
At the office of Towne Dental & Orthodontics, we believe prevention is the foundation of lasting oral health. Routine oral exams let our team detect problems early, protect your smile, and create personalized care plans that match each patient's needs. Along with cleanings and oral cancer screenings, our preventive approach includes education on brushing, flossing, nutrition, and habits so patients can take an active role in maintaining their oral health.
Your first comprehensive oral exam is an opportunity for us to learn about you and for you to learn how we evaluate dental health. We begin with a careful review of your medical and dental history and ask about any current concerns or symptoms. This background helps us identify factors—medications, medical conditions, or habits—that can affect your mouth and overall treatment decisions.
After the history, our clinicians perform a thorough clinical evaluation. That includes an oral cancer screening, an assessment of the gums and supporting tissues, and a functional check of the bite and jaw joints. We look for signs of wear from grinding, areas of tenderness, unusual growths, and any soft tissue changes that merit attention.
To complete the exam, we recommend targeted diagnostic imaging when needed. X-rays and other images reveal decay between teeth, the health of tooth roots and bone, and developing problems not visible during a visual inspection. Based on the findings, we explain any recommended next steps and discuss conservative options so you understand the path forward.

Oral health and overall health influence each other in important ways. During an exam we watch for signs in the mouth that might point to broader health issues—persistent gum inflammation, oral lesions, or unusual dryness can sometimes be associated with systemic conditions. Identifying these signs allows us to coordinate care with your medical providers when appropriate.
Research continues to reveal connections between oral disease and chronic conditions elsewhere in the body. For example, long-standing gum inflammation has been linked to cardiovascular concerns and elevated systemic inflammation. Paying attention to the mouth can therefore be a vital part of maintaining general health.
Conversely, systemic diseases and certain medications can create problems in the mouth—dry mouth, increased risk of decay, or impaired healing. During routine exams we screen for these manifestations so that patients receive timely advice on managing risks and preserving oral function.
Awareness and early detection are key. When we spot signs that suggest a link to a broader health issue, we’ll explain what we see and, when appropriate, recommend further evaluation or collaboration with your physician to support your overall well-being.

Daily home care is essential, but professional cleanings remove hardened deposits and bacteria that brushing and flossing alone cannot reach. During your regular checkup we remove plaque and tartar, polish surfaces, and check for early signs of decay and gum disease so small problems don’t become larger ones.
Regular visits also give us a chance to reinforce proper homecare techniques and recommend adjustments—different brushing methods, flossing tools, or preventive products—to meet each patient's needs. Education at the chairside helps patients build routines that protect their teeth between visits.
We generally recommend ongoing preventive care at intervals that reflect each patient’s risk profile. For many people that means twice-yearly checkups, but some patients benefit from more frequent monitoring. Our goal is to tailor the schedule so you maintain oral health with the least disruption to your life.
Children deserve special attention as they establish lifelong habits. During checkups we monitor erupting teeth and jaw development and look for early indications that orthodontic evaluation may be helpful. Preventive care in childhood sets the stage for healthier smiles into adulthood.
Visual inspection is essential, but diagnostic images give us a deeper view of teeth, roots, bone, and supporting structures. Digital radiography allows us to capture clear images with minimal exposure and immediate results. These images help detect cavities between teeth, check root integrity, and evaluate the bone that supports teeth.
Digital systems make it easy to compare current images with prior records so we can track changes over time. Because images are stored electronically, they can be reviewed with you on-screen to help explain findings and treatment options in a straightforward way.
In certain cases, three-dimensional imaging like cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides a volumetric view of tooth and jaw anatomy. CBCT is particularly useful for complex diagnosis, surgical planning, and implant placement because it reveals the exact relationship of roots, nerves, and bone that cannot be seen on two-dimensional films.

Different images serve different clinical purposes. Small sensor images and bitewings are excellent for spotting decay and assessing the crowns of teeth, while targeted periapical images show the entire tooth from crown to root and the surrounding bone. Full-mouth series provide a comprehensive record when a broad assessment is needed.
Periapical x-ray — used to evaluate the whole tooth and the bone around the root for infection or abnormalities.
Bitewing x-ray — ideal for detecting early decay between teeth and checking the fit of existing restorations.
Full Mouth Series (FMX) — a combination of periapical and bitewing images for a complete diagnostic picture.
Panoramic film — a broad, two‑dimensional view of all teeth and both jaws; helpful for assessing development, impacted teeth, and overall jaw health.
Cephalometric film — a side-profile view used primarily in orthodontic planning to evaluate skeletal relationships.
Three-dimensional CBCT imaging offers enhanced detail when planning surgical procedures or complex restorative work like implants. We recommend the imaging modality that delivers the information needed while minimizing exposure, and we always explain why an image is helpful for your individual case.
At the office of Towne Dental & Orthodontics, every oral exam is an opportunity to protect your smile and support your health. If you have questions about what an exam will include or want to learn how we tailor preventive care to your needs, 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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics, 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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics, 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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics, 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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics 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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics.
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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics, 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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics 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 Towne Dental & Orthodontics, 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 mouth, teeth, gums and related structures designed to detect issues early and guide preventive care. During an exam the clinician looks for signs of decay, gum disease, abnormal growths and functional problems that can affect chewing and comfort. Early detection allows for conservative treatment and reduces the risk of more extensive procedures later.
At Towne Dental & Orthodontics we view routine exams as the foundation of lasting oral health because they combine clinical evaluation with education and personalized planning. Exams also create an opportunity to review medications, habits and medical history that influence oral risk so care can be tailored to each patient. Regular evaluations help patients stay ahead of trouble and maintain a healthy, functional smile.
Your first comprehensive exam begins with a careful review of medical and dental history and a discussion of any current concerns or symptoms. The clinician will perform a thorough soft tissue check, evaluate the gums and supporting structures, and assess your bite and jaw joints for signs of wear or dysfunction. This exam identifies risk factors and establishes a baseline for future comparisons.
Diagnostic imaging is often recommended to complement the visual exam and reveal problems between teeth, at the root, or in the supporting bone. After the assessment we will explain findings in plain language and outline recommended next steps, including conservative options and preventive strategies. You will leave with a clear plan for maintaining or improving oral health.
Frequency of exams and cleanings depends on an individual risk profile rather than a single rule for everyone. Many patients benefit from twice-yearly visits, while others with a history of gum disease, dry mouth or other risk factors may need more frequent monitoring to prevent progression. We determine the appropriate schedule by evaluating oral health status, medical history and lifestyle factors.
Regular professional cleanings remove hardened deposits that home care cannot reach and allow clinicians to catch early signs of decay and tissue changes. Consistent follow-up appointments also provide opportunities for chairside education and adjustments to homecare that help patients maintain improvements between visits. Scheduling based on risk helps deliver the right care at the right intervals.
Diagnostic imaging complements the clinical exam by revealing structures that cannot be seen visually, such as decay between teeth, root health and bone levels. Common two-dimensional images include bitewings for interproximal decay, periapical films for whole-tooth assessment and panoramic images for a broad overview of both jaws. The choice of image depends on the clinical question and the level of detail needed.
When more detailed information is required, three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can show volumetric anatomy and relationships of teeth, roots and nerves, which is particularly helpful for surgical planning or complex restorative work. Digital systems provide high-quality images with minimal exposure and allow side-by-side comparisons with prior records. We always recommend the modality that gives useful diagnostic information while minimizing patient exposure.
An oral cancer screening is an integral part of every comprehensive exam and focuses on the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, and surrounding lymph nodes. The clinician looks for persistent sores, unusual patches of color, lumps or changes in tissue texture that may warrant further investigation. Identifying suspicious findings early improves the likelihood of successful treatment and better outcomes.
When a suspicious area is found we explain the findings and recommend the appropriate next steps, which may include monitoring, targeted imaging or referral for biopsy. We also review risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus exposure and provide guidance on modifiable behaviors. Clear communication and timely follow-up are key elements of an effective screening program.
The mouth often reflects systemic health, and oral exams can reveal signs that relate to broader medical conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease. Persistent gum inflammation, unusual oral lesions and changes in saliva flow are examples of findings that may suggest an underlying health issue. Recognizing these signs allows clinicians to coordinate care with medical providers when appropriate.
Routine dental evaluations include questions about medications and medical history because many systemic conditions and treatments affect oral tissues and healing. By screening the mouth for manifestations of systemic disease we can help patients manage oral risks and support overall wellness. When needed, we communicate findings and recommendations to other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
For children, oral exams emphasize growth, development and the establishment of healthy habits while also screening for early signs that may indicate future orthodontic needs. Clinicians monitor erupting teeth, jaw development and bite relationships and provide age-appropriate preventive care such as sealants and fluoride guidance. Early visits are also an opportunity to educate parents about brushing techniques, diet and ways to reduce cavity risk.
Children often require a gentle, reassuring approach to build positive associations with dental care and ensure consistent follow-up. Regular exams help detect developmental concerns early, allowing for timely referrals to orthodontic specialists if needed. Preventive attention in childhood sets the foundation for healthier adult dentition and reduces the need for invasive treatment later in life.
Preparing for an oral exam is straightforward and helps the clinician provide a complete evaluation: bring a list of current medications, update recent medical history and note any persistent symptoms or areas of concern. If you have recent dental records or x-rays from another provider, bringing those or ensuring transfer can help the team compare findings and avoid duplicate imaging. Effective preparation speeds the visit and improves the quality of recommendations.
Arrive having brushed and, if possible, avoid eating directly beforehand so the clinician can assess the natural condition of your mouth. Be ready to discuss lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, alcohol intake and oral habits like clenching or grinding, as these influence risk and treatment decisions. Clear communication about your goals and concerns helps the clinician tailor preventive and treatment plans to your needs.
Certain signs warrant sooner evaluation rather than waiting for a routine checkup, including persistent tooth pain, swelling, unexplained bleeding, a nonhealing sore or a sudden change in bite or jaw function. These symptoms can indicate infections, trauma, rapidly progressing decay or other conditions that require prompt attention. Early assessment allows for timely intervention and can prevent complications.
If you notice numbness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained lumps or any persistent oral lesion lasting more than two weeks, contact the dental office for an evaluation. We prioritize acute concerns and will advise whether an urgent visit, diagnostic imaging or referral is appropriate. Quick action often reduces discomfort and preserves long-term oral health.
Preventive care is individualized based on clinical findings, risk factors and patient goals rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule. After an exam we explain the rationale for recommended recall intervals, specific homecare techniques and any preventive procedures such as sealants, targeted fluoride or lifestyle adjustments. The plan balances effective prevention with convenience and long-term oral health objectives.
The team at Towne Dental & Orthodontics in Waller, TX works with patients to monitor progress and adjust recommendations as conditions change, and we communicate clearly about why a particular follow-up is advised. Ongoing education and evidence-based practices guide each step so patients understand how to protect their smiles between visits. Personalized monitoring ensures care remains aligned with evolving needs and health status.