The caring staff at our Practice will make your experience as comfortable as possible. Our goal is to make your dental visits something you look forward to throughout the year.
Exams & Cleanings
Our office strives to prevent dental problems before they start. We recommend that patients come for regular hygiene visits and periodic examinations.
On your initial visit, Dr. Shore will do a thorough examination of all tissues inside and outside of the mouth. This should include a full set of x-rays, oral cancer screening, periodontal (gum) exam, and examination of the teeth and jaw joint (TMJ). Dr. Shore will diagnose any pathology and make recommendations about treating current dental problems, and preventing future ones.
Our Registered Dental Hygienists will perform your cleaning (prophylaxis). This will be done on a 3, 4 or 6 month basis depending on your individual needs. Every year, Dr. Shore will perform a periodic exam with x-rays to check for cavities and other dental problems.
In addition to the meticulous cleaning, polishing, and examination of your teeth, we also take the time to help our patients develop proper oral hygiene habits at home. We will evaluate your hygiene techniques and make adjustments to your routine, as needed. Dr. Shore and our Registered Dental Hygienists will also make suggestions for preventive measures such as dental sealants or fluoride therapy to prevent cavities, or night guards to protect against clenching and grinding of teeth.
Digital X-Rays
At your initial visit, and periodically over time, we will take x-rays of your jaw and teeth. This is necessary to get a solid understanding of your dental situation. Our office uses state-of-the-art digital x-rays. These machines are faster, more accurate and produce less radiation than traditional film x-ray equipment (70-80% less radiation). Digital x-rays also eliminate the need for film development chemicals, which translates to less of an impact on the environment. Another great benefit is development time with digital x-rays – there is none. They are available immediately for the doctor to review.
Oral Cancer Screenings
During your dental exam, Dr. Shore will check your neck and oral tissues for lumps, red or white patches, or recurring sore areas. Screening for early changes in the oral tissue can help detect cancer at a stage when it can be more successfully treated.
Smoking, especially combined with heavy alcohol consumption, is the primary risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, this combination is estimated to be the most likely trigger in about 75 percent of oral cancers diagnosed in this country. Other lifestyle and environmental factors may also increase your risk of developing oral cancer.