, may present with symptoms that are difficult for you to notice on your own. When oral problems are caught early, you may have a wider range of treatment options and less need for more expensive, involved care.

The ADA (American Dental Association) suggests that all children visit a dentist before their first birthday. Doctors Caron and Kenney can help with common childhood issues, including teething, baby bottle tooth decay, and the use of pacifiers. Our team at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can teach you how to care and clean your child's teeth so that they develop healthy habits early and establish a foundation that will also serve them throughout their life. Dental examinations are also vital for children as they grow and as their mouths and jaws develop.

Before starting your exam, doctors Caron or Kenney will go over any health concerns you have, review your medical and dental histories, and list any prescriptions and supplements you are taking. Our well-trained team will then take your blood pressure, digital x-rays, and real-time images of your mouth with our intraoral camera. If needed, 3D impressions with our iTero scanner will also be captured. Once we get you situated comfortably in one of our dental chairs, your exam will begin with an oral cancer screening and assessment of other oral checkpoints. doctors Caron or Kenney will then perform a thorough screening for gum disease and other periodontal problems and evaluate your neck, head, and jaw, including your bite and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). Any restorations you have, like bridges, crowns, or implants, will be thoroughly evaluated to check the wear and fit. When your exam is complete, we will sit you up and review your x-rays and images with you, pointing out any areas of concern and discussing recommended treatment options.

If you have treatment needs, our team will review your personalized plan with you and answer any questions that you have. Our team can also help you find appointment times that work best for your family's schedule. When time permits, we may be able to move forward with your dental cleaning the same day as your dental exam. Doctors Caron and Kenney recommend that you schedule dental exams at least once per year, which can often be combined with your biannual dental cleaning visits.

What is the difference between a routine dental exam and a comprehensive exam?
A routine dental exam, often done semi-annually, is a regular check-up to assess oral health, while a comprehensive exam is a more in-depth examination. At our Tupelo, MS office, It often includes x-rays, an oral cancer screening, a bite analysis, and a thorough evaluation of your oral and medical history.

How can I prepare for a dental exam?
Before a dental exam, it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene: brush twice daily, floss daily, and avoid eating or drinking anything other than water for an hour before your appointment. Also, be ready to share any recent health issues, changes in your oral health, or any anxiety you might have about dental visits.

Why does the dentist need to know about my medical history?
Your overall health can directly impact your oral health. Certain medical conditions, medications, and habits can increase your risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems. Furthermore, some dental procedures may need to be adjusted based on your health conditions.

Attaining oral health means more than just visiting the dentist when something goes wrong. Being proactive with preventive care is also essential to enjoying a happy, healthy smile over the long term. Scheduling comprehensive dental exams with doctors Caron or Kenney annually can help you keep your oral health in top shape by catching any concerns in the early stages. Give your family a healthy start with the latest in advanced diagnostic care by reserving your visit today at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry.