At the office of Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry, we take a preventive-first approach to care because the most effective dentistry is the kind that helps you avoid problems before they start. Routine oral exams give our team the information we need to monitor your dental health, catch early signs of trouble, and tailor care to each patient’s needs. From careful screenings to patient education, every exam is an opportunity to protect and strengthen your smile.
Our exams are designed to be thorough without being intimidating. We combine clear communication with modern diagnostic tools to make sure you understand what we find and why it matters. Whether you’re bringing in a young child for their first checkup or returning for a regular recall visit, our focus is always on delivering practical recommendations that preserve oral health and support overall well-being.
The initial oral exam is a foundational appointment where we establish a baseline for your dental health. We begin with a careful review of your medical history and any dental concerns you bring with you. Knowing your health background, medications, and lifestyle factors helps us interpret what we see in the mouth and make safer, more personalized recommendations.
Next comes a clinical inspection of teeth, gums, tongue, and other soft tissues. We check for cavities, signs of gum inflammation, unusual lesions, and habits like tooth grinding. Your bite and jaw joint (TMJ) function are also assessed to detect any strains or patterns that could affect function or comfort over time.
Diagnostic images are recommended when necessary to reveal what's happening beneath the surface of your teeth and jaw. These images, combined with our clinical findings, let us identify conditions early and plan any follow-up care — whether that’s a simple prevention strategy or a more involved restorative treatment. At every step, we explain our observations and outline options so you can make informed choices.
Mouth and body are closely linked. During an oral exam we look not only for dental problems but also for signs that might reflect broader health issues. Persistent dry mouth, unexplained sores, or unusual gum changes can sometimes point to medical conditions or side effects from medications. Early recognition allows us to recommend appropriate medical follow-up or adjustments to your dental care plan.
Research continues to show associations between oral disease and systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory problems. While dental disease does not cause these illnesses directly, inflammation and infection in the mouth can complicate overall health. That’s why routine exams are a valuable part of preventive health—keeping your mouth healthy supports the rest of you.
We also screen specifically for oral cancer during your exam. A prompt clinical inspection can detect suspicious lesions or changes in the mouth, head, and neck early, when interventions are most effective. If we ever find something of concern, we’ll advise on next steps and coordinate care with appropriate medical specialists when needed.
Regular checkups and cleanings are the backbone of a long-lasting smile. Even with diligent brushing and flossing at home, plaque can accumulate in hard-to-reach places and mineralize into tartar. Professional cleanings remove that buildup, reducing the bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease and leaving your mouth feeling refreshed.
Beyond cleanliness, recall visits are a chance to monitor trends in your oral health over time. We track changes in gum health, tooth wear, restorations, and bite relationships so small issues don’t become large problems. Detecting disease early typically allows more conservative, cost-effective care and better long-term outcomes.
These visits are also educational. Our hygienists and clinicians can demonstrate improved homecare techniques, recommend preventive products or habits, and answer questions about sleep-related breathing issues, mouthguard use, or diet choices that affect dental health. For children, regular exams provide a roadmap for growth and development, helping identify when orthodontic evaluation may be appropriate.
Our team aims to make each appointment efficient, comfortable, and meaningful. We partner with patients to develop care plans that match their goals, whether that means preventing disease, maintaining restorations, or preparing for more advanced treatment when necessary.
A visual exam is essential, but imaging lets us examine structures hidden beneath the enamel and gum line. Dental x-rays reveal the roots of teeth, supporting bone levels, and other features that aren’t visible to the naked eye. These images play a crucial role in diagnosing decay between teeth, identifying infections, and assessing root and bone health.
Digital radiography has become the standard because it provides clear images quickly and with reduced radiation exposure compared with older film methods. Digital images can be viewed immediately, enlarged for better analysis, and stored in your file for easy comparison over time — all of which enhance diagnostic accuracy and care planning.
When we recommend radiographs, we balance the value of the information gained against the minimal exposure involved. X-rays guide treatment decisions, help monitor healing after procedures, and are indispensable for planning restorative work and evaluating development in growing patients.
Different imaging types serve different diagnostic needs. Bitewing radiographs are ideal for spotting decay between posterior teeth and checking the height of the bone that supports the teeth. Periapical images show a whole tooth from crown to root and are helpful when evaluating suspected infections or root problems.
Panoramic films provide a broad, two-dimensional view of the entire mouth, capturing all teeth plus the jaws and surrounding structures. They’re useful for spotting impacted teeth, assessing jawbone anatomy, and planning treatments that affect many teeth. For orthodontic assessment, a cephalometric image gives a profile view of facial and jaw relationships.
For complex cases that require three-dimensional detail — such as precise implant planning or in-depth evaluation of anatomical structures — cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be an invaluable tool. CBCT creates 3D reconstructions that allow for highly accurate measurements and surgical planning when needed.
We choose the imaging modality that best answers the clinical question at hand, always aiming to minimize exposure while maximizing diagnostic benefit. If advanced imaging is recommended, we’ll explain why it’s helpful and how it informs the steps we propose.
Our goal is to help you feel informed and confident about every exam and imaging recommendation. At our practice, careful screening and clear communication are the foundation of treatment that protects your smile for years to come.
To learn more about what happens during an oral exam or to discuss how we tailor preventive care for each patient, please contact us for more information.
An oral exam is a focused clinical evaluation of your mouth, gums, teeth and related structures that helps detect early signs of disease and developmental concerns. These exams establish a baseline of oral health, guide preventive care, and allow clinicians to monitor changes over time. Routine exams combine visual inspection, palpation and discussion so patients understand findings and next steps.
Oral exams are preventative by design and are intended to catch problems when they are easiest to treat. They provide the information dentists and hygienists need to recommend cleaning frequency, topical therapies, or additional diagnostic testing. Clear communication during the visit helps patients take practical steps to protect and strengthen their smiles.
The initial oral exam begins with a review of your medical and dental history, including medications, allergies and any symptoms you have noticed. A clinician then performs a systematic clinical inspection of teeth, gums, tongue and other soft tissues, checks bite and TMJ function, and looks for signs of decay, inflammation or unusual lesions. Diagnostic images are recommended when needed to evaluate structures beneath the surface and to complete an accurate assessment.
Findings are explained in plain language and used to create a tailored care plan that matches your health needs and personal goals. Preventive advice, homecare recommendations and timelines for follow-up are part of that plan. If we identify something that requires specialty care, we discuss referral options and coordinate with other providers when appropriate.
Most patients benefit from regular recall exams every six months, but the ideal interval depends on individual risk factors such as gum disease, decay history, systemic health conditions and tobacco use. Patients with higher risk may need more frequent monitoring, while those with excellent oral health might have longer intervals determined by the dental team. Your clinician will recommend a schedule based on trends observed during prior visits and current clinical findings.
Consistent exams allow the team to track changes in gum health, tooth wear, restorations and bite relationships so small issues do not become major problems. Regular monitoring typically enables more conservative treatments and better long-term outcomes. Follow-up timing is also an opportunity to update preventive strategies and reinforce effective homecare habits.
When recommending radiographs, clinicians weigh the diagnostic benefit against minimal exposure and only take images that answer specific clinical questions. Stored digital images make it easy to compare changes over time and to monitor healing after procedures. X-rays also play a key role in treatment planning for extractions, implants and other advanced therapies.
Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a comprehensive oral exam and includes a careful visual inspection of the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks and mucosal surfaces along with palpation of the neck and jaw for abnormal lumps. Clinicians look for persistent sores, unexplained patches, ulcerations or changes in tissue texture and color that could indicate a need for further evaluation. Early detection greatly improves treatment options and outcomes.
If a suspicious area is found, the clinician explains the concern, documents the finding, and recommends next steps which may include biopsy, referral to a specialist or closer short-term monitoring. We emphasize timely follow-up and coordinate care with medical colleagues when appropriate. Routine screening at every exam helps identify changes early, when interventions are most effective.
Oral health is linked to overall health in several important ways, and findings in the mouth can reflect systemic conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders or side effects of medication. Inflammation and infection in the mouth can complicate other medical conditions, so identifying and managing oral disease contributes to broader wellness. Clinicians take medical history into account and communicate with patients about potential systemic connections when relevant.
Symptoms such as persistent dry mouth, unusual bleeding, or recurrent oral sores may prompt conversations about medication effects or the need for medical follow-up. When appropriate, dental teams collaborate with physicians to ensure coordinated care and to adjust dental treatment plans for patient safety. Routine oral exams therefore serve both dental and general health monitoring functions.
A child’s oral exam focuses on growth, development and prevention, with attention to eruption patterns, bite alignment and risk for decay. Clinicians assess oral habits such as thumb-sucking or grinding, check fluoride exposure and discuss preventive options like sealants when indicated. The visit also includes education for parents about age-appropriate homecare, diet choices and dental injury prevention.
Exams for children establish a dental home and create a record to track development over time, helping clinicians recommend orthodontic evaluation when growth patterns suggest it may be beneficial. Gentle, age-appropriate communication helps children become comfortable with care and supports long-term oral health habits. Regular pediatric exams are an important tool for early intervention and minimally invasive treatment when needed.
Advanced imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is reserved for cases where three-dimensional detail is necessary to answer specific clinical questions, for example implant planning, complex extractions or evaluation of impacted teeth and anatomical structures. CBCT provides precise spatial information that enhances surgical planning and reduces uncertainty for complex procedures. For routine exams and standard restorative planning, two-dimensional imaging is usually sufficient.
When advanced imaging is recommended, the clinician explains why it is helpful, what information it will provide and how the results will influence treatment decisions. The choice of modality is always guided by the clinical need to minimize exposure while maximizing diagnostic benefit. Clear explanation helps patients understand how advanced imaging supports safe, predictable care.
Preparing for an oral exam is straightforward: bring a current list of medications and medical history details, note any symptoms or concerns you want to discuss, and arrive having brushed your teeth as usual so the clinician can perform an accurate inspection. If you have recent dental records or imaging from another provider, bringing those files or letting the office know in advance can streamline evaluation and planning. Prepare questions about homecare, preventive options or any recommended follow-up so you can make informed decisions during the visit.
If you experience dental anxiety, let the team know ahead of time so they can discuss comfort options and create a supportive environment. For complex visits that may include imaging or restorative work, allow a little extra time so the appointment does not feel rushed. Clear communication before and during the exam helps ensure efficient, patient-centered care.
Oral exams are generally noninvasive and not painful; they typically consist of visual inspection, gentle probing of gum tissues and routine measurements that may cause brief sensitivity but are well tolerated by most patients. Professional cleanings performed during an exam can occasionally produce temporary discomfort for people with sensitive gums or active inflammation, but clinicians use techniques and topical aids to minimize sensitivity. If a procedure is expected to cause discomfort, the team discusses appropriate comfort measures beforehand.
Simple strategies such as taking over-the-counter pain relief when advised, using desensitizing toothpaste between visits and maintaining consistent homecare can reduce discomfort associated with exams and cleanings. For patients with significant anxiety or special needs, the team can recommend comfort-focused approaches and discuss whether additional support or sedation options are appropriate. Our goal is to make every exam as comfortable and informative as possible while protecting long-term oral health at the office of Brian Howe DDS, Family Dentistry.
Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to assist you. You can reach us by phone at (740) 393-2161 or by using the convenient contact form below. If you submit the form, a member of our staff will respond within 24–48 hours.
Please do not use this form for emergencies or for appointment-related matters.
