Comprehensive Dental Exams
A Complete Look at Your Oral Health
Thorough Dental Examinations
A comprehensive dental exam gives us a complete picture of your oral health by combining Dr. Abigail W. Scanlan’s clinical examination with appropriate X-rays, your hygienist’s findings, your dental history, and any concerns you would like to discuss.
At Galligan Family Dentistry in North Raleigh, our approach is preventive, conservative, and personal. We care for patients of all ages throughout North Raleigh, Bedford, Wakefield, Falls Lake, Wake Forest, and surrounding communities, with a focus on identifying concerns early and preserving healthy natural teeth whenever possible.
For new patients, the exam establishes an important baseline for future care. For returning patients, regular exams help us monitor changes over time and address small concerns before they become larger problems.
What Is a Comprehensive Dental Exam?
A comprehensive dental exam is a detailed evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, existing dental work, and surrounding oral tissues. Dr. Scanlan also reviews your dental X-rays when appropriate and considers findings documented by your hygienist during your preventive visit.
Your exam is also a conversation. If you've experienced sensitivity, discomfort, changes in your bite, concerns about the appearance of your smile, or anything else that has caught your attention, this is the time to tell us.
The goal is to understand both what we see clinically and what matters to you.
Why Do Regular Dental Exams Matter?
Many dental problems begin before they hurt. Cavities, cracks, deteriorating restorations, gum problems, and other changes can develop quietly before producing noticeable symptoms.
Regular exams give us the opportunity to identify these changes earlier and determine whether they require treatment or simply need to be monitored. When treatment is necessary, finding a problem sooner can often mean a simpler and more conservative solution.
Just as importantly, regular exams create a history. Because Dr. Scanlan sees our patients consistently over time, she can compare what she sees today with previous examinations, X-rays, clinical notes, and dental work rather than evaluating each visit in isolation.
How Does Perform Our Dental Exams?
Dr. Scanlan begins by reviewing the information gathered during your visit, including your health and dental history, appropriate X-rays, and clinical findings from your hygienist.
She then carefully evaluates your teeth and existing restorations, along with your gums, bite, and surrounding oral tissues. Particular attention is given to anything that has changed since your previous visit and any areas where you have reported pain, sensitivity, discomfort, or another concern.
If something deserves a closer look, we'll explain what we're seeing rather than simply telling you that treatment is needed.
What Should You Expect During Your Exam?
For most new patients, the exam takes place after appropriate X-rays and a professional cleaning. By the time Dr. Scanlan meets with you, she has already reviewed the information gathered during those portions of your visit and can combine it with what she sees during her clinical examination.
If your mouth is healthy, we'll tell you that and help you plan your next preventive visit. If we discover something that needs attention, Dr. Scanlan will show you what she sees, explain why it matters, and discuss your options.
Some findings need treatment. Others simply need to be watched. Our goal is to distinguish between the two and help you understand why.
What Happens If Your Exam Finds a Problem?
Finding a cavity, damaged restoration, cracked tooth, or another concern doesn't mean every problem needs to be addressed immediately or with extensive treatment.
Dr. Scanlan will explain what was found, how significant it is, and what treatment options are appropriate. When several needs are identified, we can also help prioritize them and develop a treatment plan that makes sense for your oral health, schedule, and financial considerations.
Our preventive and minimally invasive approach means preserving healthy natural tooth structure whenever possible and addressing problems appropriately rather than recommending treatment simply because something can be treated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Comprehensive Dental Exams
Regular Exams Help Us Protect What Is Already Healthy
A comprehensive dental exam isn't only about finding problems. It gives us an opportunity to confirm what is healthy, monitor what may be changing, and address concerns early when treatment is often simpler and more conservative.
Whether you're establishing care with a new dentist or returning for your regular preventive visit, Galligan Family Dentistry welcomes patients and families throughout North Raleigh, Bedford, Wakefield, Falls Lake, Wake Forest, and the surrounding communities.
New Patient? Start Here.
Location
Galligan Family Dentistry
11420 Falls of Neuse Rd
Raleigh, NC 27614
Contact
Hours
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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