At Supernova Dental, we offer comprehensive dental care to our patients in Fairfax, VA. Our dental examination are designed to help you maintain optimal dental health and keep your smile looking bright and healthy.

What examination procedures do you provide?

Here at Supernova Dental in Fairfax, we provide a wide range of examination procedure that is most suited for the needs of the patient. They include all of the following:

• Limited exam (problem focused examination)
• Comprehensive exam (first time patient)
• TMJ exam (jaw joint pain)
• Periodic exam (six month recare checkup)
• Periodontal exam (gum/bone health evaluation)
• Orthodontic evaluation
• Consultation (second opinion)
• Oral cancer screening

Why is a dental comprehensive exam important?

A comprehensive dental exam is typically recommended for new patients or those who haven’t had a recent thorough examination. It helps to establish a baseline for your oral health and identify any existing or potential issues early on. Regular dental checkups, which are typically less extensive, are also essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. These are some of the benefits of a comprehensive exam to keep your smile looking healthy and bright:

• Medical and Dental History Review: Your dentist will begin by reviewing your medical and dental history. This includes any existing health conditions, medications you are taking, previous dental procedures, and your oral health concerns or symptoms.

• Oral Health Discussion: You’ll have the opportunity to discuss any oral health issues or concerns you may have. This could include topics like tooth pain, gum bleeding, sensitivity, or changes in your oral health.

• X-Rays and Imaging: Depending on your history and specific needs, the dentist may take X-rays or other diagnostic images to assess the condition of your teeth, jawbone, and surrounding structures.

• Visual Examination: The dentist will perform a detailed visual examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. This includes looking for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental or oral health issues.

• Oral Cancer Screening: An oral cancer screening is a critical part of the comprehensive exam. The dentist will look for any suspicious signs or symptoms of oral cancer, such as sores, lumps, or changes in the color or texture of oral tissues.

• Gum Health Assessment: The dentist will assess the health of your gums, checking for signs of gum disease, including inflammation, bleeding, or recession of the gumline.

• Tooth-by-Tooth Evaluation: Each tooth will be individually examined for signs of decay, damage, or other issues. The dentist will also evaluate any existing dental work like fillings, crowns, or bridges.

• Bite and Jaw Function: The dentist will assess your bite and jaw function, looking for issues like misalignment, teeth grinding (bruxism), or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

• Discussion of Findings: After the examination, the dentist will discuss their findings with you. They may provide recommendations for treatments, preventative measures, and future dental care.

• Treatment Planning: If dental issues are identified, the dentist will work with you to create a treatment plan. This plan may include details about any necessary procedures, timelines, and cost estimates.

What to expect during a dental cleaning appointment?

During a dental appointment, our dental staff will start by reviewing your medical history, dental history, and chief concern. They will then proceed with a complete set of digital dental X-rays, followed by a thorough comprehensive examination by Dr. Pham. Chief concerns, treatment plan, and all findings will be personally reviewed and discussed by Dr. Pham.