Dr. Robert Cain of East Tennessee Periodontics, LLC provides comprehensive dental care for all of your oral health needs. As your Knoxville, TN dentist, we provide advanced cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and periodontal therapy. Our comprehensive dental services can help you treat tooth and gum problems and prevent the risk of reinfection or damage. Here, we will review what to expect during your first visit to our Knoxville, TN office
Choosing Dr. Robert Cain
Dr. Robert C. Cain, DDS, is your Knoxville periodontist. He has provided periodontal therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and implant dentistry to the people of Knoxville and Oak Ridge since 1997. Our dentists are highly skilled and experienced in complex restorative cases with a focus on implant dentistry, gum health, and aesthetics. These dental services help improve the full form and function of the teeth and gums.
What To Expect From Initial Dental Care Visit
Dr. Robert Cain welcomes new and returning patients to our Knoxville, TN, dentist office. During your visit, you can expect to receive caring and personalized attention.
Our team will spend time discussing your dental goals and concerns and will help you build a treatment plan that will meet your cosmetic dental goals and restore the health and function of your gums and teeth.
While we focus on the health and aesthetics of gums, our dental care team provides comprehensive oral health exams for screening your mouth for a range of oral health concerns. Your oral health depends on a stable oral foundation. Our dentists can help you enjoy your optimal oral health by restoring the health and integrity of the gums.
Our examination includes:
Digital 3-D imaging
We use modern imaging technology to take detailed, three-dimensional images of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. Our office uses these images for a variety of purposes. With detailed images, we can diagnose dental problems, create treatment plans, and monitor the progress of ongoing procedures.
Digital 3D imaging is useful for procedures such as dental implants and oral surgery. It provides a clear, detailed view of your teeth and gums so we can create accurate treatment plans.
Periodontal screening (for gum disease)
We will examine the gums and teeth for signs of gum disease. This may involve looking for red, swollen, or bleeding gums. We can also checkfor pockets between the teeth and gums, which can indicate the presence of bacteria and plaque buildup.
Our dentist may also perform a probing technique, where we use a tool to measure the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums. In many cases, we will take X-rays to look for bone loss and other signs of gum disease. X-rays help us see problems we can’t see with a visual exam.
Based on the results of the screening, ur dentist will determine if gum disease is present and recommend appropriate treatment. Treatment may include deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and gum surgery in severe cases. The goal of the screening is to detect gum disease early and prevent further damage to the gums and teeth.
Dental caries (cavities) screening
During a dental caries screening, the dentist or dental hygienist will visually examine the teeth for signs of decay or cavities. They may use a small metal tool to gently probe the teeth for soft spots or areas of decay. Our office will also take X-rays to see cavities that are not visible to the naked eye.
Dr. Cain will also assess the overall health of the teeth and gums. He will check for any signs of gum disease or other oral health issues. Based on the findings of the screening, Dr. Cain will recommend appropriate treatment. He will also take preventive measures to address any dental caries.
Oral cancer screening
During this screening, we will inspect the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities. Common signs of oral cancer can include red or white patches, sores, or lumps in the mouth. Please let us know if you have chronic mouth sores because they can be a sign of oral cancer.
In some cases, we may feel your neck and throat to check for any signs of swelling or enlarged lymph nodes. If we find abnormalities, we will recommend further tests. Overall, the goal of an oral cancer screening is to detect any signs of oral cancer early, when it is most treatable. Early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and outcomes for individuals with oral cancer.
Occlusal analysis
During this analysis, Dr. Cain examine your tooth alignment and how they come together when the jaw is closed. He will look for any signs of abnormalities in the bite, such as uneven wear on the teeth, excessive tooth movement, or improper alignment of the teeth. Dr. Cain may also check for signs of grinding or clenching. These problems can damage to the teeth and jaw muscles.
In addition, Dr. Cain may use articulating paper to measure the force of the bite and assess how evenly it is distributed across the teeth. This information can help him determine if there are any issues with the bite that need to be addressed.
Do You Need A Second Opinion?
Dr. Cain is happy to provide you with additional information and a second opinion regarding dental implants and periodontal therapy treatment plans. We understand that advanced restorative dentistry is an investment and commitment. Our Knoxville dental care team is here to help ensure you receive the most conservative and effective periodontal care.
We want to help you receive the most conservative and effective gum care tailored to your individual needs. Our office believes in transparent communication and patient education. We will work with you to help you make informed decisions about your dental health for a brighter, healthier smile that lasts a lifetime.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
You can contact our Knoxville periodontist office at (865) 276-7173. You may also schedule an appointment online. If you have questions about your first dental visit, please let us know. We will be happy to answer any questions for you.
