PREVENTATIVE FAMILY DENTISTRY

When it comes to your family’s health, you have many goals, fears, and concerns to keep in mind--and there may be important things that you’ve pushed to the back burner for too long.


At the Divine Dental office, you, your spouse, your kids, and everyone else under your roof can rest easy under the dental care of Dr. Tzioros, the leading family dentist in Harrisburg, NC. 


At her office, you can be treated for a variety of dental issues, or simply get routine check-ups.

Comprehensive Dental Exams

The ADA defines a ‘comprehensive oral exam’ as “... an extensive evaluation and the recording of all extraoral, intraoral and soft tissues”.


The ADA defines a ‘periodic oral exam’ as “... an exam that is done on established patients to determine any changes in dental and health status since a previous comprehensive or periodic evaluation”.


The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends new patients have a comprehensive dental exam on their first visit and established patients undergo this exam every 3 years.


A comprehensive dental exam takes an entire appointment. Following is a general overview of what should be included in a comprehensive exam.

Intra-Oral Cameras

An intra-oral camera is a tiny video camera that captures magnified images within the mouth and displays them on a computer monitor. Using this device, both the dentist and patient can clearly see irregularities not visible by the naked eye. Since its introduction in the early ‘90s the intra-oral camera has grown in popularity. Today, its use is widespread. Dentists that use this device have found it very helpful at diagnosing dental conditions such as tooth decay and cracked teeth and in educating the patient.

Areas to check:
  • Periodontal exam (gum and bones supporting the teeth)
  • Dental Exam (teeth)
  • Head and Neck Cancer Exam (soft tissues of mouth, throat and surrounding structures)
  • Occlusal Exam (Bite analysis)
  • TMJ Exam (jaw joints)
  • Radiographic Exam (x-rays and various scans)
  • Esthetic Exam (appearance of teeth and gums related to the face)
A comprehensive dental exam means no stone is left unturned and your dentist will know everything there is to know about your oral health. An exam is recommended before undergoing the following procedures:
  • Esthetic changes to your smile
  • Implants to replace lost teeth
  • Updating old dental restorations
  • New dentures
  • Been diagnosed with a medical problem or disease

Oral Cancer Screening

Although oral cancer may not get as much attention as some more widely-known types of cancer, that doesn't mean it's any less deadly. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States, oral cancer is responsible for killing one person every hour, every day. While it accounts for a relatively small percentage of all cancers, oral cancer is dangerous because it isn't usually detected until it has reached an advanced stage. At that point, the odds aren't great: only about 6 in 10 people will survive after five years of treatment.


If there was a simple test that could give you an early warning about whether you're likely to have this disease, would you take it? The good news is — there is! Since early detection has been shown to increase the survival rate of oral cancer to 80% or better, this test can truly save lives. And best of all, having an oral cancer screening is part of something you should be doing anyway: getting regular dental checkups.


An oral cancer examination is fast and painless. Its objective is to identify small changes in the lining tissues of the mouth, lips and tongue that may signify the early stages of this type of cancer. The screening is primarily a visual and tactile (touch) examination. If any abnormalities are noted, a small tissue sample can be retrieved for further testing in a laboratory.

benefits of Digital X-Rays

Over the past 60 years science has helped improve the dental profession. One good example - today, dental X-rays are safer and more convenient.


Today’s traditional dental X-rays emit much lower amounts of radiation than in the past and are considered extremely safe. Digital radiography is a high tech alternative with the following benefits:


  • Uses 90% less radiation
  • Ability to transfer Dental Records by email
  • No chemicals involved, so Environmentally friendly
  • Shorter Dental Appointments
  • Higher quality images

What Are the Benefits of a Family Dentist? 

  • Creating Good Habits

    Seeing your family dentist regularly helps build a good relationship between the dentist, their office and your child. Starting these healthy habits early helps your child take their oral health seriously as they grow older. Additionally, this positive relationship between dentist and child allows for a solid foundation on which your child can build a healthy dental routine into adulthood.

  • Consolidating Appointments

    A family dentist sees patients of all ages, allowing everyone in your family to see the same dentist at the same office. This also allows you to stack your root canal appointment with your children’s dental cleaning or Grandma’s routine examination. This saves time and requires less time off work or school.

  • Keeping Records In One Place

    Since the whole family has appointments at the same office, meaning all the dental records come from the same office as well. This means easy access to your family’s records in case of an emergency or if another doctor, such as an oral surgeon, requires them.

  • Preventative Care

    Preventing tooth decay and gum disease has two main requirements: a strong at-home oral care routine and regular dental examinations and cleanings twice a year. Forrester Family Dental can help you prevent these conditions in the whole family with regular examinations and cleanings. These visits give the mouth a clean slate when it comes to decay-causing plaque and tartar and allows your dentist to find and treat conditions like cavities early, with less invasive procedures.

  • Regular visits to the family dentist help reduce your costs and safeguard your oral health

    Dental problems are always easier and less expensive to treat when they're small. Filling cavities tends to weaken teeth because a portion of the healthy tooth structure must be removed along with the decayed area. Treating small cavities preserves healthy tooth structure and helps you avoid the more complicated and expensive procedures that are needed when tooth decay isn't spotted until it's very advanced.


    Regular dental visits include professional dental cleanings, which can help lower your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. During the cleanings, plaque and tartar are removed from your teeth before they can cause any damage. Your dentist also looks for other signs of disease, such as tumors that may be signs of oral cancer. They can even spot symptoms of general health problems during those visits. For example, if you have diabetes, you may be more likely to develop gum disease or have bleeding gums.

Family Dentist In Harrisburg, NC

Visiting the dentist is not just about checking for cavities--it’s about laying the foundation for a lifetime of good health for you and your family. Divine Dental provides quality dental care for adults and children in Harrisburg, NC to help them live more confidently and protect their family’s health.

Keep in Touch

Contact our office at (704) 548-0870 to learn more about our office or to schedule your family's upcoming appointments!
CALL US
Share by: