Comprehensive dental exams maintain healthy smiles in Santa Barbara, CA

Biological dentistry, respects the intricate connection between the mouth and body, and is focused on helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health through comprehensive preventive care, biocompatible materials, and tooth-preserving treatments designed to restore function and wellness. How the biology and structures of the oral cavity promote or inhibit the full expression of health is given particular attention. An easy to understand example of this may be airway and oxygen saturation.  To this end, at Whole Health Dentistry in Santa Barbara, CA, preventive services are at the foundation of our practice. Comprehensive dental exams, professional routine cleanings, and other treatments such as ozone therapy are designed to prevent not just cavities and oral health problems, but also to preserve your whole-body wellness.

Why dental exams are important

Checkups are times set aside for evaluation of areas that cannot be viewed during treatment visits when total focus is on a specific location.  They are necessary to see the “big” picture and to connect it with details unique to your situation. After all, it is necessary to anticipate concerns in order to take preventive measures.  

A semi-annual dental exam is one of the most important things you can do for your oral health. Check-ups enable Dr. Copeland to examine your Jaw joint, muscles, teeth, gums, bone, and other oral structures to ensure that they are healthy, identifying any potential issues that may have developed since your last visit at their earliest stages. Early detection of cavities, gum disease, or other problems is the best way to reduce your dental costs and time in the dental chair, while preserving as much of your natural tissues as possible and requiring the least invasive procedures to restore health and vitality to your mouth. In addition, Dr. Copeland can use this time to monitor any prior issues and make sure that they are stable and have not progressed into more advanced stages.  

Check ups are time set aside for evaluation of areas that cannot be viewed during treatment visits when total focus is on other locations.  

Components of an oral examination

At Whole Health Dentistry, we value your time and understand how hectic today’s busy schedules can be. Our oral examinations are strategically designed to make the most out of our important time with you and include the following components:

• An evaluation of the jaw joints and muscle systems associated with oral function and posture
• A visual examination to identify gum inflammation, worn down teeth, bite problems, or other issues that are visible to the naked eye
• Photographs for both diagnostic and for record keeping, lowering radiation exposure. 
• As needed, imaging such as dental x-rays to help Dr. Copeland see what is happening underneath the surface of your teeth and gums
• Oral cancer screening to detect any pre-cancerous or suspicious lesions that need further attention
• Discussion with you about any symptoms you may be experiencing and time to answer any questions you have

In addition, we perform a professional cleaning to eliminate any built-up plaque and tartar, and depending on your specific oral health needs, other preventive treatments such as the application of dental sealants or ozone therapy may be completed. To schedule your comprehensive oral examination at Whole Health Dentistry, text us in Santa Barbara, CA today at +1 (855) 441-0001.