At the office of Brown Family Dentistry Group, we take a proactive approach to oral health: routine examinations are the best defense against problems that can affect comfort, function, and appearance. Regular oral exams allow our team to monitor changes, catch concerns early, and tailor preventive strategies to each person's needs. Alongside clinical inspection, we provide professional cleanings, thorough oral cancer screenings, and clear guidance on home care and lifestyle choices that support long-term dental health.
Your first comprehensive exam establishes a clear picture of your current oral health and creates a baseline for future care. We begin by reviewing your medical and dental history to understand any medications, medical conditions, or previous treatments that could influence dental decisions. This conversation helps us identify risk factors and address any immediate concerns you may have.
The clinical portion of the exam includes a careful inspection of teeth, gums, soft tissues, and visible jaw function. Our clinicians look for signs of decay, gum inflammation, wear from clenching or grinding, and any unusual lesions. We also assess how your teeth meet when you bite, check for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) symptoms, and note habits that may affect your oral health.
When indicated, diagnostic imaging is part of the initial visit. Digital radiographs or other imaging tools reveal what cannot be seen by the naked eye—hidden decay, bone levels, and the roots of teeth. After the exam and any necessary films, we will discuss findings in plain language and outline recommended next steps, whether that means observation, hygiene instruction, or a tailored treatment plan.
Oral health is tightly connected to overall health. Problems in the mouth—such as periodontal infection, chronic inflammation, or persistent oral lesions—can influence systemic conditions and sometimes reveal signs of broader medical issues. During an exam we pay close attention to indicators that could warrant collaboration with your primary care provider or a medical specialist.
Research continues to clarify links between poor oral health and systemic diseases. Chronic gum inflammation has been associated with elevated risk for cardiovascular problems, and oral infections can complicate blood sugar control for people with diabetes. Identifying and managing oral disease early can therefore be an important part of maintaining whole-body health.
At the same time, many general health conditions produce oral signs first. Dry mouth, unusual ulcerations, persistent bad breath, or rapid changes in gum health may point to nutritional imbalances, medication side effects, or underlying systemic disease. Our exams are designed to detect these red flags and ensure you receive the appropriate follow-up care.
Good oral hygiene at home is essential, but professional exams and cleanings add layers of protection that are difficult to achieve on your own. During a routine visit, a hygienist removes plaque and tartar from areas that brushing and flossing can miss, reducing the bacterial burden that leads to cavities and periodontal disease. Cleanings also refresh the mouth and help prevent the progression of early problems.
Regular visits give us the opportunity to monitor changes over time. Small issues that are identified early often require simpler, more conservative interventions. By coming in for scheduled exams, patients reduce the likelihood of emergency procedures and protect the long-term health and function of their teeth and supporting structures.
For children and adolescents, routine exams are especially valuable for establishing healthy habits and tracking development. We evaluate tooth eruption patterns, jaw growth, and spacing concerns so that orthodontic needs can be identified early. Education—about brushing technique, flossing, and diet—is also a key component of these visits, helping families build routines that last a lifetime.
Visual inspection is just one part of a thorough exam. Dental x-rays and other radiographic tools allow us to see beneath the surfaces of teeth and into the supporting bone, where early disease often develops out of sight. These images are essential for detecting decay between teeth, assessing bone levels around teeth, evaluating root structures, and planning more complex care when necessary.
Modern digital imaging has greatly improved safety and efficiency. Digital radiography produces clear images with minimal radiation exposure, and the results appear instantly on a monitor so we can review them with you. Because images are stored electronically, they can be compared over time to track progression or healing and can be shared with specialists when coordinated care is needed.
In short, x-rays are a diagnostic partner to the clinical exam. They inform treatment decisions, help prioritize care, and enhance our ability to catch problems at an early, more treatable stage.
Less radiation exposure compared with older film techniques
Immediate image viewing for faster diagnosis and discussion
Easier electronic storage and secure sharing with other providers
Environmentally friendlier—no chemical processing or film waste
Images are conveniently saved in your digital record for long-term monitoring
The specific imaging we recommend depends on your individual needs. A few commonly used types include focused intraoral films for single-tooth evaluation, bitewings for interproximal decay detection, and panoramic views for a broad look at the jaws, developing teeth, and overall dental architecture. Each image serves a defined clinical purpose and helps us build a comprehensive understanding of your oral health.
Here are some of the diagnostic images you might encounter and why we use them:
Periapical x-ray - Shows an entire tooth from crown to root tip and the surrounding bone, which is useful for evaluating root health and infections.
Bitewing x-ray - Captures the crowns of neighboring teeth to reveal early decay between teeth that may not be visible during a visual exam.
Full mouth series - A comprehensive set of intraoral images that offers detailed information about every tooth and the supporting bone structure.
Panoramic film (panorex) - Provides a wide, two-dimensional view of both jaws, the teeth, and the jaw joints; helpful for assessing eruption, impactions, and overall bone health.
Cephalometric film - A side-profile view often used for orthodontic assessment and growth analysis when jaw alignment or orthodontic planning is part of care.
When indicated for more complex planning—such as implant placement, certain surgical procedures, or detailed anatomic evaluation—we may recommend three-dimensional imaging like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). These scans offer a precise, 3D view of bone, tooth roots, and adjacent anatomy to support accurate diagnosis and predictable outcomes.
Regular oral exams are the foundation of preventive dental care. They allow our team to detect issues early, connect oral findings to overall health, and provide practical guidance for maintaining a healthy, functional smile. If you have questions about what an exam includes or would like to schedule a visit, please contact us for more information.
Yes. We always welcome new patients and their families for care. Feel free to give us a call or reach out to us online to schedule a first visit or for any additional information on our office. We look forward to hearing from you!
Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings help ensure your smile remains in tip-top condition and that any developing problems receive the prompt care they require. While it's a good idea to schedule a checkup and cleaning twice a year, longer or shorter intervals between routine visits depend on your specific needs.
We understand that life gets complicated and busy, and for various reasons, you haven't been able to get to the dentist for care. Don't worry; it's always a good time to get back in touch with the health of your smile.
At Brown Family Dentistry Group, we offer skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of dental needs. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning, restorations, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, or the replacement of missing teeth to get your smile back into shape, we provide precise, gentle, stress-free treatment to give you a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.
Give us a call today; we're happy to address all your questions and concerns about getting your smile back in tip-top condition.
For pregnant women, practicing good oral care and seeing the dentist to maintain a healthy smile is considered an important component of prenatal care. Researchers have found that pregnancy not only increases the risk of oral health problems, but these problems may also lead to pregnancy complications. At the office of Brown Family Dentistry Group, we provide the skilled and compassionate care required to help expectant mothers keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. While certain procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, we provide the necessary care and take all the necessary precautions required.
Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, teeth that have been affected by a range of imperfections or that have sustained damage from trauma or dental decay can be restored to produce a naturally beautiful looking and functional smile.
As skilled and experienced providers of care, our office can effectively improve and enhance the appearance of teeth that are stained, discolored, misshapen, chipped, fractured, gapped, crowded, or broken down due to dental decay. At the office of Brown Family Dentistry Group, we offer a comprehensive selection of the leading-edge cosmetic solutions from teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers, to prosthetic solutions and dental implants to rebuild complete and beautiful smiles.
Contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you create the smile you've always wanted.
If you're visiting Brown Family Dentistry Group for the first time, it is helpful that you contact your former dental office and have your records sent over to us. Make note of any problems you may have so that you can discuss them with your dentist.
To provide efficient service, we ask you to please bring your insurance card, an ID, plus any referral slips or diagnostic records given to you by another office. If you are taking medications, please note or make a list of what they are as you will need to provide that information.
Yes! We assure you that both you and your family will be in good hands at the office of Brown Family Dentistry Group.
We do our best to make sure every patient who steps into our office for care is put at ease. We provide precise and gentle care and our skilled, compassionate team strives to make every visit stress-free. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands and that we are doing all we can to ensure your comfort throughout every procedure. While we always take the time to explain every step in care, feel free to ask us any questions about local anesthesia and methods of dental sedation.
At the office of Brown Family Dentistry Group, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required. Our goal is to make dental care more affordable so that you can begin treatment without any additional stress or delay.
Keep in mind that with routine dental checkups and periodic care, we can help prevent dental disease while treating emerging problems early in their onset to avoid larger issues and more expensive care down the road.
Routine dental checkups and preventive care procedures may be covered under your dental insurance plan requiring little to no out-of-pocket expense. We invite you to check our financial information page or give us a call to find out if our office participates with your plan, and if you have any other questions about dental insurance, dental savings plans, forms of payment, or financing options. We welcome your inquiries and do our best to help you begin care without additional stress or delay.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Absolutely! Both flossing and brushing regularly are equally important to maintain your oral health. While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans in between them. Flossing is important to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause gums to recede and lead to periodontal disease.
Even if you have dentures, it is still necessary to see a dentist! Dental checkups help ensure that your dentures are comfortable, fitting properly, and that there are no other problems. Beyond assessing your dentures, our dentist will also perform a thorough examination of the jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues both inside the mouth, the face, and neck, to confirm that you remain in good oral health.
Emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need- but if you do, the office of Brown Family Dentistry Group is here for you!
Whether you're suffering from a chipped tooth, toothache, or any problem affecting your oral health, you can be sure to get the prompt attention and compassionate care you require at our office. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities, and we offer a comprehensive range of the most advanced services to address a broad spectrum of dental needs.
While the pain of a toothache is one of the more common reasons that patients come to our office for emergency dental care, we also promptly treat emergencies that are not necessarily painful like crowns that have been dislodged and broken dentures that leave embarrassing gaps in one's smile.
You can rest assured that your oral health is in the best of hands at our office. We'll quickly determine exactly what's wrong, explain your treatment options, and then provide the precise and gentle care you require to alleviate your discomfort and get you back on the path to oral health and wellness.
Your health and comfort are our top priorities. If your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as soon as possible for care.
At the office of Brown Family Dentistry Group, we welcome patients of all ages for care and offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help every member of your family maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you or a loved one needs a routine checkup and cleaning, fillings, same-day crowns, a cosmetic smile makeover, the replacement of missing teeth or require the services of a skilled and compassionate emergency dentist, you can rely on our office for the highest quality care.
For more information on our office and the many services we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.
An oral exam is a comprehensive evaluation of the teeth, gums, jaw, and related soft tissues to assess current health and identify potential problems. It includes a visual inspection, tactile examination, and assessment of function such as bite and jaw movement. Providers may also review your medical history and risk factors to create a complete picture of oral health.
Routine oral exams allow clinicians to detect decay, gum disease, infections, and abnormalities early when treatment is simpler and more effective. Early identification of problems helps preserve natural teeth and prevents minor issues from becoming complex procedures. Exams also provide an opportunity for professional guidance on hygiene, diet, and preventive care tailored to each patient.
Your first checkup visit establishes a baseline of oral health and gives the dental team important information about your needs and concerns. The appointment typically begins with a review of your medical and dental history, medications, and any symptoms you are experiencing. At the office of Brown Family Dentistry Group, the clinician will then perform a thorough clinical exam that may include a periodontal evaluation, occlusion assessment, and oral cancer screening.
Diagnostic images such as bitewing or periapical x-rays are taken as needed to evaluate teeth and supporting bone that cannot be seen visually. The team will check for signs of clenching, grinding, TMJ dysfunction, and areas of wear or sensitivity. At the end of the visit the clinician will explain findings, answer questions, and outline recommended next steps or preventive strategies.
For many patients, routine oral exams are recommended every six months to monitor oral health, remove plaque and tartar, and reinforce preventive habits. That biannual schedule supports early detection and maintenance in people with average risk for dental disease. However, the optimal frequency varies by individual risk factors such as a history of gum disease, frequent decay, dry mouth, or certain medical conditions.
Patients with elevated risk may be advised to return every three to four months, while very low-risk individuals might safely extend intervals under professional guidance. Your dentist will recommend a personalized recall schedule based on clinical findings, risk assessments, and any ongoing treatment needs. Adhering to the recommended interval ensures timely detection and treatment when new issues arise.
An oral cancer screening is a focused assessment of the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, palate, and the soft tissues of the throat and neck to identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities. The provider visually inspects tissues for red or white patches, ulcers, lumps, or areas that bleed easily and may palpate the neck for enlarged lymph nodes. When indicated, adjunctive technologies or biopsy referrals are used to clarify findings and ensure accurate diagnosis.
Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes, so routine screening is a critical component of comprehensive exams. Clinicians will also discuss risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV exposure, and prolonged sun exposure to the lips. If anything concerning is found, the team will explain next steps and coordinate timely referral and follow-up care.
Dental x-rays reveal structures not visible during a visual exam, such as the roots of teeth, underlying bone, impacted teeth, and areas of decay between teeth. Common x-rays include periapical images for individual teeth, bitewings for detecting interproximal decay, and panoramic films for an overall view of jaws and erupting teeth. Three-dimensional imaging like cone-beam CT provides detailed views for complex diagnosis and treatment planning when indicated.
Radiographic images help clinicians detect bone loss from periodontal disease, hidden infections, and developmental anomalies before symptoms appear. They are also essential for planning restorative, endodontic, or implant procedures with greater accuracy and predictability. Your dental team will recommend the appropriate type and frequency of imaging based on your clinical needs and risk profile.
Digital radiography uses electronic sensors that require far less radiation than traditional film, producing images instantly for efficient diagnosis. Lead aprons and thyroid collars are used as appropriate to further minimize exposure during imaging. The reduced dose and rapid processing make digital x-rays a safe and practical tool for routine dental assessment.
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) delivers higher detail when three-dimensional information is essential, such as for implant planning or evaluating complex anatomy. Because CBCT exposes patients to higher radiation than standard intraoral films, practitioners order it judiciously and only when the expected diagnostic benefit outweighs the risk. Your dentist will discuss the rationale for any advanced imaging and answer questions about safety and alternatives.
To prepare for an oral exam, bring an up-to-date list of medications, your medical history, and any questions or symptoms you want to discuss. If you have recent imaging from another provider, ask whether to bring copies or arrange electronic transfer to help the team avoid unnecessary repeats. Good oral hygiene before your visit—brushing and flossing—helps the clinician assess the condition of your teeth and gums more accurately.
If you experience dental anxiety, tell the office so staff can explain comfort options available during the exam. Also note any changes since your last visit, including swelling, new sensitivities, or changes in how your bite feels. Clear communication and providing accurate health information allow the dental team to deliver safer, more effective care.
Oral exams can reveal signs that reflect systemic conditions, because many diseases manifest symptoms in the mouth such as ulcers, dry mouth, bleeding gums, or unusual lesions. Conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and some infectious diseases frequently produce oral findings that warrant medical follow-up. Documenting these signs during an exam allows clinicians to advise patients to seek further medical evaluation when appropriate.
The dental team collaborates with medical providers when a suspected systemic connection exists, sharing observations and recommended next steps. Maintaining open communication between dental and medical care teams helps ensure comprehensive management of conditions that affect overall health. Regular oral exams therefore contribute to both oral and general well-being by facilitating early recognition and coordinated care.
Children should begin regular dental visits by their first birthday or when the first tooth erupts so clinicians can monitor development and establish preventive routines early. Early exams focus on checking for decay, ensuring proper eruption patterns, assessing bite development, and guiding parents about diet and home care. These visits also help children become comfortable with the dental environment and reduce anxiety about future treatment.
As children grow, the dental team watches for orthodontic indicators and discusses timing for any needed interceptive care to guide healthy jaw and tooth development. Fluoride applications, sealants, and tailored hygiene instruction are common preventive measures recommended during pediatric exams. Parents receive practical guidance for toothbrushing, nutrition, and habits that support a lifetime of oral health.
If the exam uncovers a problem, the provider will explain the diagnosis, outline treatment options, and prioritize care steps to address urgent issues first. Many treatment plans begin with conservative, evidence-based measures and escalate only as clinically necessary to restore health and function. The dental team will review any recommended procedures, explain expected outcomes, and schedule follow-up care to monitor progress.
At Brown Family Dentistry Group in Greenville, SC, our clinicians coordinate preventive care, restorative treatment, and referrals when specialty care is needed to ensure comprehensive management of each patient's needs. We emphasize education and shared decision-making so patients understand their options and can participate in treatment planning. When appropriate, the team follows up after procedures to confirm healing and long-term oral health maintenance.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
At Brown Family Dentistry Group, connecting with us is easy! Our friendly staff is here to assist you with appointment scheduling, answer questions about treatment options, and address any concerns. Call, email, or use our quick online contact form—whichever works best for you. Take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile today and experience the difference personalized dental care can make.
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