Diagnostic Services
Comprehensive Exams
No matter how vigilant one's oral care regime, the irrepressible development of plaque, and the porous nature of teeth makes them prone to decay.
To slow the excessive development of plaque that can result in gum and tooth loss, routine professional dental cleaning is recommended for all individuals.
Yet, a professional dental cleaning is only part of the equation when it comes to our overall health.
In fact, the mouth is often considered a window to the rest of the body because many other illnesses first represent themselves as changes within the mouth. As a result, a comprehensive oral dental exam is recommended each time you visit a new practice to serve as a benchmark of your overall health.
A comprehensive exam is also recommended if you have had a substantial change in your health history since your last regular visit, or if you have not been to your regular dentist in more than three years.
During your examination Dr. Mann will perform a visual examination, as well as a more detailed dental examination utilizing digital x-rays and take photos using an intra-oral camera to detect:
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New cavities
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Weaknesses in existing crowns, fillings, and bridgework
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Gum or bone recession
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Teeth deterioration due to abnormal bite, bruxism, or TMJ
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Velscope tissue screening
Dr. Mann will also perform a visual and digital examination of lymph nodes throughout the face and neck, looking for any abnormalities, pain, or flexibility within the nodes that could be markers for disease. In addition, our office utilizes Velscope Vx technology, which uses natural tissue fluorescence to discover abnormalities in the oral mucosa. The Velscope is an extremely effective aid for discovering and defining the extent of a wide range of mucosal abnormalities, including oral cancer. The Velscope provides visual information that cannot be acquired in any other way. The Velscope helps discover problems that may not be apparent to the naked eye. According to the SEER database:
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When found early, oral cancer’s five-year survival rate is 80-85%
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When found in late stages, oral cancer’s five-year survival rate is only 30%
Likewise, a similar examination of your lips, gums, tongue, and other internal mouth surfaces will be conducted. Again, this is to seek out any signs of illness or disease.
Since the comprehensive dental exam is designed to set a baseline of your health and to catch any early signs of serious illness that may be otherwise undetected, Dr. Mann and her team of professionals will be on the lookout for the following illnesses which can be detected during a comprehensive oral evaluation:
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Diabetes
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Leukemia
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Blood pressure
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Cardiovascular problems
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Oral cancer
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Immune abnormalities
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Sjogren’s Syndrome
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Sinus problems
A comprehensive oral evaluation is a valuable part of your preventative health maintenance plan, and Dr. Mann and your hygienist are great allies in keeping an eye out for undiagnosed illnesses.
