The DAG Comprehensive Exam
Our DAG Comprehensive Examination is uniquely different. We take pride in knowing that this thorough, personalized examination keeps our patients healthy and can minimize future problems. Â
A DAG Comprehensive Exam is standard for all new patients and repeated typically every three to five years—unless a significant medical or dental change warrants earlier treatment. Occasionally, a focused emergency exam will be completed first to address an immediate concern. A comprehensive exam will then be completed at a future appointment.Â
The DAG Comprehensive Exam includes the below services. Please contact our Gloucester City, NJ office if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
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Complete Medical & Dental History Review
The first step for new patients is the completion of our easy online paperwork. Your dentist will review this completed information to assess the implications of current medical and dental conditions and how they impact patient care goals. If a medical consultation could benefit patient care, our dentists may contact your physician to collaborate on the best treatment regimen and timeline. In addition, if questions arise about previous dentistry or implant work, we will contact your previous dentists to acquire all necessary information.
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Discussion Of Issues, Goals, & Dental Enhancements
At Dental Arts Group, we respect that all patients have their own treatment goals. We have found that treatment planning becomes an important balance of patient clinical needs (e.g., cavities, gum disease), patient goals and concerns (e.g., pain, function issues), and patient wants (e.g., whitening, Invisalign, and missing teeth replacement). We know that successful treatment planning hinges on effective communication between the patient and the dentist.
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Complete Radiographic Investigation & Diagnosis
If a patient’s needs require a specialist consultation and intervention, referrals will be provided during this visit. In addition, if prescriptions such as prescription-strength toothpaste or antibiotics are necessary they will be e-prescribed during your comprehensive exam visit.
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Complete Periodontal Examination & Development Of Care Plan
Only a very small amount of dental issues can be diagnosed with a visual exam. This leaves a majority of conditions requiring dental digital x-ray(s) or images for the discovery of any problems. Because most dental issues are often pain-free, comprehensive digital dental x-rays are paramount in saving teeth. The frequency and number of images depend on patient status and history as well as cavity risk assessment. This assessment allows our dentists to care for patients by providing proactive, timely treatment of developing cavities and lesions.
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Intraoral Photography For Documentation & Patient Education
Gum health is paramount to maintaining teeth for the long term, so much so that gum disease is the greatest contributor to tooth loss. Therefore, a critical part of the DAG Comprehensive Exam is gum measurement (probing) and documentation of recession, gingival gum, and bone loss. Based on your gum evaluations, a custom care plan is created to best address your gum status. These care plans may consist of cleanings, deep cleanings, or a periodontist (gum specialist) referral. Also, the timing and frequency of cleanings to ensure continued health will be discussed.
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Oral Cancer Screening
Unfortunately, the effects of oral cancer can be devastating. It is critical that oral cancer screenings are conducted twice a year. Certain risk factors may put some patients at higher risk and should be discussed with their dentist.
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Dental Cavity Evaluation
Early decay (cavity) detection is best. When decay is found, the patient typically has no pain or awareness. The solutions are also easier when discovery is earlier because decay treatment options are less invasive and less expensive. Therefore, it is critical for regular examination and dental cavity evaluation to find any issues.Â
During the comprehensive evaluation, the dentist is evaluating teeth x-rays and clinical tooth appearance (under 2.5-6.0x magnification) for signs of decay. Our goal is to help patients identify and resolve issues before decay spreads deeper into the tooth requiring a root canal, extraction, or a dental implant.
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Existing Dentistry (Fillings, Crown, & Implants) Evaluation
Unfortunately, dental work does not and should not last forever. This means that pre-existing restorations are constantly vulnerable to new decay, fracture, cracking, and infection. This pre-existing dentistry may be fillings and sealants placed during childhood or crowns, bridges, and fillings placed as an adult. All dentistry will require replacement at some time. During the comprehensive exam, existing dentistry is evaluated to ensure stability and continued appropriate function and aesthetics.
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Missing Teeth Consultation
Teeth can be lost or extracted for many reasons. The consequence of missing teeth is reduced function, aesthetic concerns, and an increased risk of problems for remaining teeth due to overuse. Missing teeth can be replaced with modern permanent solutions like dental implants—allowing for a return to function and cosmetics. Traditional solutions such as bridges, partials, and complete dentures provide nonsurgical solutions. During the comprehensive exam, missing teeth are charted and treatment options are discussed.
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Sleep-Disordered Breathing Screening
Dentists are in a unique position to also screen for other non-oral health conditions. Sleep apnea and sleep-disordered breathing are screened by your dentist during your comprehensive exam. Our dentist will examine the tongue, teeth, and throat in addition to reviewing the Dental Arts Group Sleep Health Questionnaire. Should any potential risk factors be identified, a referral to appropriate medical sleep specialists may be indicated. In the case of a diagnosis of sleep apnea by a sleep physician, an oral appliance may be prescribed and custom fitted by your dentist.
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Conversation & Treatment Planning
Treatment planning solutions for patient needs defines an important conversation between the dentist and the patient. Treatment needs, order of appointments, and patient desires are clearly discussed to create the treatment plan. The risks, benefits, and treatment alternatives are discussed for all proposed treatments. Â
Following clinical review, a complete insurance coverage breakdown is given to the patient. At Dental Arts Group, we want patients to maximize their insurance benefits to afford the treatment they need. Our administrative teams will contact your insurance provider to provide accurate estimates for any co-pays. If the patient is not insured, a Dental Arts Group Savings Plan will be discussed to show how our membership plan provides patients with savings and similar assurances as traditional plans. In the case of financing needs, these options are also discussed at this visit. Dental Arts Group believes all patients should be given opportunities to afford the proper care they need.
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Prescriptions & Specialist Referral
If a patient’s needs require a specialist consultation and intervention, referrals will be provided during this visit. In addition, if prescriptions such as prescription-strength toothpaste or antibiotics are necessary they will be e-prescribed during your comprehensive exam visit.
At Dental Arts Group, our goal is to provide comprehensive, top-notch dental care that meets all of your needs. Our team strives each day to exceed your expectations and provide the highest quality dental care available. We value your time and look forward to seeing you soon! Thank you for trusting us with your oral health needs.
Our Services
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The DAG Comprehensive Exam
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Cavity & Disease Prevention
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Healthy Gums
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Cavity Repair
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Implants & Dentures
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Invisalign®
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Cosmetic Dentistry
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Teeth Whitening
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Facial Rejuvenation
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Endodontics
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