Dental Exam

The key to keeping a healthy smile.

The Importance
of Regular Check-Ups

Dental Exams are a vital part of your checkup visit to the dentist. Whether it is your first visit … Click to open this link in the same window … to our Stratford office or if you have been seeing us for several years, we always thoroughly evaluate the condition of your teeth and mouth.

Our family clinic has been serving the Stratford, Trumbull, and Bridgeport areas for years – providing friendly, quality dentistry with a smile. Our Stratford dentist … Click to open this link in the same window … office is conveniently located to serve those who live and work in all three communities.

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What to Expect

A breakdown of your dental exam.

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During your dental exam, we will evaluate a number of areas for any problems and utilize a number of tools to ensure your oral health is at its best.

Based on the findings from your exam checkup, Dr. Gretzula will discuss her recommendations and your options for regular cleaning and treatment to help you restore and maintain a healthy smile … Click to open this link in the same window … . A treatment plan will be created that is best suited to meet your expectations, needs, and budget. Our treatment coordinators will go over with you any health insurance coverage questions you may have, set up a financing plan if necessary, and schedule your next visit.

  • Dental X-rays

    X-rays allow us to see between the teeth and under fillings, determine the level of the bone that supports the teeth, check for tooth infection … Click to open this link in the same window … , and evaluate anatomic structures and a number of other areas.

    Some patients who are especially cavity problem-prone, have periodontal disease … Click to open this link in the same window … , or have a large number of restorations in their mouth may need X-rays updated every six months. For those who are low-risk for cavities and have an otherwise healthy mouth, X-rays may need to be updated every six months. See our dental X-ray … Click to open this link in the same window … page to learn more.

  • Periodontal Evaluation

    The dentist or hygienist uses X-rays to check bone health and uses an instrument called a periodontal probe to measure how tight or loose the gums are around the teeth. They also look for signs such as bleeding, plaque, and tartar, and inflammation to determine if periodontal disease is present.

    Changes in your home care may be recommended and addressed if there are areas that need to be improved upon when you clean your teeth. See our page on gum disease … Click to open this link in the same window … to learn more.

  • Oral Cancer Screening

    Your risk factors for developing oral cancer … Click to open this link in the same window … will be reviewed, including tobacco use, age, gender, presence of HPV, and alcohol use. Even if your risk is low for developing oral cancer, your mouth and neck will still be evaluated since a number of cases every year develop in patients with no risk factors.

    Dr. Gretzula and your hygienist will look at your cheeks, tongue, gums, throat, floor of your mouth and neck to determine if any abnormalities are present. Additionally, the use of the VELscope ® light is recommended for each patient. The use of the VELscope® light can aid in the early detection of pre-cancer or abnormal lesions. Please see our oral cancer and VELscope® page to learn more about our oral cancer screening.

  • Restorative Examination

    The doctor will evaluate the integrity of any existing tooth restoration, such as crowns, implants, or fillings that may be present. She will feel and listen to your TMJ … Click to open this link in the same window … and check your tooth enamel for any problems, such as cracks or wear that may be due to clenching or grinding, in addition to discussing the actual tooth filling cost … Click to open this link in the same window … . Lastly, the doctor will check for any new cavities.

    An aesthetic consultation may be included if there are areas of your smile you wish to improve upon. For a comprehensive list of procedures we offer, please see our cosmetic dental services page.

Let's Get Started
Welcome to Hawley Lane Dental.
  • Monday - 9:00am–5:00pm
  • Tuesday - 8:00am–5:00pm
  • Wednesday - 8:00am–5:00pm
  • Thursday - 8:00am–5:00pm
  • Friday - 8:00am–5:00pm
Four of our dental assistants at Hawley Lane Dental smiling while giving thumbs up