Annual exams for your best smile health: FAQs about preventative care at the biological dentist’s office

A tenet of biological dentistry is its respect for the intricate connection between the mouth and the rest of the body. As true providers of biological dental care, Whole Health Dentistry strives to help patients achieve and sustain optimal oral health that supports overall wellness. We accomplish this through an initial comprehensive exam followed by yearly, “annual” or “periodic” exams at our Santa Barbara, California office. In addition to preventative dentistry services, we offer biological dentistry-appropriate treatments as needed. These include restorations made from only the safest, most biocompatible materials and conservative and tissue-preserving techniques and treatments.

Why do I need annual exams if I care for my teeth and are not experiencing problems?

Two good reasons:  First, the California legislature requires dentists to provide annual exams to their patients. More importantly, dental “check-ups” are dedicated times set aside to evaluate all parts of your mouth, including areas not being closely assessed during other procedures when the doctor is focused on a specific need, specific tooth, or specific part of your mouth during treatment. The exam provides an essential “big picture” look at the condition of your teeth, gums, and entire oral environment. Additionally, many oral problems do not cause pain or other noticeable changes early on. The annual exam allows for assessing circumstances that may need attention to repair damage and stop the progression of a problem.

How often should I visit you?

The best things you can do for your oral health are to brush your teeth daily and maintain annual exams and bi-annual cleanings.  Dr. Cynthia Copeland, DDS, AIAOMT, treats every patient as unique.  Due to childhood dental histories, other health problems, genetics, or trauma, some patients may require more frequent visits than others. No two patients are alike for risk of developing oral cancers, tooth decay, and gum disease. We also closely monitor how well therapies and hygiene interventions are working to resolve active disease. This approach requires appropriate follow-ups to ensure you quickly get back on track to excellent oral health.

What can I expect during a check-up?

We know you are busy. You also deserve the highest-quality care. We make the most of your time by thoroughly evaluating your oral environment, including jaw joints and muscles associated with oral function and posture. We also visually examine the gums for signs of inflammation and the teeth for signs of decay, wear, and bite imbalances. We may feel for lumps, bumps, and other anomalies that could warrant a biopsy or further evaluation for oral pre-cancers and cancers. What Dr. Copeland can’t see with her eyes can be detected with diagnostic imaging, such as our low-radiation and highly precise digital X-rays. We also encourage routine or advanced cleaning by our expert and caring dental hygienists.  We are the only dentist in Santa Barbara who examines patients’ microscopic environments on the lookout for spirochetes, trichomonas, and gliding rods, all indicators of bacterial issues.  Our tools and instruments remove what a toothbrush and floss cannot – stubborn, hardened plaque and tartar.

Where can I find out more?

Contact Whole Health Dentistry today! Our friendly and caring team welcomes your specific questions and looks forward to meeting you. Please call, text, or email us to schedule your appointment.