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Jean E. Barthman, DDS
801 Brewster Ave Ste 255
Redwood City, CA 94063
Ph: (650) 367-4967

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Meet Dr. Barthman

Dr. BarthmanBeauty, Health and Comfort. These words best describe the office of Dr. Barthman. Because of her years of experience and education, she possesses the latest knowledge and techniques in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve optimal results.

Dr. Barthman is a Member of

  • American Dental Association
  • Las Vegas Institute for
  • Advanced Dental Studies

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Did You Know?

Above all else, Dr. Barthman wants for you to have a beautiful, new smile. Prevention is the key to staying healthy and so we recommend the following tips to get you on your way:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Chew sugarless gum instead of sugary varieties.
  • Floss daily and if possible, after every meal.
  • Prevent plaque and cavities by reducing your daily intake of sweet snacks.
  • Schedule a cleaning and oral examination with Dr. Barthman once a year.

 

What Is a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

August 12, 2013 @ 09:41 AM -- by Dr. Jean Barthman
Tagged with: General Dentistry

Redwood City Dental ExamsYou may not know this, but your mouth is like a window into the health of your entire body. That’s because diseases in our bodies often show up first in our mouths as lesions or other oral health problems.

Due to good hygiene practices, most Americans are keeping their natural teeth throughout their lives. But regular dental exams shouldn’t be forgotten. Seeing your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and check-ups is key to enjoying a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Do I Need a Comprehensive Exam?

Before any restorative work - such as tooth-colored fillings, dental bridges, implants, full dentures, or TMJ treatment - cosmetic dentist Jean Barthman will conduct a comprehensive exam to establish your care. Because a complete oral exam also helps detect cancer, it is recommended every three years for people over age 20 and annually for those over 40.

It is also a good habit to perform a self-exam once a month at home. Use a bright light and a mirror to look inside mouth. Feel your lips and the front of your gums. Pull away your cheeks and look at the lining of your cheeks and your back gums. Tip your head back and feel the roof of your mouth. Check your tongue, under your tongue, the floor of your mouth, and the back of your throat. If you notice any lumps, bumps, or sores, call us immediately.

What Is Involved in the Exam?

Dental care at Dr. Jean Barthman’s office begins with a comprehensive history and dental exam. The first part of your comprehensive exam is taking your medical and dental history. To assess your health, you may be asked the following:

 

  • When was your last dental visit, and what was the reason for the visit?
  • Have you noticed any recent changes in your mouth?
  • Do you have any sensitive or loose teeth?
  • Have you had any difficulty tasting, chewing, or swallowing?
  • Do you have any pain, discomfort, sores, or bleeding in your mouth?
  • Have you noticed any lumps, bumps, or swelling in your mouth?

The second part of your comprehensive exam is an oral exam. Your dentist should assess the following:

  • Face, neck and glands for any signs of skin discoloration, moles, sores, or glandular swelling.
  • Jaw for any clicking or popping noises in the joint.
  • Teeth for any signs of decay, chips, or cracks.
  • Bite for any signs of misalignment that could lead to other health problems, such as chronic headaches, ear aches, jaw pain, sinus pressure, neck pain, and temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ).
  • Tongue, gums, and other tissues for any signs of infection, ulcers, trauma, or cancer.

If you wear dentures or bridges, we may also look for any irritation in those areas and examine the denture for defects that need repair.

Will I Need X-Rays?

After reviewing your history and assessing your mouth, Dr. Barthman will decide whether you need X-rays to complete your exam, particularly if you are a new patient. X-rays serve as an important diagnostic tool that allows us to see disease and decay that may not be visible during your oral exam.

How often you need X-rays will depend on your age, current oral health, and risk for disease. Dental X-rays are safe, but they do involve low levels of radiation exposure. The tools and techniques we use will limit your exposure.

Contact Us for a Consultation

These parts of the comprehensive exam allow Dr. Barthman to determine the best treatment plan to restore your smile. If you want more information about our services and restorative treatments, please contact our cosmetic dentist, serving Redwood City, Palo Alto, San Mateo, Menlo Park, and surrounding areas.