At the office of Po Dentistry, we take a prevention-first philosophy when it comes to keeping smiles healthy and comfortable. Routine oral exams are the cornerstone of that approach: they let our team spot emerging issues early, track changes over time, and tailor care to each patient’s needs. During an exam you can expect a careful review of your medical and dental histories, targeted screenings, and clear guidance on how to protect and preserve your oral health.
Your first comprehensive visit establishes a baseline that guides care for years to come. We begin by discussing your health history, medications, and any concerns you have about your teeth, gums, or bite. This conversation helps us identify risk factors—such as medications that cause dry mouth or habits like tobacco use—that can influence treatment choices and preventive strategies.
Next, we perform a methodical clinical assessment of the mouth, head, and neck. This includes an oral cancer screening, a periodontal evaluation to assess gum health, and an examination of your bite and jaw joints to check for signs of clenching, grinding, or TMJ dysfunction. Where indicated, we’ll recommend diagnostic images so we can see the structures beneath the surface.
After the exam, we review our findings with you in plain language and outline sensible next steps. Whether that means a focused hygiene appointment, homecare adjustments, or monitoring over time, our goal is to keep interventions conservative and well-explained so you can make informed decisions about your oral health.
An oral exam does more than check for cavities. It provides an opportunity to observe signs of systemic health conditions that often show up in the mouth first. Changes such as persistent inflammation, unusual oral lesions, or chronic dry mouth can be early indicators of broader medical issues—and catching those clues early supports better overall care.
Research increasingly shows connections between dental health and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. For example, chronic gum inflammation is associated with cardiovascular risk, and unmanaged periodontal disease can complicate blood sugar control for people with diabetes. Recognizing these links helps us coordinate care with your medical providers when appropriate.
We also look for oral manifestations of medications and nutritional deficiencies, and we screen vigilantly for oral cancer. Because the mouth reflects many aspects of general health, regular exams serve as an important checkpoint in maintaining whole-body wellness.
Daily brushing and flossing are essential—but even the most diligent home care can miss mineralized plaque (tartar) and hard-to-reach areas between teeth. Professional cleanings remove these deposits safely, reducing the bacterial load that leads to cavities and gum disease. A routine visit is an opportunity to refresh homecare techniques and address habits that could harm long-term oral health.
Scheduling consistent checkups also means we can detect small problems before they grow. Early-stage cavities, minor gum inflammation, and early wear patterns from grinding are all easier and less invasive to treat when discovered timely. Regular monitoring helps preserve tooth structure and avoid more extensive procedures down the road.
We encourage families to adopt a preventive rhythm that fits their health needs. For children, routine examinations build healthy habits and allow us to track dental and jaw development so any orthodontic needs are identified early. For adults, ongoing care focuses on maintaining function, comfort, and a healthy oral environment throughout life.
A visual inspection is essential, but radiographs and digital imaging reveal conditions that are not visible to the naked eye. X-rays let us evaluate tooth roots, the supporting bone, early decay between teeth, and the status of developing or impacted teeth. When used thoughtfully, imaging is a safe and powerful diagnostic tool that enhances the accuracy of our evaluations.
Modern dental practices use digital radiography, which significantly reduces radiation exposure compared with older film techniques and produces images instantly. Digital images can be viewed, enhanced, and securely stored in your chart, allowing for easier comparison over time and clearer communication about findings and treatment options.
Beyond two-dimensional x-rays, three-dimensional imaging like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is available in select cases where detailed anatomical information is required—such as complex surgical planning or implant placement. We recommend the minimal level of imaging necessary to answer diagnostic questions and plan treatment safely and effectively.
The imaging we recommend depends on the clinical question at hand. A periapical x-ray focuses on a single tooth from crown to root and is useful for assessing root health and periapical issues. Bitewing films are designed to show the crowns of back teeth and are especially helpful for detecting interproximal decay and monitoring bone levels between teeth.
When a comprehensive view is needed, a full-mouth series combines bitewing and periapical views to document the condition of all teeth. A panoramic film (panorex) provides a broad two-dimensional overview of the jaws and teeth—useful for evaluating impacted teeth, jaw development, and the general health of the jawbone. Cephalometric films give orthodontic teams a profile view to evaluate skeletal relationships and growth patterns.
For three-dimensional planning—such as precise implant placement or complex surgical cases—CBCT offers detailed volumetric images of bone, tooth roots, and surrounding anatomy. We weigh the diagnostic benefits against the need for additional imaging and always discuss the rationale with you before moving forward.
In summary, a thoughtful oral exam combines a careful clinical inspection with appropriate imaging, targeted screenings, and personalized recommendations. By prioritizing prevention and clear communication, our team helps patients protect their smiles and overall health. If you’d like to learn more about what to expect during an oral exam or to discuss your personal dental needs, please contact us for more information.
Yes. We always welcome new patients and their families for care. Feel free to give us a call or reach out to us online to schedule a first visit or for any additional information on our office. We look forward to hearing from you!
Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings help ensure your smile remains in tip-top condition and that any developing problems receive the prompt care they require. While it's a good idea to schedule a checkup and cleaning twice a year, longer or shorter intervals between routine visits depend on your specific needs.
We understand that life gets complicated and busy, and for various reasons, you haven't been able to get to the dentist for care. Don't worry; it's always a good time to get back in touch with the health of your smile.
At Po Dentistry, we offer skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of dental needs. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning, restorations, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, or the replacement of missing teeth to get your smile back into shape, we provide precise, gentle, stress-free treatment to give you a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.
Give us a call today; we're happy to address all your questions and concerns about getting your smile back in tip-top condition.
For pregnant women, practicing good oral care and seeing the dentist to maintain a healthy smile is considered an important component of prenatal care. Researchers have found that pregnancy not only increases the risk of oral health problems, but these problems may also lead to pregnancy complications. At the office of Po Dentistry, we provide the skilled and compassionate care required to help expectant mothers keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. While certain procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, we provide the necessary care and take all the necessary precautions required.
Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, teeth that have been affected by a range of imperfections or that have sustained damage from trauma or dental decay can be restored to produce a naturally beautiful looking and functional smile.
As skilled and experienced providers of care, our office can effectively improve and enhance the appearance of teeth that are stained, discolored, misshapen, chipped, fractured, gapped, crowded, or broken down due to dental decay. At the office of Po Dentistry, we offer a comprehensive selection of the leading-edge cosmetic solutions from teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers, to prosthetic solutions and dental implants to rebuild complete and beautiful smiles.
Contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you create the smile you've always wanted.
If you're visiting Po Dentistry for the first time, it is helpful that you contact your former dental office and have your records sent over to us. Make note of any problems you may have so that you can discuss them with your dentist.
To provide efficient service, we ask you to please bring your insurance card, an ID, plus any referral slips or diagnostic records given to you by another office. If you are taking medications, please note or make a list of what they are as you will need to provide that information.
Yes! We assure you that both you and your family will be in good hands at the office of Po Dentistry.
We do our best to make sure every patient who steps into our office for care is put at ease. We provide precise and gentle care and our skilled, compassionate team strives to make every visit stress-free. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands and that we are doing all we can to ensure your comfort throughout every procedure. While we always take the time to explain every step in care, feel free to ask us any questions about local anesthesia and methods of dental sedation.
At the office of Po Dentistry, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required. Our goal is to make dental care more affordable so that you can begin treatment without any additional stress or delay.
Keep in mind that with routine dental checkups and periodic care, we can help prevent dental disease while treating emerging problems early in their onset to avoid larger issues and more expensive care down the road.
Routine dental checkups and preventive care procedures may be covered under your dental insurance plan requiring little to no out-of-pocket expense. We invite you to check our financial information page or give us a call to find out if our office participates with your plan, and if you have any other questions about dental insurance, dental savings plans, forms of payment, or financing options. We welcome your inquiries and do our best to help you begin care without additional stress or delay.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Absolutely! Both flossing and brushing regularly are equally important to maintain your oral health. While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans in between them. Flossing is important to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause gums to recede and lead to periodontal disease.
Even if you have dentures, it is still necessary to see a dentist! Dental checkups help ensure that your dentures are comfortable, fitting properly, and that there are no other problems. Beyond assessing your dentures, our dentist will also perform a thorough examination of the jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues both inside the mouth, the face, and neck, to confirm that you remain in good oral health.
Emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need- but if you do, the office of Po Dentistry is here for you!
Whether you're suffering from a chipped tooth, toothache, or any problem affecting your oral health, you can be sure to get the prompt attention and compassionate care you require at our office. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities, and we offer a comprehensive range of the most advanced services to address a broad spectrum of dental needs.
While the pain of a toothache is one of the more common reasons that patients come to our office for emergency dental care, we also promptly treat emergencies that are not necessarily painful like crowns that have been dislodged and broken dentures that leave embarrassing gaps in one's smile.
You can rest assured that your oral health is in the best of hands at our office. We'll quickly determine exactly what's wrong, explain your treatment options, and then provide the precise and gentle care you require to alleviate your discomfort and get you back on the path to oral health and wellness.
Your health and comfort are our top priorities. If your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as soon as possible for care.
At the office of Po Dentistry, we welcome patients of all ages for care and offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help every member of your family maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you or a loved one needs a routine checkup and cleaning, fillings, same-day crowns, a cosmetic smile makeover, the replacement of missing teeth or require the services of a skilled and compassionate emergency dentist, you can rely on our office for the highest quality care.
For more information on our office and the many services we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.
At Po Dentistry, a comprehensive oral exam begins with a review of your medical and dental history and a discussion of any current symptoms or concerns. The clinical portion includes a careful inspection of teeth, gums, tongue, soft tissues, and the surrounding areas of the head and neck, plus an assessment of bite and TMJ function.
Diagnostic imaging and a periodontal evaluation are performed as needed, and an oral cancer screening is included as part of the exam. After the assessment we explain findings, document a baseline for future visits, and discuss appropriate preventive or restorative options when indicated.
For many patients, twice-yearly oral exams and professional cleanings are a good baseline for maintaining oral health and catching problems early. That schedule supports routine monitoring of tooth and gum health and gives the dental team regular opportunities to reinforce home care techniques.
Individual needs can vary, and your dentist will recommend a personalized interval based on factors such as periodontal status, history of decay, systemic health conditions, medication use, tobacco use, and other risk factors. High-risk patients may need more frequent monitoring while low-risk patients may be seen at longer intervals as clinically appropriate.
Your first visit establishes an oral health baseline and begins with a thorough review of medical and dental histories along with a conversation about your goals for care. The clinical exam covers teeth, gums, oral soft tissues, bite analysis, and assessment for signs of clenching, grinding, or TMJ dysfunction.
Diagnostic images are taken when needed to evaluate areas not visible on exam and to document current tooth and bone conditions. At the end of the visit the dentist summarizes findings, suggests any necessary diagnostics or treatments, and outlines a personalized plan to maintain or improve your oral health.
Oral cancer screenings are an essential preventive measure because early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. During the screening we visually inspect and palpate the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, palate, and neck for any unusual lumps, sores, discoloration, or persistent lesions.
If any abnormal signs are found the dentist documents the findings, monitors for changes, and recommends timely referral or biopsy when clinically warranted. Regular screenings help identify problems at an earlier, more treatable stage and provide peace of mind for patients who may be at higher risk.
Dental x-rays reveal structures not visible during a visual exam, including the roots of teeth, the supporting bone, developing problems between teeth, and the extent of decay or bone loss. These images are a critical diagnostic tool for planning care, monitoring development, and assessing the health of restorations and underlying bone.
Digital radiography reduces radiation exposure, provides instant images for review, and enables easy storage and sharing with specialists when coordination of care is needed. The immediate availability of images also helps the dental team explain findings and treatment options more clearly to patients.
The mouth can show early signs of systemic conditions, and oral exams often reveal indicators that warrant broader medical evaluation. Signs such as unexplained oral lesions, persistent dry mouth, recurrent infections, or unusual gum changes may be associated with conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or nutritional deficiencies.
When exam findings suggest a systemic link, the dental team documents observations, communicates concerns to your primary care provider when appropriate, and recommends referrals for medical follow-up. Regular oral exams support coordinated care by monitoring changes over time and helping identify issues that cross the dental–medical boundary.
Periodontal evaluations include measuring pocket depths around each tooth, checking for bleeding on probing, assessing gum attachment levels, and reviewing radiographs for signs of bone loss. These measurements and observations help determine whether gum inflammation is present and whether it is stable, improving, or progressing.
Early detection of gum disease enables conservative interventions such as improved home care, more frequent professional cleanings, and targeted non-surgical therapies when needed. The dentist or hygienist will discuss findings, recommend an individualized maintenance schedule, and outline prevention strategies to protect your gum and tooth health.
Oral exams are tailored to the patient’s age and developmental stage; for children the focus often includes monitoring tooth eruption, jaw growth, oral habits, and early signs of decay. Pediatric exams place emphasis on education, prevention, and establishing positive experiences to encourage long-term oral hygiene habits.
For adults the exam emphasizes periodontal health, the condition of existing restorations, wear patterns, and screening for oral cancer and other age-related changes. At Po Dentistry in Lancaster, PA, we adapt exam techniques and preventive recommendations to meet the needs of each life stage while promoting a lifetime of healthy smiles.
You should seek prompt dental evaluation if you experience sudden severe pain, swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected infection, or trauma to the teeth or jaw. Other signs that warrant earlier assessment include a tooth that becomes loose or displaced, persistent numbness, or an oral lesion that does not heal within a reasonable timeframe.
Timely attention can prevent minor problems from becoming more complex and supports more efficient treatment outcomes when urgent care is required. If you are unsure whether a symptom needs immediate care, contact your dental office to describe the issue and receive guidance on next steps.
Prepare by bringing an up-to-date list of medications, your medical history, and any questions or concerns you want to address during the visit. New patients should bring previous dental records or images when possible, and anyone with specific symptoms should be ready to describe onset, duration, and any associated factors.
Maintaining your regular oral hygiene routine before the appointment and arriving with a clear list of questions will help the team provide focused recommendations. Use the visit to review homecare techniques, clarify follow-up intervals, and understand any observations found during the exam so you can take an active role in protecting your oral health.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental needs and expectations of care.
