Exams and Cleaning

Routine dental examinations and cleanings are essential to achieving optimal oral health and maintaining your radiant smile. Examinations detect early signs of decay, periodontal disease and other dental complications, which will ultimately save you time and money. Dr. Dennis Lichorwic, a premier dentist practicing in Destin, near Panama City and Fort Walton Beach, performs regular examinations and cleanings as part of your personalized comprehensive dental care plan. Dr. Lichorwic will take X-rays, scrutinizing each tooth for signs of decay or old dental work that needs repair. He will also inspect the gums for changes, which can be indications of periodontal diseases, and check the mouth for signs of cancer and other diseases.

During your initial visit with our renowned dentist, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, and other Emerald Coast residents will undergo a comprehensive examination so that Dr. Lichorwic can familiarize himself with the patient and the current state of his or her oral health. In addition to taking X-rays, Dr. Lichorwic checks the mouth, head and neck. He examines the external features of the head, lymph nodes, and salivary glands. He also examines the temporomandibular joint, which allows the lower jaw to move and the mouth to open, seeing if it functions properly and looking for indications of TMJ disorder. If Dr. Lichorwic perceives a misalignment in the bite of the patient, he may ask the patient to bite down on a piece of wax, which makes an impression of the bite disorder and allows the doctor to determine an appropriate course of treatment.

The routine checkup is accompanied by a thorough cleaning by one of Dr. Lichorwic’s experienced dental hygienists. Cleanings are important because they remove the hard calculus build up, commonly referred to as tartar. Tartar naturally accumulates on teeth and gums over time. Regular flossing and brushing eliminate plaque build up, but tartar can only be removed with dental instruments. The hygienist uses specialized dental tools to scrape above and below the gum line, removing these agents of decay. We recommend scheduling professional cleanings every six months.

For all your comprehensive dental care needs, contact Dr. Lichorwic, an experienced and knowledgeable cosmetic dentist, at his practice in Destin, serving Fort Walton Beach, Panama City, and the entire Emerald Coast community.