Your First Visit

In Houston, Texas

Good oral health creates the best smile! At Greater Houston Dental Arts, we perform a comprehensive examination at your first visit to our office. Our goal is to determine your immediate dental needs as well as plan for your future dental care. At your first visit, Dr. Younus will:
  • A full mouth series of x-rays will be taken by Dr’s assistant
  • Our team will discuss your dental and overall health since your last dental exam, along with any cosmetic concerns you may have
  • The doctor will review your radiographs, checking for decay, cracks, and chips; evaluate your bite and jaw; examine and chart existing restorations; screen for gum disease and periodontal disease; conduct TMJ examination and screen for oral cancer
All the above information will be gathered and a personalized treatment plan will be developed and discussed with you. Call Greater Houston Dental Arts to schedule your first visit today. We want to partner with you in your oral health and help you maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime!

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral Cancer is said to be one the deadliest because it often goes undetected until it is in the later stages. That is another reason why regular dental examinations are so critical. If caught and treated early, oral cancer has a very low morbidity rate. With roughly 30,000 new cases being diagnosed each year, your dentist is your first line of detection and defense against this disease. Oral cancer can affect the lips, cheek lining, gums, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, and also move back toward the throat. Always report to Greater Houston Dental Arts if you discover any of these possible signs:
  • Sores that bleed easily or do not heal
  • Lumps or spots that are thick or hard
  • Persistently rough or crusted areas
  • Numbness, pain or tenderness that may be new or persisting
During your regular dental exam, Greater Houston Dental Arts will ask if you notice problems chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving any part of your mouth or tongue. Greater Houston Dental Arts routinely screens for oral cancer as part of every comprehensive dental exam or cleaning. In addition to the visual exam, Greater Houston Dental Arts offers a more in-depth screening process that can detect oral cancer in its infancy.
ghda woman checking braces during exam

FAQs for Greater Houston Family Dentistry

What can I expect during a dental checkup?

During a dental checkup, your dentist will take a thorough look at your mouth, teeth and gums. Your dentist may also take x-rays of your teeth that show their growth and development. Your dentist will evaluate the presence and/or absence of pathology within your jawbone using an x-ray called a panoramic radiograph. This helps the dentist see how healthy your sinuses, teeth, TMJ and other areas of your mouth and surrounding structures are.

What is the best age for orthodontic treatment?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends every child to be seen by an orthodontist by age 7 to begin evaluation of growth of the teeth, jaws and surrounding structures of the face.

What is the recovery period for tooth extraction?

Most patients are able to return to work and/or school the next day (some as soon as the same day). Most patients experience some soreness, swelling and bleeding, that are all addressed with post operative instructions given by the dentist. Pain is usually easily controlled with over the counter medications.

Why might you need bone grafting?

Bone grafting around teeth or prior to dental implant placement may be used in order to restore the bone that was lost due to periodontal disease, trauma or from a traumatic extraction.

What to do if I have sensitive teeth?

It is best to consult with your dentist to have sensitive teeth addressed. There are multiple causes for sensitive teeth, including tooth decay (cavities), gum recession, erosion, attrition (excessive wear of tooth structures), etc. It is best to treat the etiology of the sensitivity, which is best diagnosed and planned with your dentist.

What is the success rate of dental implants?

The success rate of dental implants is high. According to the American Dental Association, the success rate for dental implant placement is about 99%. However, that does not mean that everyone will have 100% success with implants. There are some areas where there is a higher failure rate, including infections and bone loss around damaged sites.

Why do gums bleeding take place?

Gums may bleed due to multiple reasons. One common reason for gums to bleed is inflammation from long standing plaque and tartar. It is essential to see your dentist or periodontist regularly, 2-4 times a year, as recommended to reduce inflammation.

Are dental implants painful?

Like any dental surgery, there is some soreness after dental implant placement surgery. This usually lasts 3-5 days and is easily controlled with medication, prescribed by your dentist or periodontist.

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