Comprehensive Oral Exam
Dr. Michael Pope takes the health of his patients seriously. That is why he performs a comprehensive oral evaluation for each of his patients. Our comprehensive exams allow us to closely monitor your health and notice any changes to your teeth and gums. That way, we can help to prevent many major conditions before they start.
Oral Cancer Screening
We also take this opportunity to look for any suspicious lesions in your mouth and gums. Oral cancer is a particularly deadly form of cancer, but with regular trips to your Somerset dentist, you can increase your chances of an early diagnosis, which in turn increases your chances of survival.
Oral cancer often has no pain or symptoms until it is at a late stage of development, but your dentist knows the signs to look for and is your first line of defense against oral cancer.
Certain risk factors increase your chances of getting oral cancer – alcohol, tobacco use, a family history, and exposure to HPV (human papilloma virus). Dr. Pope will look for any early signs or suspicious lesions and recommend a biopsy, if necessary. Even if you have complete dentures, you should still have regular exams with Dr. Pope so you can have this life-saving screening.
Charting and Medical History
We examine for conditions such as decay, fractured teeth, gum recession, or old restorations that need replacement, we will mark down all of the information in your chart. That way, we can share accurate information with you and create a treatment plan to restore your health. We can help you prioritize your treatment and address urgent conditions first in order to protect your smile.
Your oral health directly relates to your overall health. Changes in medication or hormones, your medical history, and systemic conditions all affect your teeth and gums. We will record a full health history periodically to assist in improving and maintaining your dentistry.
Periodontal (Gum) Evaluation
We will determine the health of your gums by using a small instrument that measures the pockets around your teeth. Healthy gums cling snugly to your teeth, but when an infection occurs, bacteria can collect around your gumline, creating periodontal pocketing, bleeding, and sensitivity.
These measurements are painless. We look for areas that might need extra attention at home or that could require periodontal treatments or cleanings. We use this opportunity to look for gum recession, notching, and any cracks in your teeth that might cause a problem for you.
Call Our Office to Schedule
Is it time for your next dental exam or professional dental cleaning? Call us to set up an appointment. Dr. Pope and our entire team look forward to providing you with outstanding dental care in a warm and friendly environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike most dental offices, we don’t send in our dentist for one or two minutes during your first dental cleaning in our office. We believe it’s important for Dr. Pope to get to know our new patients by speaking to you and discussing your goals and challenges regarding your oral health.
At your first exam in our office, Dr. Michael Pope will perform a complete evaluation of each of your teeth, a life-saving oral cancer screening, and a periodontal evaluation; he will make sure we have a full medical history; and we will take any necessary dental x-rays and digital images to make sure we have a clear picture of your dental health. We also take a panoramic x-ray, which allows us to evaluate your bone levels and look for suspicious pathologies.
Once you have your comprehensive oral evaluation, Dr. Pope can recommend the appropriate professional hygiene appointment to improve or maintain the health of your teeth and gums. He will also discuss any conditions with you that need your immediate attention.
We encourage you to ask any questions and share any improvements you might like to make to your smile. This is an opportunity for you and Dr. Pope to develop a good foundation that supports your oral health for many years to come.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Michael Pope DMD
Dr. Pope is originally from Barbourville, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky for undergraduate studies and received his dental degree from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, Christian Medical & Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and an Alumni of the Dawson Academy.
Dr. Pope provides outstanding service to all members of your family in a friendly and comfortable setting. Some of his areas of interest are cosmetic dentistry, especially utilizing the CEREC system, and implant dentistry. Dr. Pope ...
Featured Blog Posts - Comprehensive Oral Exam
What To Expect In An Oral Cancer Screening
Over forty-five thousand people are diagnosed with oral cancer per year and it can be hard to detect until it causes symptoms, yet, once you do start experiencing symptoms, it may have already spread to other parts of your body. It is important to get oral cancer screenings regularly so it can be diagnosed early, making it easier to treat. Which is why at Southern Dental Group we offer oral cancer screenings as a part of our comprehensive oral exam.
What is an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings are examinations ...