Dental Exams

One of the most important parts of Preventative Health Care is having regular Dental Exams by an experienced professional, who knows what to look for and how to stop serious issues before they occur.

Schedule Your Dental Exam

Scheduling a regular dental exam is an important part of preventive health care. What happens during a dental exam? We will check for cavities and gum disease. We will also evaluate your risk of developing other oral health problems, as well as check your face, neck, and mouth for abnormalities.  Our dental exams may also include dental X-rays (radiographs) or other diagnostic procedures.

On your initial visit with Dr. Bainer he will require a full series of x-rays to help him diagnose your dental needs. During this exam he will look at your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, throat and lips. He will conduct an oral cancer screening looking for any abnormalities and also check your lymph glands. He will check your teeth for cavities, broken and missing teeth. He and our hygienist will evaluate the health of your gums. Dr. Bainer’s exam is very thorough photos of all your teeth will be taken and Dr. Bainer will discuss his findings and his recommendations for your treatment.

A treatment plan will be presented to you and finances will be discussed.  If you have dental insurance we will give you an estimate based on the benefits provided by your carrier.

The Smile Gallery Patient Reviews

Diagnosis of Gum Disease

Gingivitis is diagnosed when dental probing reveals periodontal pockets, or areas where the gums have receded from the teeth, of  5 millimeters or more in depth. In some instances, only part of the mouth is affected, but some patients see widespread effects. Gum disease is typically caused by insufficient flossing and brushing, delays between professional cleanings, and health conditions such as diabetes or pregnancy. Gum disease can be treated with scaling and root planing, otherwise referred to as a deep cleaning. 

Scaling and root planing is different from regular dental cleanings. While a regular cleaning concentrates on the areas above the gum line and between the teeth, a deep cleaning is necessary to remove tartar, bacteria, and debris that collects under the patient’s gum line. This bacterial buildup elicits the body’s natural immune response, which comes in the form of inflammation. If it goes untreated, the inflammation and infection will go deeper under the gums, resulting in bone loss, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss. This procedure will most likely require anesthetic. We also offer Nitrous Oxide better known as laughing gas for your comfort.

What Causes Snoring?

Snoring occurs when the hard and soft tissue palates vibrate because of narrowed air passages. When air gets through, it creates a flapping noise. However, the sound may not always come from the soft palate; it sometimes arises from soft tissues in the patient’s upper airway. While surgical treatments don’t always work, our team will work with each patient to create a customized treatment plan. Below are the most common causes of snoring.

  • Obesity
  • Alcohol consumption before bed
  • Deviated septum
  • Smoking
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Allergies
  • Grinding of the teeth

Snoring affects patients of both genders and all ages. Severe snoring is commonly treated with sleep pattern modifications and orthodontic appliances that hold the airways open as the patient sleeps. Dr. Bainer offers a snore guard and it is typically covered 50-80% with most insurances.

Sleep Apnea Types

Oral treatment for sleep apnea involves the design, fitting, and usage of customized oral appliances during sleep. The appliance attempts to maintain a clear, open airway in the patient’s throat, working in several ways:

  • Repositioning the uvula, soft palate, and lower jaw
  • Stabilizing the tongue and lower jaw
  • Increasing the tongue’s muscle tone

There are numerous oral appliance options, and about 40 appliances have received FDA approval for the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. Oral appliances are often used alone, but they may also be used along with other OSA treatments such as CPAP usage, surgery, and weight management.

Dentists with oral appliance therapy training are well-versed in various appliance designs, and they will work to find the one that’s best for each patient’s needs. The dentist will work with the patient’s physician on diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing sleep apnea care. From there, the dental professional monitors the patient’s treatment and evaluates the response of the patient’s jaws and teeth.

The Benefits of Oral Appliance Treatment for Snoring Therapy

For many patients with obstructive sleep apnea, oral appliances are an effective, non-intrusive treatment that’s easily worked into a busy lifestyle. Many of our patients like it because these devices are:

  • Comfortable
  • Custom-fitted
  • Simple to use
  • Portable
  • Quiet
  • Convenient
  • Easy to maintain

Call Today: Our goal is to offer personalized, comprehensive dental care for all a patient’s oral health requirements. We accomplish this goal by using advanced techniques and technologies to give every patient the results they deserve. Undiagnosed sleep apnea can be troublesome for patients and their families. Not only does the condition affect a person’s sleep patterns and overall energy level, it may have serious and lasting health consequences if it’s not promptly treated. Our dentists can use their knowledge of snoring therapy to provide effective, safe treatment. Schedule an appointment online or call the office today.

Our Promise to You

The Smile Gallery practices the Art of Fine Dentistry. We work to ensure our patients have the most relaxed and comfortable experience possible. Our individualized patient attention means you receive the best care possible. Our friendly staff is ready to greet you warmly, set you at ease, and create a level of comfort and customer service rarely seen in the dental industry.

We understand patients who have dental anxiety and have been working for years to provide the safe, comfortable environment that makes you want to see your Escondido dentist a few times a year or anytime your teeth need dental services.

Contact the Smile Gallery

Call Today to Schedule a Dental Exam