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oral-exams

Oral Exams in Freehold

At the office of Elegant Dental Arts, we take a forward-looking approach to oral health that emphasizes prevention, early detection, and clear communication. Regular oral exams are the foundation of that approach: they give your dental team the information needed to preserve healthy teeth and gums, identify emerging problems while they're still simple to treat, and tailor recommendations around your lifestyle and goals. Each visit is an opportunity to update medical history, evaluate current oral function, and plan care that helps you maintain a confident, comfortable smile.

What to Expect During Your Comprehensive Evaluation

Your initial oral exam is a thorough fact-finding visit designed to establish a baseline for your long-term care. We begin by reviewing your medical and dental history, noting medications, past treatments, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. This context helps us interpret what we see during the clinical exam and guides decisions about diagnostic imaging and preventive steps.

The hands-on exam covers the teeth, gums, and soft tissues as well as bite alignment and the function of the temporomandibular joint. We look for signs of decay, gum inflammation, abnormal wear, oral lesions, and other indicators that can point to dental disease or to systemic health concerns. If bruxism (teeth grinding) or bite problems are present, we evaluate their effects and discuss practical management strategies.

When indicated, diagnostic images help us see beneath the surface—between teeth and into the supporting bone. Following the exam and any necessary imaging, your dental provider will explain findings in plain language, outline reasonable next steps, and answer your questions so you can make informed choices about care.

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How Oral Health and Whole-Body Health Intersect

The mouth is not isolated from the rest of the body; it can reflect and influence overall health. During an oral exam we screen for conditions that affect oral tissues as well as signs that may warrant a medical evaluation. For example, persistent gum disease, unusual oral lesions, or chronic dry mouth can be clues to broader health issues that benefit from coordinated care with your physician.

Researchers continue to study links between oral inflammation and systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes management, and respiratory health. While these relationships can be complex, routine dental exams and consistent oral hygiene reduce the bacterial burden in the mouth and support general wellness. Our team treats oral exam findings seriously and communicates any concerns that could affect your overall health.

Oral cancer screening is an essential component of every exam. We carefully inspect the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, and surrounding soft tissues for unusual patches, sores, or masses. Early detection of suspicious findings increases treatment options and improves outcomes, which is why timely, professional evaluation matters.

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Why Routine Examinations and Professional Cleanings Work Together

At-home oral hygiene is the cornerstone of dental health, but even meticulous brushing and flossing can miss plaque and calculus in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleanings remove mineralized deposits and hard-to-reach biofilm, lowering the risk of cavities and periodontal disease. During cleaning visits, hygienists also quantify gum pocket depths and monitor for changes over time so early treatment can be offered when necessary.

Regular checkups give your provider the chance to detect small problems—like early decay or gingival irritation—before they become more complex. Treatment plans developed from routine exams focus on preservation and minimally invasive care whenever possible, and they prioritize preventing future problems through improved home care and targeted preventive therapies.

Children and adolescents benefit from consistent, age-appropriate exams that support healthy development. We evaluate eruption patterns, jaw growth, and the need for any orthodontic assessment. For adults, regular visits help maintain restorative work, monitor wear patterns, and address functional concerns that can affect chewing, speech, and comfort.

Beyond the Surface: The Role of Dental Imaging in Diagnosis

Many dental conditions begin beneath the enamel or within the supporting bone, where visual inspection alone cannot reach. Dental imaging provides a reliable window into these deeper structures. X-rays and other imaging tools reveal the presence and extent of decay, bone loss, root pathology, impacted teeth, and other issues that guide diagnosis and treatment planning.

Modern dental imaging is largely digital, producing clear images quickly with reduced radiation compared to older film techniques. Digital radiography enables immediate review, side-by-side comparisons over time, and efficient storage within your electronic record. These advantages help your clinician track progression, collaborate with specialists when needed, and explain findings to you with visual clarity.

When more detailed three-dimensional information is necessary, Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) can be used to map tooth positions, jawbone anatomy, and surrounding structures. CBCT is a powerful tool for complex diagnoses and for planning surgical procedures such as implant placement, offering precise anatomic detail that improves safety and outcomes.

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Common Imaging Options and When Each Is Used

Different imaging formats serve different diagnostic purposes. Bitewing images are typically taken to check for decay between the back teeth and to assess changes in bone height. Periapical films focus on individual teeth and the surrounding root structure, making them useful when root infection or pathology is suspected. A full-mouth series combines multiple views to provide a comprehensive snapshot of all teeth and supporting bone.

Panoramic radiographs (panorex) create a broad two-dimensional view of the entire upper and lower jaws, which is helpful for evaluating impacted teeth, overall jaw structure, and developmental issues. Cephalometric images—primarily used in orthodontic assessment—show facial and jaw relationships from a profile perspective and help with growth and treatment planning.

For cases that demand three-dimensional detail, CBCT scans produce high-resolution 3D images that assist with implant planning, evaluation of complex pathology, and precise measurement of bone volume. Your dentist will recommend the level of imaging that balances diagnostic benefit with appropriate radiation stewardship and clinical necessity.

Oral exams are the first line of defense for a healthy mouth and often reveal opportunities to prevent small problems from becoming larger ones. Our team focuses on clear explanations, evidence-based screening, and individualized plans that respect your health goals. If you'd like to learn more about oral exams or schedule an appointment at the office of Elegant Dental Arts, please contact us for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you accepting new patients?

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Yes. We always welcome new patients and their families for care. Feel free to give us a call or reach out to us online to schedule a first visit or for any additional information on our office. We look forward to hearing from you!

How often do I need to get a dental checkup?

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Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings help ensure your smile remains in tip-top condition and that any developing problems receive the prompt care they require. While it's a good idea to schedule a checkup and cleaning twice a year, longer or shorter intervals between routine visits depend on your specific needs.

What if I haven't been to the dentist in a long time?

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We understand that life gets complicated and busy, and for various reasons, you haven't been able to get to the dentist for care. Don't worry; it's always a good time to get back in touch with the health of your smile.

At Elegant Dental Arts, we offer skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of dental needs. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning, restorations, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, or the replacement of missing teeth to get your smile back into shape, we provide precise, gentle, stress-free treatment to give you a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.

Give us a call today; we're happy to address all your questions and concerns about getting your smile back in tip-top condition.

Should pregnant women get a dental checkup?

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For pregnant women practicing good oral care and seeing the dentist to maintain a healthy smile is considered an important component of prenatal care. Researchers have found that pregnancy not only increases the risk of oral health problems, but these problems may also lead to pregnancy complications. At the office of Elegant Dental Arts, we provide the skilled and compassionate care required to help expectant mothers keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. While certain procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, we provide the necessary care and take all the necessary precautions required.

How can I improve the appearance of my smile?

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Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, teeth that have been affected by a range of imperfections or that have sustained damage from trauma or dental decay can be restored to produce a naturally beautiful looking and functional smile.

As skilled and experienced providers of care, our office can effectively improve and enhance the appearance of teeth that are stained, discolored, misshapen, chipped, fractured, gapped, crowded, or broken down due to dental decay. At the office of Elegant Dental Arts, we offer a comprehensive selection of the leading-edge cosmetic solutions from teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers, to prosthetic solutions and dental implants to rebuild complete and beautiful smiles.

Contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you create the smile you've always wanted.

How should I prepare for my dental appointment?

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If you're visiting Elegant Dental Arts for the first time, it is helpful that you contact your former dental office and have your records sent over to us. Make note of any problems you may have so that you can discuss them with your dentist.

To provide efficient service, we ask you to please bring your insurance card, an ID, plus any referral slips or diagnostic records given to you by another office. If you are taking medications, please note or make a list of what they are as you will need to provide that information.

Does Elegant Dental Arts treat patients of all ages?

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Yes! We assure you that both you and your family will be in good hands at the office of Elegant Dental Arts.

What if I'm anxious about seeing the dentist?

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We do our best to make sure every patient who steps into our office for care is put at ease. We provide precise and gentle care and our skilled, compassionate team strives to make every visit stress-free. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands and that we are doing all we can to ensure your comfort throughout every procedure. While we always take the time to explain every step in care, feel free to ask us any questions about local anesthesia and methods of dental sedation.

How much does dental treatment cost?

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At the office of Elegant Dental Arts, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required. Our goal is to make dental care more affordable so that you can begin treatment without any additional stress or delay.

Keep in mind that with routine dental checkups and periodic care, we can help prevent dental disease while treating emerging problems early in their onset to avoid larger issues and more expensive care down the road.

What if I have dental insurance?

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Routine dental checkups and preventive care procedures may be covered under your dental insurance plan requiring little to no out-out-of-pocket expense. We invite you to check our financial information page or give us a call to find out if our office participates with your plan, and if you have any other questions about dental insurance, dental savings plans, forms of payment, or financing options. We welcome your inquiries and do our best to help you begin care without additional stress or delay.

What is the best method of replacing missing teeth?

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If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.

Is flossing as important as brushing?

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Absolutely! Both flossing and brushing regularly are equally important to maintain your oral health. While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans in between them. Flossing is important to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause gums to recede and lead to periodontal disease.

Do you still need to see a dentist if you have dentures?

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Even if you have dentures, it is still necessary to see a dentist! Dental checkups help ensure that your dentures are comfortable, fitting properly, and that there are no other problems. Beyond assessing your dentures, our dentist will also perform a thorough examination of the jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues both inside the mouth, the face, and neck, to confirm that you remain in good oral health.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency?

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Emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need- but if you do, the office of Elegant Dental Arts is here for you!

Whether you're suffering from a chipped tooth, toothache, or any problem affecting your oral health, you can be sure to get the prompt attention and compassionate care you require at our office. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities, and we offer a comprehensive range of the most advanced services to address a broad spectrum of dental needs.

While the pain of a toothache is one of the more common reasons that patients come to our office for emergency dental care, we also promptly treat emergencies that are not necessarily painful like crowns that have been dislodged and broken dentures that leave embarrassing gaps in one's smile.

You can rest assured that your oral health is in the best of hands at our office. We'll quickly determine exactly what's wrong, explain your treatment options, and then provide the precise and gentle care you require to alleviate your discomfort and get you back on the path to oral health and wellness.

Your health and comfort are our top priorities. If your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as soon as possible for care.

Why choose the office of Elegant Dental Arts?

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At the office of Elegant Dental Arts, we welcome patients of all ages for care and offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help every member of your family maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you or a loved one needs a routine checkup and cleaning, fillings, same-day crowns, a cosmetic smile makeover, the replacement of missing teeth or require the services of a skilled and compassionate emergency dentist, you can rely on our office for the highest quality care.

For more information on our office and the many services we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.

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