Dental Exam in Orange, CA

When it comes to your oral health, it is best to schedule and attend preventive exams and cleanings to catch minor dental issues before they develop into more serious conditions. These problems can be identified during an annual dental exam for yourself and your whole family. While your mouth is almost always superficially examined during your bi-annual cleanings, a comprehensive dental exam consists of a more thorough analysis. Dental examinations at Patrick Yoshikane, D.D.S. assess your general and oral health by looking for tooth decay, diseases, and signs of oral cancer. Orange, CA dentist Dr. Patrick Yoshikane will determine your need for dental procedures and look for problems with your bite and jaw. Digital images will also be used for a better view of the hidden problems in your teeth, gums, and jawbone. If you live near Orange, CA, make an appointment for an annual dental examination for yourself and your family at Patrick Yoshikane, D.D.S.

Oral cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the mouth, including the lips, gums, jawbone, salivary glands, tongue, and throat. Each dental exam at Patrick Yoshikane, D.D.S. will include a screening for oral cancer to check for any symptoms, including inflammation, sores, lesions, and lumps. Dr. Yoshikane will also feel your throat and jaw for abnormal growths. Should any areas of concern be discovered, a biopsy may be performed or you may need care from a specialist.

Orange, CA residents of every age should receive an annual dental exam. Some of the most common problems, such as periodontal disease (the top reason for tooth loss), don’t have signs you can see. If problems are found and diagnosed early on, your chances for successful, minimally invasive treatment are outstanding.

The ADA (American Dental Association) suggests that all children visit a dentist before they turn one. Dr. Yoshikane can discuss common issues, including teething, baby bottle tooth decay, and the use of pacifiers. Our team at Patrick Yoshikane, D.D.S. can help you understand ways to clean and care for your children's oral health so they develop good habits early in life. Dental examinations are also important for older children as their teeth, gums, and jaw develop.

Your dental examination will begin with an initial assessment of your gums, teeth, tongue, roof of your mouth, inside your cheeks, throat, and other checkpoints. This includes checking for symptoms of oral cancer throughout your mouth. Dr. Yoshikane or a member of his team may take x-rays and check for abnormal gum tissue. Dr. Yoshikane will evaluate your neck, head, and jaw, including the bite and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). He will then discuss anything he discovered, as well as your treatment options. Dr. Yoshikane will go over any other problems you may have, medications you are taking, and if they might affect your dental health by causing tooth decay or dry mouth. Finally, he will check any restorations you have, such as dentures or bridges, to assess the wear and fit.

The follow-up period will be based on the results of your exam. If Dr. Yoshikane doesn't find any issues, then you can follow a regimen of dental health with flossing and brushing every day, plus yearly dental examinations and twice-yearly professional cleanings at Patrick Yoshikane, D.D.S. If Dr. Yoshikane does find a concern that needs to be addressed, procedures can be reviewed and planned.

Since a dental exam is vital to your oral health, it's typically covered by insurance. We can work with your dental insurance company to determine your coverage and any personal expenses. If you don't have insurance, our practice accepts several payment methods, including dental financing. Dr. Yoshikane is happy to work with you to help you afford good dental health.

Having a healthy mouth means you can't go to the dentist only when something is wrong. Preventive care is vital as it can protect your teeth and save you a lot of money. We suggest seeing Dr. Patrick Yoshikane at Patrick Yoshikane, D.D.S. every year for a dental exam. This can help you to minimize issues by catching and treating them in the early stages. We do our best to make dental exams a pleasant experience for you and your family so that staying healthy is easier. Contact our team in Orange, CA to schedule your appointment.