Dental Exams
Prevention beats treatment every single time. Regular dental exams for Fairview residents at Fairview Dental catch problems before they escalate into painful, expensive procedures. Dr. Mike Martinsen and Dr. Sophia Larsen believe thorough examinations form the cornerstone of excellent oral health, giving you the knowledge and care you need to maintain a healthy smile for life.
Your mouth tells a story about your overall health, and dental exams help us read that story accurately. These appointments do far more than check for cavities—they reveal early warning signs of conditions ranging from gum disease to oral cancer, ensuring we address concerns at their most treatable stages.
What Happens During Your Dental Exam
Many people think dental exams only involve someone poking around their teeth for a few minutes. The reality involves much more depth and attention to detail. Dr. Martinsen and Dr. Larsen conduct comprehensive assessments that examine every aspect of your oral health.
Your exam begins with a review of your medical history and any changes since your last visit. New medications, health conditions, or symptoms all affect dental care. The skilled team at Fairview Dental wants the complete picture to provide personalized recommendations.
Next comes the clinical examination. Dr. Martinsen or Dr. Larsen examines your teeth, looking for signs of decay, cracks, or wear patterns. They check existing fillings and restorations to ensure they still effectively protect your teeth. Your gums receive careful attention, too—we measure pocket depths and assess tissue health to catch gum disease in its earliest stages.
But dental exams Fairview patients receive at our practice extend beyond teeth and gums. We examine your tongue, throat, and the soft tissues inside your mouth. We check your bite alignment and jaw joint function. We even feel the lymph nodes in your neck, searching for abnormalities that might signal health concerns.
The Technology Behind Thorough Examinations
Modern dentistry offers remarkable diagnostic tools that reveal problems invisible to the naked eye. Digital X-rays provide detailed images of tooth structure, bone levels, and hidden decay between teeth. These images use significantly less radiation than traditional X-rays while delivering superior clarity.
Intraoral cameras let you see exactly what we see. When Dr. Larsen spots a small cavity or a crack in a tooth, she can show you the same image on a screen. This transparency helps you understand recommended treatments and make informed decisions about your care.
We don’t order unnecessary imaging, though. Your exam includes only the diagnostic tools appropriate for your situation and risk factors. Some patients need comprehensive X-rays annually, while others require them less frequently based on their oral health history.
Why Regular Dental Exams for Fairview Residents Matter
Dental problems rarely announce themselves with obvious symptoms until they’ve progressed significantly. That tiny cavity you can’t feel? It grows larger daily, eventually reaching the nerve and causing a toothache that keeps you up at night. Early-stage gum disease causes no pain but destroys the bone supporting your teeth if left untreated.
Regular exams catch these problems when small, saving you discomfort and money. Treating a small cavity takes one appointment and costs far less than the root canal and crown you’ll need if you wait until the tooth hurts.
Beyond preventing dental disasters, these appointments maintain your overall health. Research links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes complications, and stroke risk. Your mouth isn’t separate from the rest of your body—what happens there affects your entire system.
Comprehensive Services Under One Roof
Fairview Dental offers complete care that goes well beyond basic examinations. When Dr. Martinsen identifies an issue during your exam, you don’t need to search for another provider. Our comprehensive services handle everything from routine care to complex treatments.
Preventative Care Focus
Prevention should drive every aspect of dental care. Our preventative dentistry approach includes:
- Detailed oral health education tailored to your specific needs
- Fluoride treatments that strengthen enamel and prevent decay
- Dental sealants that protect vulnerable chewing surfaces
- Custom nightguards for patients who grind their teeth
- Personalized home care recommendations
Professional Cleanings
Your dental exam typically pairs with a professional cleaning. While these services complement each other, they serve different purposes. Your exam diagnoses problems, while dental cleanings remove the plaque and tartar buildup that causes those problems in the first place.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
First-time patients sometimes feel nervous about dental exams. Dr. Larsen and Dr. Martinsen create a welcoming environment where you feel comfortable asking questions and expressing concerns. They explain each examination process step and never rush through your appointment.
Your exam usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how long it’s been since your last visit and whether you need X-rays. We schedule appointments with enough time to address your questions and discuss any findings thoroughly.
After your examination, Dr. Martinsen or Dr. Larsen reviews their findings with you. They’ll recommend when to return for your next checkup if everything looks healthy. If they spot concerns, they’ll explain what they found, why it matters, and your treatment options. You’ll never feel pressured into treatments you don’t understand or want.
Building a Foundation for Lifelong Oral Health
Dental exams Fairview families trust at Fairview Dental do more than check boxes on a clinical checklist. These appointments build relationships between you and your dental team. When Dr. Martinsen sees you regularly, he learns your oral health patterns and can spot subtle changes that might escape notice otherwise.
Children especially benefit from consistent dental exams. Early visits establish healthy habits and catch developmental issues before they affect permanent teeth. Dr. Larsen makes pediatric exams fun and educational, helping young patients understand why caring for their teeth matters.
Adults juggling busy schedules sometimes postpone dental visits, thinking they’ll schedule “when something hurts.” This reactive approach costs more time and money in the long run. Dental exams for Fairview residents should be scheduled proactively to keep small problems from becoming big emergencies.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Dental Exam Today
Your oral health deserves professional attention, not guesswork and hope. Whether you haven’t visited a dentist in years or you’re due for your regular checkup, Fairview Dental welcomes you. Dr. Mike Martinsen and Dr. Sophia Larsen provide thorough, gentle examinations that clarify your oral health status and confidence in your treatment plan.
Don’t wait for pain to tell you something’s wrong. Contact Fairview Dental today to schedule your dental exam. We’ll work with your schedule, answer all your questions, and help you take the next step toward optimal oral health. Your smile deserves this level of care.
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