At Murphy Dentistry, we take a prevention-first approach to oral health. Regular oral exams are the cornerstone of a lasting, healthy smile — they let us spot small problems before they grow, tailor care to your needs, and help you keep your mouth functioning comfortably at every stage of life. Our team combines careful clinical observation with modern diagnostic tools to build a clear picture of your oral health each time you visit.
Oral exams are more than a quick look inside your mouth. During a thoughtful exam we evaluate teeth, gums, bite mechanics, soft tissues, and signs that could point to systemic health concerns. We also use these visits to discuss your habits and goals so the care plan we recommend fits your lifestyle. Whether you are new to our practice or returning for routine care, our goal is to make each exam informative, respectful, and easy to understand.
Your first comprehensive exam establishes a baseline that guides all future care. We begin by reviewing your medical and dental history so any medications, conditions, or prior treatments that affect oral health are accounted for. This conversation helps us identify potential risk factors and tailor the exam to your individual needs from the outset.
Next, the clinical portion of the visit covers a careful inspection of each tooth, gum tissue, and the surrounding oral structures. We evaluate for cavities, periodontal (gum) health, wear from clenching or grinding, and the condition of existing restorations. We also assess jaw motion and joint comfort to identify any early signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
When indicated, we recommend diagnostic imaging to see areas that aren’t visible to the naked eye. These images help detect problems between teeth, beneath restorations, and in the supporting bone. Based on exam findings and images, we’ll discuss any recommended next steps in clear, straightforward terms and answer any questions you have about your options.
Oral health and overall health are closely linked. Conditions that begin in the mouth can influence other parts of the body, and systemic diseases frequently show early signs in oral tissues. During an exam we pay attention to signs such as unusual ulcers, persistent gum inflammation, or changes in saliva that may warrant a conversation with your medical provider.
Because many systemic conditions affect the mouth, a careful oral exam is an important screening tool. For example, chronic gum inflammation can complicate blood sugar control in people with diabetes, and certain oral lesions can be early indicators of immune or dermatologic disorders. We look for patterns of symptoms and share findings in a way that helps you and your other healthcare providers make informed decisions.
We also screen for oral cancer as part of a comprehensive exam, examining soft tissues, the back of the throat, and the neck for lumps, persistent sores, or tissue changes. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes, so routine screening at regular visits is a practical and effective safeguard for long-term health.
Consistency is the single most important factor in preventing dental disease. For most people, a routine schedule of examinations and professional cleanings allows us to catch problems early and keep preventive measures on track. We’ll recommend an interval that fits your individual risk level and lifestyle — that recommendation is based on clinical findings and the state of your oral health, not on a one-size-fits-all rule.
A professional cleaning removes hardened deposits and biofilm that are difficult to eliminate at home, reducing the bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease. During these visits our hygienist also reinforces homecare techniques, offering practical tips to make brushing and flossing more effective for your unique anatomy and habits.
For families, routine exams are an opportunity to monitor growth and development. We track how children’s teeth and jaws are forming and can provide early guidance on interceptive measures if a developing alignment concern appears. Helping patients of all ages form sustainable, healthy habits is a central goal of every routine visit.
Visual inspection is essential, but some conditions are hidden beneath the visible surfaces. Dental imaging reveals the roots of teeth, the state of supporting bone, the position of unerupted or impacted teeth, and the condition of restorations. Images are an essential complement to the clinical exam and guide diagnostic and treatment decisions.
Digital radiography has become the standard because it provides high-quality images with lower radiation exposure than older film techniques. Images are available immediately, which helps us explain findings to you in real time and include them in your electronic record for ongoing monitoring. Digital images also allow us to share information with specialists when collaborative care is required.
For certain cases, three-dimensional imaging such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed views of the jaw, sinuses, and root anatomy. These scans are particularly useful for implant planning, evaluating complex anatomy, or investigating sources of persistent pain that aren’t apparent on two-dimensional images.
Different imaging techniques serve different purposes. Bitewing images are small and focused, excellent for detecting decay between back teeth. Periapical images capture an entire tooth from crown to root and are useful when evaluating root health and surrounding bone. A full-mouth series gives a comprehensive look at all the teeth when a broad evaluation is needed.
Panoramic films show the entire upper and lower jaws in one view and are helpful for assessing tooth development, impacted teeth, and gross jaw structure. Cephalometric images provide a profile of the facial skeleton and are commonly used in orthodontic planning. Each type of image provides specific information that supports accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
When complex three-dimensional detail is required, CBCT delivers information about bone quality and spatial relationships that two-dimensional images cannot. We select imaging judiciously, using the type and extent of imaging that best answers the clinical question while minimizing exposure. This balanced approach ensures you receive needed diagnostic insight without unnecessary procedures.
Regular oral exams are a practical investment in long-term health: they help preserve function, prevent disease, and connect oral health with overall well-being. The team at Murphy Dentistry approaches each exam with careful attention, clear communication, and a focus on treatments that fit your needs and goals. Contact us to learn more about how our oral exams can help you maintain a healthy, comfortable smile.
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 Murphy 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 Murphy 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 Murphy 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 Murphy 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 Murphy 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 Murphy 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 Murphy 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 Murphy 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.
Taking the next step toward your ideal smile is simple. Whether you're ready to schedule your appointment or simply have questions about our services or treatment options, our friendly staff is here to help.
