A man in a medical setting with his mouth open, wearing a surgical mask and gloves.

Oral Exams

At the office of Newpoint Family Dental, we take a preventive stance toward oral health because the best outcomes start before a problem appears. Regular oral exams give our team the information needed to protect your smile, identify early warning signs, and tailor care to each patient's needs. During an examination we combine clinical observation with modern diagnostic tools and clear patient education so you leave with a plan that makes sense for your life and oral health goals.

Your first oral exam: a thorough baseline for future care

The initial oral exam is an opportunity to build a comprehensive picture of your mouth and related structures. We begin by reviewing your medical and dental history, asking about medications, past procedures, and any symptoms you’ve noticed. Understanding your overall health and personal risks helps us interpret what we observe in the clinic and determine which diagnostic images or assessments will provide the most value.

Next comes a careful clinical inspection. We examine teeth for early decay, inspect soft tissues for unusual patches or lesions, evaluate gum health and pocketing, and assess the jaw and bite for wear patterns, clenching, or signs of temporomandibular joint dysfunction. These observations, together with any necessary radiographs, reveal what’s happening above and below the gumline.

After the examination we discuss our findings in plain language and outline recommended next steps. That might mean a focused cleaning and improved home care, targeted preventive treatments, or referral to a specialist when appropriate. Our goal is to make informed, conservative recommendations so you clearly understand the reasons behind each suggestion.

Newpoint Family Dental | Cosmetic Dentistry, Sports Mouthguards and Fluoride Treatment

How oral health and whole-body health are connected

Oral conditions rarely exist in isolation. In many cases, the mouth reflects broader health issues and can even provide early clues to systemic disease. During an exam we screen for indicators such as inflamed gums, persistent sores, or patterns of tooth loss that may be linked to conditions elsewhere in the body. When we see signs that suggest a medical evaluation is warranted, we communicate that clearly to help guide appropriate follow-up.

Researchers continue to explore the links between oral disease and chronic health problems. While the relationships are complex and not fully understood, evidence points to associations between poor oral health and conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes management challenges, and respiratory problems. Identifying and managing oral inflammation and infection is an important component of overall healthcare.

Conversely, medications, autoimmune diseases, and nutritional deficiencies often produce oral symptoms — dry mouth, ulcerations, discoloration, or difficulty healing. Because more than a large percentage of systemic conditions can manifest in the mouth, a thorough oral exam is a valuable screening tool that complements medical care.

  • Digestive disorders

  • Respiratory problems

  • Cardiovascular conditions

  • Stroke

  • Diabetes

  • Neurological concerns sometimes associated with oral changes

Newpoint Family Dental | Sedation Dentistry, Teeth Whitening and Preventative Program

Routine visits and professional cleanings: practical steps to keep problems small

Routine checkups and professional cleanings are the backbone of preventive dentistry. Even the most diligent home-care routines cannot reach every surface where plaque and tartar accumulate. During a hygiene visit our dental hygienist removes hardened deposits, polishes the teeth, and addresses areas of inflammation so that small issues do not progress into more complex problems.

Frequent monitoring allows us to detect decay, gum disease, or shifting bite patterns at their earliest stages, when treatment is simpler and outcomes are better. These visits are also an ideal time to review and refine your daily home-care routine — we provide personalized guidance on brushing technique, flossing strategies, and other practical tips that address your specific needs and challenges.

For parents, routine exams establish a healthy trajectory for children’s oral development. Regular visits allow us to track tooth eruption, jaw growth, and the need for any early orthodontic assessment. Preventive care in childhood can reduce the need for extensive treatment later and encourage positive long-term habits.

Our approach is collaborative: we strive to empower patients with knowledge and practical steps so preventive care becomes a manageable part of everyday life rather than an occasional obligation.

Why dental imaging matters: seeing below the surface

Visual inspection tells us a lot, but radiographs reveal structures hidden from the naked eye — the roots of teeth, the supporting bone, developing teeth, and areas of decay between teeth. Imaging is an essential part of a complete oral examination because it helps confirm a diagnosis, monitor changes over time, and guide safe, precise treatment planning when intervention is needed.

Modern digital radiography has transformed diagnostic imaging. Digital sensors produce high-quality images instantly with minimal radiation exposure compared with older film techniques. Images can be enlarged and enhanced for closer evaluation, stored securely in electronic records, and shared with specialists when collaborative care is required.

We recommend imaging selectively based on your history, symptoms, and the findings of your clinical exam. Our intent is always to use the minimal number of images necessary to make sound clinical decisions while keeping patient safety and comfort at the center of care.

Newpoint Family Dental | Dental Fillings, Laser Dentistry and Implant Restorations

Common radiographs and advanced 3D imaging: what each type reveals

The choice of radiograph depends on the clinical question we need to answer. Small intraoral images like periapical and bitewing films are excellent for evaluating individual teeth, detecting decay between teeth, and assessing the bone around roots. A full mouth series gives a comprehensive view of all teeth, while a panoramic film offers a broad overview of erupted and developing teeth and the jawbones.

Cephalometric images provide a profile view of the facial skeleton and are frequently used in orthodontic planning to evaluate skeletal relationships and growth patterns. For complex surgical planning or implant placement, three-dimensional imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can offer detailed anatomical information that improves precision and predictability.

Understanding what each image type contributes helps patients appreciate why a particular view is recommended. We’ll explain the purpose of each radiograph and how the findings influence recommendations, so you always know how the information will be used to protect or restore your oral health.

When imaging is part of your exam, our team will review the results with you and include the images in your record so progress can be monitored over time. Clear communication and careful interpretation are part of our commitment to conservative, evidence-based care.

In summary, oral exams are more than a quick look—they are a structured, diagnostic process that guides effective preventive care and timely treatment. Whether you’re establishing a new baseline or returning for routine maintenance, a comprehensive exam helps preserve function and comfort while reducing the likelihood of future complications. If you have questions or would like more information about how we conduct oral exams, please contact us for additional details.

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 Newpoint Family Dental, 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 Newpoint Family Dental, 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 Newpoint Family Dental, 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 Newpoint Family Dental 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 Newpoint Family Dental 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 Newpoint Family Dental.

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 Newpoint Family Dental, 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 Newpoint Family Dental 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 Newpoint Family Dental?

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At the office of Newpoint Family Dental, 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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