Board-certified dentist, Dr. Todd McCracken believes that one of the most valuable resources available to dental patients is preventative care. Preventative care includes a good at-home oral hygiene routine such as, brushing, flossing and rinsing, and regular dental examinations and cleanings. Dental examinations should be scheduled once annually and are typically simple evaluations of the patient's oral health. At Laser Smile Studio in Denton, TX our dental examinations include checking for:

• Early signs of cavities
• Symptoms of gum disease
• Decaying teeth
• Suspicious growths which could indicate early signs of oral cancer
• Signs of bleeding or inflammation
• The condition of the Temporomandibular joint
• The overall function of the bones in the face, jaw, and mouth

If you are due for a dental examination, feel free to contact our front office staff, we look forward to meeting you at your earliest convenience.

A through dental examination will start with a conversation between Dr. McCracken and the patient. Our dental team will ask about the patient's recent health, including any current medications, illnesses, and surgeries. We will also ask the patient if they have noticed any changes or areas of concern. To get a complete picture of the patient's mouth, our dental team will begin by taking digital X-rays to see the teeth, gums, and bones. Dr. McCracken will then perform a visual check of the mouth and then continue the exam with palpation (touch) to check for signs of oral cancer, decay, and disease. Gentle probing tools will also be used, to check the health of the gums by measuring the depth of the gum pockets and looking for areas of inflammation.

If Dr. McCracken finds any areas of concern during the dental examination, they will talk to the patient about possible preventative measures that may be performed at the office or at home. Our dental team will let the patient know when they should schedule their next dental exam to check on their progress. In some cases, Dr. McCracken may recommend further testing or refer the patient to a specialist.

The cost for an annual dental examination varies among practices, but it averages between $100 and $300. The front office will consult with the patient’s insurance companies prior to their visit, since most companies cover this cost up to 100%. Patients paying out of pocket may discuss payment options during their consultation.

Be sure to schedule and attend your annual dental examination at Laser Smile Studio so you and Dr. McCracken can work together to keep your teeth, gums, and jaw healthy. With regular dental exams, Dr. McCracken can notice subtle changes that can lead to faster, more effective treatments when problems do arise. A few minutes in our dental chair for an annual exam can save you hours of time and discomfort in extensive procedures and recovery time.