Comprehensive Dental Exam
in Lakewood
Comprehensive Dental Examination
When you walk into our Lakewood, Colorado dental practice for a comprehensive dental exam, you're taking a crucial step toward total health that goes far beyond checking for cavities. As a dentist who has examined thousands of mouths throughout my career in Lakewood, I've developed an eye for catching subtle signs that others might miss. A truly comprehensive exam reveals connections between your oral health and your overall wellness that many patients find surprising. During your visit, we take time to thoroughly assess every aspect of your oral health – from tooth structure and gum health to jaw function and airway assessment. Many new patients tell me they've never experienced such a detailed examination before, and they appreciate finally understanding the "why" behind their dental concerns rather than just treating symptoms.
Your Complete Oral Health Blueprint
Your comprehensive dental exam at our Lakewood practice begins with a thorough conversation about your health history, concerns, and goals. This discussion helps us understand factors that might affect your treatment plan – like medications that cause dry mouth or health conditions that impact your dental care. Next comes the clinical examination where we carefully assess your teeth, gums, bite alignment, jaw joints, and oral tissues.
We use advanced digital imaging technology that provides detailed views with minimal radiation exposure. These images allow us to see conditions invisible to the naked eye, including bone levels around teeth, signs of infection, and early decay that hasn't yet caused symptoms. We also perform oral cancer screening, checking for suspicious areas that might indicate precancerous conditions.
What truly sets our exam apart is our airway and breathing assessment. Many dental practices overlook these critical factors, but we know that breathing issues can affect everything from tooth wear to sleep quality to overall health. Throughout your exam, we take time to explain our findings in easy-to-understand terms, showing you images of your mouth and discussing how different aspects of your oral health connect with each other and your general wellness.
Beyond Basic Checkups
What makes our comprehensive dental exams different from standard checkups you might have experienced elsewhere is our whole-body approach to dental health. Rather than just looking for obvious problems like cavities and gum disease, we investigate how your oral health connects to your overall wellness.
We evaluate your bite relationship and jaw function to identify signs of grinding, clenching, or TMJ issues that might be causing headaches, neck pain, or premature tooth wear. Our airway screening looks for indications of breathing disorders that could be affecting your sleep quality and general health. We assess the health of your gum tissue not just for signs of gum disease but also as a window into potential systemic health concerns.
This integration of dental and medical approaches allows us to catch potential problems years before they would cause noticeable symptoms. Patients often express surprise when we connect their morning headaches to nighttime grinding, or their chronic fatigue to possible sleep breathing issues detected during their dental exam. By understanding these connections, we can develop treatment plans that address root causes rather than just treating isolated symptoms. This comprehensive approach has helped countless Lakewood families achieve better health through improved dental care.
Schedule Your Examination
Ready to experience a truly different kind of dental examination? Our Lakewood dental practice makes scheduling simple and convenient. We offer appointment times that work with your busy schedule, including early morning options. New patients consistently remark on how different our comprehensive approach feels compared to their previous dental experiences. Contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive dental examination and take an important step toward better overall health.
FAQs
How long does a comprehensive dental exam take?
Your first comprehensive exam typically takes 60-90 minutes. This allows us enough time to thoroughly evaluate your oral health, discuss your concerns and goals, take necessary images, and explain our findings. Follow-up comprehensive exams usually take 45-60 minutes. We never rush this process because we believe in establishing a complete understanding of your oral health.
What's the difference between a regular checkup and a comprehensive exam?
A regular checkup typically focuses on checking for cavities and basic gum health. Our comprehensive exam evaluates your entire oral system—teeth, gums, jaw joints, bite alignment, airway function, oral cancer screening, and the connection between your oral health and overall wellness. We also take more detailed images and spend more time discussing your health history and concerns.
How often should I get a comprehensive dental exam?
Most patients benefit from a comprehensive exam once a year, with a simpler checkup at the six-month mark between comprehensive exams. However, if you have complex dental issues, health conditions that affect your oral health, or are undergoing extensive dental treatment, we might recommend more frequent comprehensive evaluations.
Do you take dental insurance for comprehensive exams?
Yes, we work with most major dental insurance providers. While coverage varies by plan, most insurance plans cover at least a portion of comprehensive exam costs. Our office team can verify your benefits before your appointment and explain any potential out-of-pocket costs. We also offer payment plans for those without insurance or with limited coverage.
What should I bring to my comprehensive dental exam?
Please bring your ID, insurance card, a complete list of medications you're taking, and records from your previous dentist if possible. If you have medical conditions, bringing information about those conditions or recent lab results can be helpful. Also, make a note of any questions or concerns you have about your oral health so we can address them during your visit.
Will I need treatment after my comprehensive exam?
Not necessarily. For many patients, a comprehensive exam simply establishes a baseline for future comparisons and confirms their current oral health status. If we do find issues that need attention, we'll discuss our findings and recommend treatment options. We always present different treatment approaches when available, along with the benefits and considerations of each option, so you can make an informed decision about your care.
We’re Not Just Tooth Doctors.
We look at your whole health.
Welcome to Balanced Dental Studio, located in Lakewood, Colorado. Our dental practice embraces a holistic approach, prioritizing the overall health of our patients. As functional dentists, we go beyond the surface and delve into the root causes of dental issues, ensuring durable solutions.
While maintaining good oral hygiene through practices like brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and regular cleanings is crucial, they may not always address the underlying reasons for problems such as tooth decay, misaligned teeth, and bad breath. These issues can often be traced back to airway obstructions, overcrowding in the mouth, and narrow dental arches resulting from habits like mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing.
By focusing on functional dentistry, we aim to identify and resolve the core sources of dental problems, thereby preventing future issues and enhancing your overall quality of life. Our mission is to help you and your loved ones regain the confidence to smile, breathe effortlessly, and enjoy improved well-being. We offer comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages, ranging from preventive cleanings to advanced procedures.
Schedule An
Appointment
Are you ready to smile more, breathe freely, and live better?
We are, too! Give us a call or complete the form to schedule an appointment! We'd love to sit down and discuss how you can achieve better oral health and a beautiful, healthy smile!
Please call 303.989.3192 or use the form to request to schedule an appointment. The Balanced Dental Studio Team will then call you to confirm a date and time.
