Exams

Why do I need a new patient examination?
Even if you have been seen regularly by a dentist prior to seeking the treatment of our office, it is still important to have an examination, consultation and "co-diagnosis" with Dr. McBride.  The reason is to establish a baseline with us, gather any information you may not already know about the status of your dental health, let us see and show you the big picture so we don't do patchwork dentistry.  Your mouth is a system, if it's not treated with this system as it's guide it may become unbalanced.  Spending a little extra time to plan will save a lot of time later.

What do is done in a new patient examination?
You and Dr. McBride will first just talk.  Tell him about past experiences, current concerns, share yourself with him; he wants to get to know you and become your friend, not just your dentist.  He'll share with you why he is a dentist and what his philosophy is.  Then, if comfortable, you can proceed to an examination room where any necessary x-rays would be taken and follow through a thorough exploration of your mouth and oral system.  

With the use of an intraoral video camera projected on a  TV monitor you will be able to see as Dr. McBride examines the soft tissue (cheeks, lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate, throat), the hard tissue (strength of teeth--this is an exam for decay), the status of any restorations (fillings, crowns, bridgework) the bite at rest, the bite during function, the alignment of the teeth and the jaw joints at rest and in function.  

He will also introduce you to his philosophy regarding periodontal (gum) health by taking a cursory sample of plaque from your mouth and showing on a TV- projected phase contrast microscope what bacteria are present in there.  This leads Dr. McBride to refer you to his hygienist for measuring of the gums and more focused microscopic evaluation.  It is recommended that the gums become healthy before starting definitive dental treatments so following through with prescribed periodontal therapy will be ideal.  Dr. McBride says, "You wouldn't call a carpenter if your house was on fire," and that is what it is like to put a beautiful new restoration on a tooth when it may be lost to periodontal disease.  Of course, there is an exception, to get a person comfortable if toothaches are present.

Dr. McBride will review that data from his and the hygienist's notes, then provide you with an opportunity to go over the current status and any proposed options to optimize your dental situation.  It is important that we provide time for you to learn, ask questions freely and diagnose your needs with Dr. McBride so this will usually be a second appointment set up as a consultation.

When do I have periodic examinations?
  If you are keeping regular appointments with the hygienist, you will see the hygienist usually two to four times per year depending upon your periodontal health.  She and her assistant will keep track and coordinate annual x-rays and check-up with Dr. McBride.  The hygienist to do oral cancer screenings, checks for decay or loose restorations, monitor tooth wear and your bite along with the periodontal evaluations and cleaning therapy.  If something of concern is noted, Dr. McBride will be accessible and happy to see you.

Refer to Periodontal Therapy to learn about what the hygienist does at each appointment.