Nothing compares to the confidence that comes with a healthy, vibrant smile. Yet many people underestimate the critical role that regular dental exams play in maintaining that smile for a lifetime. Periodic dental exams are not just routine appointments to be scheduled and forgotten—they are essential preventive measures that can detect issues before they become painful, costly problems requiring extensive treatment.
At Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs has over 20 years of experience and uses state-of-the-art technology to provide comprehensive dental care. As a Charlotte Magazine Top Dentist Award Recipient from 2016 to 2024, Dr. Coambs works alongside Dr. Shelli Boucher. Both of them bring extensive continuing education knowledge from The Dawson Academy to understand TMJ problems and complex bite-related dental issues. Together, both dentists and the Imagine Dentistry team are committed to helping patients maintain beautiful, healthy smiles through personalized preventive care.
Early Detection of Cavities and Decay
One of the most valuable benefits of periodic dental exams is the early detection of tooth decay. Cavities often develop silently, with no symptoms in their initial stages. By the time you experience pain or sensitivity, the decay has typically progressed significantly, potentially requiring more extensive treatment.
During your routine exam, Dr. Coambs and Dr. Boucher use advanced diagnostic tools, including digital X-rays and advanced software analytics, to identify decay in its earliest stages—often before it’s visible to the naked eye. This early detection allows for minimally invasive treatments like small fillings rather than larger restorations, root canals, or even extractions that might become necessary if decay is left untreated.
Early intervention not only preserves more of your natural tooth structure but also saves you from the discomfort and higher costs associated with advanced dental problems. A small filling today can delay or prevent the need for a crown or root canal.
Identifying and Addressing Gum Disease
Gum disease is alarmingly common and often develops without obvious symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. Dental exams at Imagine Dentistry include routine periodontal assessments that measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums and check for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or recession.
Catching gum disease early allows for simple, non-invasive treatments that can completely stabilize or reverse the condition. Left undetected, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which may lead to permanent damage to the supporting structures of your teeth (the bone and gum tissue) and eventually tooth loss.
Periodontal disease has also been linked to serious systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Your periodic dental exam isn’t just saving your smile—it could be protecting your overall health.
Screening for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer screenings are a critical component of comprehensive dental exams. Early detection dramatically improves the prognosis for this potentially life-threatening condition. During your exam, our dental hygienists, as well as Dr. Coambs or Dr. Bouche,r will carefully examine your head and neck, including your lips, throat, tongue, and neck for any suspicious changes or abnormalities.
Many patients are surprised to learn that dentists are often the first healthcare providers to detect signs of oral cancer. This screening is particularly important because oral cancer can affect anyone, even those without traditional risk factors like tobacco use or alcohol use.
When caught early, oral cancer has a significantly higher survival rate. This brief but crucial screening during your periodic exam could literally save your life!
Monitoring Existing Dental Work
If you have fillings, crowns, bridges, or other dental restorations, these need a regular professional assessment to ensure that they remain in good condition. During your periodic exam, Dr. Coambs and Dr. Boucher evaluate all existing dental work to check for signs of wear, leakage, or failure.
Even the highest quality dental restorations don’t last forever. Identifying potential issues with existing dental work before they cause problems allows for timely repair or replacement, preserving the affected tooth and preventing further complications.
This monitoring is especially important for patients with extensive restorative work, as problems with one restoration can sometimes affect adjacent teeth or restorations if not addressed promptly.
Creating a Comprehensive Preventative Dental Care Plan
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of periodic dental exams is the opportunity they provide for developing a personalized preventative care plan. Based on your unique oral health status, habits, and risk factors, Dr. Coambs and Dr. Boucher can work with the dental hygienists to recommend specific preventative measures tailored to your needs.
This might include recommendations for:
- Professional dental cleaning frequency
- Home care techniques and products
- Dietary adjustments to promote oral health and overall health
- Protective measures like night guards or fluoride treatments
- Early orthodontic intervention or cosmetic enhancements
By consistently following this customized plan and maintaining regular exams, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious dental problems in the future.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Dedicated Team Today
Periodic dental exams are far more than just a quick check for cavities—they’re comprehensive evaluations that form the foundation of good oral health. At Imagine Dentistry at the Arboretum, we believe in empowering our patients through education and preventive care, helping you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile for life.
Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs, Dr. Shelli Boucher, and their dedicated team combine advanced technology with compassionate care to make your dental exams comfortable, thorough, and effective. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized care plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Don’t wait until problems arise—protect your smile with regular dental exams. Contact us today at (704) 540-7600 or request an appointment through our contact form.
