Truly Comprehensive Checkups

I’m Dr. Marvin Berlin, and I’d like to show you what a truly comprehensive dental checkup entails.

Studies tell us that dental disease contributes to serious overall health problems, ranging from stroke to dementia. Furthermore, gum disease, oral cancer, tooth infection or damage, and other dental problems may be conservatively treated if found early – during a six-month checkup. I also have the means to help patients overcome teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and TMJ disorder.

At McKinney dentist, a checkup can take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your oral health and the things you’d like to talk with me about. In addition to a warm reception and excellent services, here’s what you can expect:

Records Update

  • digital X-rays emit 80% less radiation than traditional X-rays
  • intraoral photos give us detailed images of your teeth and gums
  • extraoral photos give us a before picture so that you can later see the results of dental work
  • a discussion about your dental and medical history, current medications, and immediate dental problems will allow me to understand your situation better

Tooth-by-Tooth Inspection

  • existing dental work
  • tooth wear, damage, decay
  • occlusion: how upper and lower teeth fit together

Periodontal (Gum) Evaluation

  • general gum health
  • plaque and tartar buildup at the gum line
  • periodontal pocket depth (in the hygiene appointment)

ViziLite Oral Cancer Screening

  • this system allows for early detection of potentially cancerous cells in the soft tissues of the mouth; early detection and treatment increase the survival rate to 80%

Jaw, Head, and Neck Exam

  • muscles and nerves that affect the mouth also affect the jaw, head, and neck, and the ADA recommends a head and neck exam at checkups
  • the jaws and jaw joints (TMJ) are critical to proper oral function and good oral health, so I look at occlusion and check for loose teeth

Consultation

  • after gathering all the data above, I’ll take time to review your X-rays and photos with you, explain my findings, make recommendations, tell you why I’m making recommendations, discuss options for treatment, and answer all of your questions
  • before you leave, you may meet with our hygienist for a cleaning
  • this is the perfect time to discuss correcting cosmetic imperfections in your smile
  • see the list of questions below, and bring up any points you’d like to discuss with me
  • before you leave, our front office will schedule your next appointment – for a cleaning, checkup, or restorative dental work

Questions you should consider:

  • Do you have pain in your head, neck, jaw, teeth, or mouth?
  • Do you grind your teeth?
  • Do you wake up with a sore jaw, mouth, or a headache?
  • Does your jaw click, pop, or not function completely?
  • Do you snore?
  • Do you wake up from sleep gasping or choking?
  • Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth?
  • Do you like your smile?
  • Do you want whiter teeth?
  • Are you fearful or anxious about dental procedures?
  • Have you had a bad experience at a previous dental visit?

So I invite you to make an appointment for a comprehensive checkup with me. Our McKinney dental office features state-of-the-art equipment for accurate diagnostics and comfortable, precision procedures. The whole team loves to meet new patients, so we’re looking forward to your call.

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