Preventive care in Lake Forest
Oral Exams in Lake Forest, IL
A thorough oral exam gives you a clearer understanding of your dental health and practical next steps. At Ross & Durrett Family Dental, our doctors take time to listen, assess your mouth, and explain recommendations in plain language. Since 1968, we have welcomed patients in Lake Forest for thoughtful preventive care.
Lake Forest, Illinois Welcoming patients from across the North Shore
01 / Oral Exams
What your oral exam includes
Our doctors review your symptoms, medical history, medications, oral-health goals, and home-care routine before examining your mouth. They look for visible decay, damage, wear, changes around existing dental work, gum concerns, bite and jaw movement, and changes in accessible soft tissues.
An oral exam is an assessment, not the same as a cleaning. It does not automatically include X-rays or another procedure. If an area needs a closer look, our doctors explain whether diagnostic imaging, a focused periodontal assessment, or another evaluation would be appropriate before making recommendations.
- Review of current concerns and relevant health information
- Visual assessment of teeth, gums, bite, jaw movement, and accessible soft tissues
- Discussion of habits and factors that may affect cavity or gum-disease risk
- A personalized recommendation for follow-up, monitoring, or another service when indicated
02 / Oral Exams
A comfortable, useful visit
You can use the appointment to discuss pain, sensitivity, bleeding, dry mouth, clenching, medication changes, or anything else affecting your oral health. Our team answers questions and helps you understand what can be addressed now, what can be monitored, and what next step makes sense for you.
- Bring an updated medication list and any questions about your oral health
- Share changes in your health or symptoms before the examination begins
- Ask how often our doctors recommend returning based on your findings and history
03 / Oral Exams
Who may benefit from an oral exam
Periodic exams help adults and children, including people without pain. New patients, people returning after a gap, and anyone noticing a change can use an exam to establish a baseline and plan care. A history of cavities, gum disease, restorations, dry mouth, tobacco or alcohol exposure, or other risk factors means our doctors can recommend a schedule tailored to you. Exams are generally low-risk, though a tender area can feel briefly uncomfortable or probing can trigger gagging; tell our team about anxiety, pregnancy, blood thinners, or other health concerns so we can plan your visit.
- Schedule a visit for persistent pain, swelling, bleeding, sensitivity, a sore, or another change that concerns you
- Contact us promptly when symptoms are worsening or affecting eating, swallowing, breathing, or sleep
- Call Ross & Durrett Family Dental at (847) 234-8608 to schedule your oral exam in Lake Forest
Questions, answered clearly
Good questions are welcome.
How often should I schedule an oral exam?
The right interval depends on your oral-health history, current findings, symptoms, and risk factors. Our doctors can recommend a schedule tailored to you.
Is an oral exam the same as a dental cleaning or X-ray?
No. An exam evaluates your oral health and includes a conversation about your concerns. A cleaning removes plaque and calculus, while X-rays create images that our doctors recommend when a closer look is needed.
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Care, connected.
Here when you need us
A conversation is a good place to begin.
We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you decide what comes next. Care should feel personal from the first call.
Ask about treatment-specific estimates and payment options after your individual evaluation.
Call (847) 234-8608