Examinations

Has it been awhile since you last saw a dentist? That is okay. Dr. James Hughes and Dr. Justin Cress encourage you to get back to regular dental examinations. At their office in Twin Falls, you won’t get a lecture. You will get experienced guidance in intercepting dental problems, for a healthier smile and whole body.

What is a dental exam?

Many people think of a dental checkup simply as teeth examination. At James P. Hughes, DDS & Justin C. Cress, DDS it is a comprehensive examination of the entire oral cavity. The dentist’s objective is threefold – to monitor oral development and changes, to prevent oral health issues from occurring, and to detect problems at the earliest stage possible.

Soft and hard tissue evaluation includes:

• Checking for signs of tooth decay and susceptible areas.
• Assessment of gum health and soft tissue condition.
• Assessment of existing gum disease (measurement of pockets).
• X-rays to detect dental caries (cavities), hidden problems, cysts, or tumors.
• Tracking of emerging teeth, jaw growth, and occlusion (bite) in children.
• Monitoring changes in bone health and occlusion in adults.
• Answering your questions and providing down-to-earth advice on preserving oral wellness.
• Developing a personalized plan for further treatment if needed.

Why take a proactive approach?

Most dental problems are progressive. They may start small and be relatively easy to ignore for a while, but they do not go away on their own. A condition that would be easily treated with early intervention advances to one that causes discomfort and embarrassment. Extra visits may be necessary to complete extensive repairs, and more natural tooth structure is lost.

An estimated 53,000 adults in this country are diagnosed with oral and oropharyngeal cancer each year. It claims the lives of nearly 11,000 annually, yet with early detection, prognosis is very good. In addition, other serious health issues such as diabetes can have symptoms that first appear in the mouth.

Dental checkups are essential in catching potential problems early, when they can be treated most economically and with the best possible outcome.

Are you in the Kimberly, Jerome, Buhl, or Hailey area? Call (208) 544-4848 to schedule dental examinations for your family in Twin Falls. James P. Hughes, DDS & Justin C. Cress, DDS welcome new patients of all ages.