Dental Exam in Plano, TX

Dental exams at Miller & Miller Dentistry evaluate your oral health by checking for tooth decay, disease, and signs of oral cancer. General and cosmetic dentists Dr. Chris or Dr. Matt will determine your need for treatments and check your bite and jaw for problems. A series of X-rays may be taken for more insight into the health of your teeth, jawbone, and gums.

While many patients only come in to see a dentist when something hurts, we advise you to be proactive with dental problems by getting them diagnosed and treated before they become painful issues and to keep yourself healthy. While teeth are examined superficially during your cleaning, a dental examination with diagnostic X-rays provides a much more in-depth analysis and an overall picture of your oral health. We are accepting new patients. Please schedule a dental examination at Miller & Miller Dentistry today.

Oral cancer includes any abnormal cell growth in the mouth, including the gums, lips, jawbone, tongue, salivary glands, and throat. Every exam at Miller & Miller Dentistry includes an oral cancer screening to look for any signs of abnormalities including sores, inflammation, lumps, and precancer or cancer lesions. Dr. Chris Miller or Dr. Matt Miller will also palpate the jaw and throat for abnormalities. If any areas of concern are found, you will be referred to a specialist for further care and a biopsy may be performed. 

Even the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children go to the dentist before their first birthday. Dr. Chris or Dr. Matt can help with concerns like teething, using pacifiers, and baby bottle tooth decay. The team at Miller & Miller Dentistry can talk to you about how to care and clean your baby's mouth so he or she can start healthy habits early — this will also help throughout your baby's life. Dental exams are also vital for children as they get older as their teeth, gums, and facial bones develop.

Patients of all ages should get an annual examination. Many common issues, like gum disease (the biggest cause of tooth loss), may not have symptoms you notice until it has developed into a more advanced state. When issues are caught early, you will have more treatment options and a better chance at recovery.

Your dental exam will start with an overall evaluation of your teeth, tongue, gums, throat, inside your cheeks, roof of your mouth, and other oral checkpoints. This includes looking for signs of oral cancer. We will take digital images and screen for abnormal tissue in the gums. Your dentist will evaluate your head, neck, and jaw, including your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and bite. Dr. Chris or Dr. Matt will discuss medical concerns you have, prescriptions and supplements you may take, and how any of these issues might impact your oral health by causing dry mouth and tooth decay. Finally, he will examine any prosthetics you have, like crowns and dentures, to check the fit and wear.

If Dr. Chris or Dr. Matt find a cavity or decay that needs immediate attention, a treatment plan can be made to meet your needs.

How soon you need to return will depend on your oral health. If Dr. Chris or Dr. Matt does not identify any concerns, then the only follow-up would be to continue your regular brushing and flossing twice a day, along with annual dental exams and bi-annual cleanings at Miller & Miller Dentistry. If Dr. Chris Miller or Dr. Matt Miller sees something that needs treatment, options will be discussed and scheduled for a follow-up appointment.

Keeping your mouth healthy means you don't just go to the dentist when something hurts or goes wrong. Seeking preventative care can save you from experiencing nighttime, weekend, holiday or vacation emergencies as well as a significant amount of time and money. We recommend appointments at Miller & Miller Dentistry twice a year for a dental examination and cleaning. Doing so will enable you to stay on top of dental concerns by treating problems early. Dr. Chris and Dr. Matt try very hard to make dental visits a positive experience for all patients. Contact our office in Plano, TX to make your dental exam appointment.