What To Know
What to know aboutExams & X-Rays
A comprehensive dental exam is a thorough evaluation of your entire mouth, not just your teeth. It is more detailed than a routine check-up and is typically performed for new patients and periodically for established patients. At Veda Dental Studio, the comprehensive exam gives us a complete picture of your oral health so we can catch problems early and build a treatment plan tailored to you.
During a comprehensive exam, we review your medical and dental history, take any necessary X-rays, and examine each tooth for decay, damage, and existing restorations. We evaluate your gums and measure the spaces around your teeth to check for gum disease. We also perform an oral cancer screening, assess your bite and jaw, and look at the soft tissues of your mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, and palate. When helpful, we take photographs to document your starting point.
The goal of a comprehensive exam is early detection and prevention. Many dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, develop without obvious symptoms in their early stages. Finding them early usually means simpler, less expensive treatment and better outcomes. The exam also gives you the chance to ask questions and discuss any concerns about your smile.
Questions
Frequently askedquestions
Answers to the questions patients ask us most, so you feel prepared before your visit.
How often should I have a comprehensive dental exam?
A comprehensive exam is usually done when you first become a patient and then periodically, often every few years or when there are significant changes in your health. In between, you will have regular check-ups during your routine cleanings, typically every six months, to monitor your oral health and catch any new issues.
What is included in a comprehensive dental exam?
A comprehensive exam includes a review of your medical and dental history, X-rays as needed, a tooth-by-tooth evaluation, a gum and bite assessment, an oral cancer screening, and an examination of the soft tissues of your mouth. The goal is a complete picture of your oral health so nothing is missed.
How is a comprehensive exam different from a regular check-up?
A routine check-up is a shorter evaluation done alongside your regular cleaning to monitor your ongoing oral health. A comprehensive exam is more thorough and is used to establish a complete baseline, usually for new patients or when a detailed assessment is needed. It covers more areas and often includes a full set of X-rays.
Does a comprehensive exam include a cleaning?
The exam itself is an evaluation and does not always include a cleaning, though the two are often scheduled together. After the exam, we recommend the type of cleaning that is right for you, whether that is a routine cleaning or, if gum disease is present, a deeper cleaning.
How long does a comprehensive exam take?
A comprehensive exam usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your needs and whether X-rays and photographs are taken. This allows enough time for a careful evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues, as well as a conversation about your oral health and any questions you have.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Modern dental X-rays use very low levels of radiation, and digital X-rays reduce that exposure even further. The amount is considered very small and safe, and we only take the X-rays that are needed for your care. X-rays let us see decay between teeth, problems below the gum line, and other issues that are not visible during a visual exam.
Is a comprehensive exam covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans cover comprehensive and routine exams as part of preventive care, often at little or no cost to you. Coverage for X-rays is also common, though plans may limit how often they are covered. We are happy to review your benefits and explain any costs before your visit.
Do I need an exam if my teeth do not hurt?
Yes. Many dental problems, including early cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, develop without pain or obvious symptoms. By the time you feel discomfort, a problem is often more advanced and harder to treat. Regular comprehensive and routine exams allow us to find and address issues early, when treatment is simpler.
Serving Savannah, Pooler
and Port Wentworth
Our studio is at 492 Jimmy DeLoach Pkwy, Suite 104, Savannah, GA 31407, in The Highlands, just off I-95. It is an easy drive from downtown Savannah, Pooler and Port Wentworth, with parking right outside.
New Patients Welcome