Covid-19 Updates & Safety Protocols
Covid-19 Updates & Safety Protocols
Get a thorough examination of your teeth oral and dental health at Fisher & Orfaly Dental Clinic, in Salem, Massachusetts.
A typical dental visit has your dentist examining your teeth. The dental checkup is useful in evaluating oral health. The oral examination can be limited to only a specific part of the mouth to check the swelling of gums, cavities, etc. depending on the purpose of your dental visit.
If you have pain in your tooth, then the problem area is examined thoroughly after an overall oral examination. X-rays can also be taken to find out the exact cause of your problem and the treatments further. The dental X-rays are a great way to get the right information about your teeth and prove to be helpful in prescribing the medicines accordingly.
I have been going to Dr Orfaly for years and have always had a positive experience. His response time and communication skills are excellent and his work is solid. Anyone who has experienced tooth pain can understand that expediency and knowledge is key. Dr Orfaly goes above and beyond to insure the problem is resolved and you are comfortable.
At Fisher & Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA, your trusted family dentist Dr. George Orfaly will do a thorough oral examination if you are visiting the dentist for the first time. The dental hygienist first cleans the teeth which makes it easier to spot the symptoms if any. It is advisable to get a dental checkup done after a period of 6 months.
There are 4 types of checkups or examinations on the basis of needs:
Comprehensive exam: A comprehensive dental exam will be performed by the dentist at your initial dental visit so the dentist can understand your oral structure and the health of your teeth.
Regular or periodic examination: At regular check-up exams, the dentist and hygienist will include the following:
Examination of diagnostic X-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
Gum disease evaluation: Check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
Examination of tooth decay: All tooth surfaces will be checked for decay with special dental instruments.
Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.
Limited oral evaluation: This type refers to the “problem-specific” area of the mouth. It is done to check for the reasons why you have pain in your gums, swollen gums, etc.
Follow-up evaluation: This is the session where you have been asked by Dr. Orfaly to make a visit to the clinic to check the progress of the treatment that you may be currently undergoing.
In this blog, Dr. George Orfaly of Fisher & Orfaly Dental, Salem, Massachusetts, describes what a patient should expect when they visit a dentist for the first time after a long time.
Dental X-rays are the radiation images of your teeth and gums to comprehend any signs of infection, cavities, or tooth decay. Any remedial procedure for your teeth begins by taking dental X-rays.
Depending on what problem has to be addressed or found out, various views of teeth are required. And below are the types of X-rays usually taken:
Bitewing: This type of X-ray is used to look out for cavity or tooth decay. The technique involves you biting on a piece of paper so that the dentist checks how well the crowns match up.
Occlusal: This technique captures all your teeth in one shot. The X-ray is taken with your jaw closed, to see how your teeth align.
Panoramic: For such an X-ray the machine rotates around you to check for wisdom teeth and any problems with the jaw.
Periapical: This technique captures two complete teeth from the roots to crowns.
The dental hygienist at Fisher & Orfaly Dental will guide you through each step of the X-ray process. They might wait outside the room while the X-ray is being taken.
The dental hygienist will first clean your mouth and make you comfortable for an oral examination. Dr. Orfaly will do your oral exam and, if needed, will take the dental X-rays.
At Fisher and Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA, we offer our patients Digital X-rays. The X-ray machine is placed right next to the chair you sit in to get a better view of the interiors of your mouth. The required X-ray is then taken on the basis of which, your trusted family dentist Dr. Orfaly guides you with the further course of action.
You may be advised to avoid extremely hot and cold foods immediately. Apart from that, you may be given the medications depending on the oral health conditions as diagnosed by Dr. Orfaly.
Digital X-rays give 70% less exposure to radiation than conventional X-rays, and are very safe. Dr. Orfaly follows all the necessary safety protocols thus virtually eliminating any risks associated with X-rays.
There are no special requirements when it comes to dental X-rays, it is advisable that you brush your teeth before you arrive at the Fisher & Orfaly Dental in Salem, MA. There is no separate appointment required for a dental X-ray.
Major health insurance companies cover two visits to the dentists which include dental exams and dental X-rays in a year. Dental procedures at most companies are grouped into 3 parts: preventive, basic, and major. The companies cover most of the preventive plans from 80-100%, basic procedures at 50-70%, and major at 50%. That depends on the plans you choose. You can contact your company to get the further details.
For any queries related to dental care or dental problems, please feel free to contact us at 978-744-1209.
Dr. George Orfaly is a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry and has been practicing as a dentist in Salem, MA since 2005. He has consistently improved the lives of his patients by providing them relief, confidence, and healthy smiles. He believes that oral health is directly related to overall health and well-being. Dr. Orfaly has also been an active member of the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, and North Shore District Dental Society.
18 Hawthorne Blvd. Salem, MA 01970
Get DirectionsMonday : 8 am - 7:30 pm
Tuesday : 8 am - 5 pm
Wednesday : 8 am - 7:30 pm
Thursday : 8 am - 5 pm
Friday : 8 am - 12 pm
