At the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we take a practical, prevention-first approach to oral health. Routine oral exams are more than a quick look inside the mouth — they create a clear record of your dental health, help catch small problems before they grow, and give our team a chance to personalize care for every member of your family. During these visits we combine careful observation, modern diagnostics, and clear communication so you leave with an easy-to-follow plan for maintaining a healthy, comfortable smile.
Your initial oral exam is designed to establish a baseline: what’s healthy, what needs attention, and what factors might influence treatment choices. We begin by reviewing your medical and dental history so we understand your overall health, medications, and any prior dental care that could affect today’s evaluation. You’ll have a chance to describe any concerns or symptoms — sensitivity, pain, or changes you’ve noticed — and we’ll listen closely.
The clinical portion of the exam includes a detailed inspection of your teeth, gums, and oral soft tissues, as well as an assessment of how your bite functions. We look for signs of tooth decay, early gum disease, wear from grinding, and any abnormalities in tissue color or texture. A dedicated oral cancer screening is part of this exam, as are checks of the jaw joints and surrounding muscles to evaluate comfort and movement.
Diagnostic imaging is recommended when needed to complement the visual exam. X-rays and other images let us see beneath the surface — between teeth and under the bone — so we can detect cavities, bone loss, impacted teeth, or other conditions that aren’t visible during a visual inspection. After the exam, we’ll summarize our findings, explain any recommended next steps, and answer your questions so you can make informed choices about your care.
Oral health and overall health are closely intertwined. Problems that begin in the mouth — like untreated gum disease or persistent infections — can have ripple effects beyond the teeth and gums. Likewise, conditions that originate elsewhere in the body can show early signs in the mouth. That’s why a thorough oral exam includes screening for indicators that may warrant medical follow-up or closer dental monitoring.
During an exam we pay attention to symptoms that may suggest systemic interactions: unrelenting dry mouth, unusual oral lesions, unexplained bleeding, or persistent bad breath. These signs can result from medications, metabolic conditions, or immune system issues. When needed, we will coordinate care with your medical team to ensure a consistent approach that supports your overall health.
Research continues to clarify links between oral disease and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular concerns, respiratory infections, diabetes, and digestive health. While the relationship can be complex, routine dental examinations help detect early warning signs and reduce the risk that oral conditions will contribute to broader health problems. A conversation during your visit can also help identify lifestyle factors — diet, tobacco use, or clenching habits — that affect both oral and general well-being.
Because children, adults, and older patients face different oral-health risks at various life stages, we tailor our screening and preventive strategies to each individual. Early detection and consistent follow-up are powerful tools for preserving both a healthy mouth and a healthier body.
Routine exams combined with professional cleanings are the cornerstone of effective preventive care. Even the most diligent home care can miss plaque in hard-to-reach areas; over time, that buildup can mineralize into tartar and lead to cavities or gum inflammation. Professional cleanings remove these deposits and give us a chance to correct small problems before they require more invasive treatment.
Most patients benefit from regular visits at intervals recommended by their dental team. These appointments allow us to monitor changes, refresh preventive care, and reinforce home-care techniques tailored to your needs. During a visit, our hygienists will demonstrate brushing and flossing strategies, suggest tools that might help, and answer questions about routines or products.
Preventive appointments are also a practical way to keep children on track with their dental development. Regular monitoring lets us watch for changes in tooth alignment, jaw growth, and eruption patterns, and it helps determine whether early orthodontic guidance might be beneficial. For adults, routine exams support long-term goals such as preserving natural teeth, maintaining restorations, and managing conditions like increased sensitivity or recession.
By making exams and cleanings a regular habit, patients minimize the likelihood of emergency visits and enjoy greater confidence in their oral health. Our team aims to make each preventive appointment efficient, informative, and comfortable so patients leave feeling equipped to protect their smiles at home.
Imaging is an essential extension of the visual exam because it reveals the structures you can’t see with the naked eye. X-rays and other radiographs show tooth roots, the bone that supports teeth, and areas between teeth where decay often starts. When combined with a hands-on exam, these images give a complete perspective that helps guide accurate diagnosis and precise treatment planning.
Digital radiography has become the standard in contemporary dental care. Compared with older film methods, digital images are produced quickly, require less radiation exposure, and can be enhanced to show subtle details more clearly. Images are stored electronically, which makes it easy to compare current and past records and to share information with specialists when collaborative care is needed.
Beyond standard two-dimensional x-rays, three-dimensional imaging is available for complex evaluations. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can capture a volumetric view of the jaws and surrounding anatomy, which is invaluable for surgical planning, implant placement, and precise assessment of difficult cases. We recommend imaging based on clinical need and always explain the purpose of any radiograph before it is taken.
Using modern imaging thoughtfully supports conservative care: it helps us detect issues earlier, target treatment more accurately, and avoid unnecessary procedures while keeping safety and comfort in mind for every patient.
Dental imaging comes in several common formats, each suited to particular diagnostic needs. Small intraoral films focus on individual teeth, bitewing views reveal decay between teeth, and broader images capture the full arch or both jaws. Understanding why we recommend a specific image helps patients appreciate how we gather the information needed for confident diagnosis and planning.
Some of the standard image types you may encounter include:
Periapical x-ray - Shows an entire tooth from crown to root and the surrounding bone, useful for assessing root health and localized problems.
Bitewing x-ray - Provides a detailed view of the crowns of back teeth and is commonly used to check for early decay between teeth.
Full Mouth Series - A comprehensive set of intraoral images that together document the condition of every tooth and adjacent bone.
Panoramic Film (panorex) - Offers a broad, two-dimensional overview of the jaws, teeth, and surrounding structures; helpful for evaluating erupting teeth, jaw relationships, and overall bone health.
Cephalometric Film - A profile view of the head and jaws often used in orthodontic planning to assess facial proportions and skeletal relationships.
When more detailed three-dimensional views are needed, CBCT offers precise spatial information that supports complex treatments such as implant placement and surgical planning. Our approach is to choose the most appropriate imaging modality for each case, always weighing diagnostic benefit against necessity and patient comfort.
Clear images make consultations more productive: they let us show what we see, explain treatment options with visual context, and involve you in decisions about next steps. Together, imaging and the clinical exam create a roadmap for preserving and improving your oral health over time.
In summary, comprehensive oral exams combine careful visual assessment, preventive cleanings, and targeted imaging to protect your smile and support overall health. If you have questions about what to expect during an exam or would like to learn more about preventive services, contact Dodson Brothers Dentistry for more information.
Yes. We always welcome new patients and their families for care. Feel free to give us a call or reach out to us online to schedule a first visit or for any additional information on our office. We look forward to hearing from you!
Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings help ensure your smile remains in tip-top condition and that any developing problems receive the prompt care they require. While it's a good idea to schedule a checkup and cleaning twice a year, longer or shorter intervals between routine visits depend on your specific needs.
We understand that life gets complicated and busy, and for various reasons, you haven't been able to get to the dentist for care. Don't worry; it's always a good time to get back in touch with the health of your smile.
At Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we offer skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of dental needs. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning, restorations, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, or the replacement of missing teeth to get your smile back into shape, we provide precise, gentle, stress-free treatment to give you a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.
Give us a call today; we're happy to address all your questions and concerns about getting your smile back in tip-top condition.
For pregnant women, practicing good oral care and seeing the dentist to maintain a healthy smile is considered an important component of prenatal care. Researchers have found that pregnancy not only increases the risk of oral health problems, but these problems may also lead to pregnancy complications. At the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we provide the skilled and compassionate care required to help expectant mothers keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. While certain procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, we provide the necessary care and take all the necessary precautions required.
Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, teeth that have been affected by a range of imperfections or that have sustained damage from trauma or dental decay can be restored to produce a naturally beautiful looking and functional smile.
As skilled and experienced providers of care, our office can effectively improve and enhance the appearance of teeth that are stained, discolored, misshapen, chipped, fractured, gapped, crowded, or broken down due to dental decay. At the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we offer a comprehensive selection of the leading-edge cosmetic solutions from teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers, to prosthetic solutions and dental implants to rebuild complete and beautiful smiles.
Contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you create the smile you've always wanted.
If you're visiting Dodson Brothers Dentistry for the first time, it is helpful that you contact your former dental office and have your records sent over to us. Make note of any problems you may have so that you can discuss them with your dentist.
To provide efficient service, we ask you to please bring your insurance card, an ID, plus any referral slips or diagnostic records given to you by another office. If you are taking medications, please note or make a list of what they are as you will need to provide that information.
Yes! We assure you that both you and your family will be in good hands at the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry.
We do our best to make sure every patient who steps into our office for care is put at ease. We provide precise and gentle care and our skilled, compassionate team strives to make every visit stress-free. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands and that we are doing all we can to ensure your comfort throughout every procedure. While we always take the time to explain every step in care, feel free to ask us any questions about local anesthesia and methods of dental sedation.
At the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required. Our goal is to make dental care more affordable so that you can begin treatment without any additional stress or delay.
Keep in mind that with routine dental checkups and periodic care, we can help prevent dental disease while treating emerging problems early in their onset to avoid larger issues and more expensive care down the road.
Routine dental checkups and preventive care procedures may be covered under your dental insurance plan requiring little to no out-of-pocket expense. We invite you to check our financial information page or give us a call to find out if our office participates with your plan, and if you have any other questions about dental insurance, dental savings plans, forms of payment, or financing options. We welcome your inquiries and do our best to help you begin care without additional stress or delay.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Absolutely! Both flossing and brushing regularly are equally important to maintain your oral health. While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans in between them. Flossing is important to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause gums to recede and lead to periodontal disease.
Even if you have dentures, it is still necessary to see a dentist! Dental checkups help ensure that your dentures are comfortable, fitting properly, and that there are no other problems. Beyond assessing your dentures, our dentist will also perform a thorough examination of the jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues both inside the mouth, the face, and neck, to confirm that you remain in good oral health.
Emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need- but if you do, the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry is here for you!
Whether you're suffering from a chipped tooth, toothache, or any problem affecting your oral health, you can be sure to get the prompt attention and compassionate care you require at our office. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities, and we offer a comprehensive range of the most advanced services to address a broad spectrum of dental needs.
While the pain of a toothache is one of the more common reasons that patients come to our office for emergency dental care, we also promptly treat emergencies that are not necessarily painful like crowns that have been dislodged and broken dentures that leave embarrassing gaps in one's smile.
You can rest assured that your oral health is in the best of hands at our office. We'll quickly determine exactly what's wrong, explain your treatment options, and then provide the precise and gentle care you require to alleviate your discomfort and get you back on the path to oral health and wellness.
Your health and comfort are our top priorities. If your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as soon as possible for care.
At the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we welcome patients of all ages for care and offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help every member of your family maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you or a loved one needs a routine checkup and cleaning, fillings, same-day crowns, a cosmetic smile makeover, the replacement of missing teeth or require the services of a skilled and compassionate emergency dentist, you can rely on our office for the highest quality care.
For more information on our office and the many services we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.
An oral exam is a systematic evaluation of your teeth, gums, soft tissues and jaw function that helps detect problems early and supports long-term oral health. At the office of Dodson Brothers Dentistry we use a prevention-first approach that combines careful observation, education and targeted diagnostics to create a clear record of your dental health. Regular exams establish a baseline so changes can be identified and addressed before they become more complex.
During an exam the clinician checks for tooth decay, signs of gum disease, wear from grinding and any unusual tissue changes, and performs a dedicated oral cancer screening. Findings from the visual and tactile exam guide recommendations for preventive care, hygiene instruction and any needed follow-up. The result is a personalized plan to help you maintain a healthy, comfortable smile over time.
Your initial oral exam begins with a review of your medical and dental history so the dental team understands medications, past treatments and health factors that influence care. You will be invited to describe any symptoms or concerns such as sensitivity, pain or recent changes so they can be addressed directly. This conversation helps the clinician tailor the clinical exam and any diagnostic imaging to your needs.
The clinical portion includes a detailed inspection of the teeth, gums and soft tissues, an assessment of bite and jaw comfort, and an oral cancer screening. When indicated, diagnostic images such as bitewings or a panoramic film are taken to reveal findings that are not visible on the surface. At the end of the visit the clinician summarizes findings, explains recommended next steps and answers your questions so you leave with a clear plan.
A thorough oral exam includes a dedicated oral cancer screening that evaluates the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, palate and throat for lumps, discolorations or persistent lesions. The clinician uses visual inspection and palpation to identify suspicious areas and documents any changes for close follow-up. Early detection improves outcomes, so routine screening is an important part of preventive care.
In addition to local screening, oral exams can reveal signs that suggest broader health issues, such as unusual oral lesions, chronic dry mouth or unexplained bleeding. When findings point toward a systemic condition, the dental team may recommend medical follow-up or coordinate care with your physician. This collaborative approach helps ensure oral signs of systemic disease are investigated and managed appropriately.
Frequency of oral exams is individualized based on your oral health, medical history and risk factors; however, many patients benefit from regular visits that allow the team to monitor changes and reinforce preventive care. Your clinician will recommend an interval that fits your needs—some patients require visits every three to four months while others are served well with six-month checkups. The goal is to detect problems early and maintain a consistent prevention plan.
Factors that commonly shorten the interval between exams include a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, diabetes, tobacco use or a tendency to develop wear from clenching and grinding. Life stages such as pregnancy or changes in medication can also affect scheduling. Your dentist will explain the reasons for the recommended interval and adjust it as your health status evolves.
Dental imaging complements the visual exam by revealing structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye, including tooth roots, bone levels and areas between teeth where decay often begins. Digital radiography produces images quickly with reduced radiation exposure and allows the clinician to enhance and compare records over time. Images are used selectively to answer specific diagnostic questions and to guide treatment planning with greater precision.
Common image types include bitewing films for interproximal decay, periapical views for root and bone assessment, panoramic films for a broad overview of the jaws, and three-dimensional CBCT when complex spatial information is needed. The dental team explains the purpose of any radiograph before it is taken and chooses the least invasive option that provides the diagnostic detail required. Thoughtful use of imaging supports conservative, evidence-based care for every patient.
Oral exams are adapted to each life stage because children, adults and older adults face different risks and developmental needs. For children the focus is on eruption patterns, tooth development, early cavity prevention and habits such as thumb-sucking or pacifier use that can affect growth. These visits often include anticipatory guidance for parents and strategies to establish healthy routines.
Adult exams emphasize restoration maintenance, periodontal health and identification of wear or bite problems that develop over time, while exams for older adults pay special attention to medication effects, dry mouth, root exposure and the fit and condition of restorations or dentures. In every age group the screening and preventive strategies are personalized to preserve function, comfort and long-term oral health.
Prepare for an oral exam by bringing a current list of medications, relevant medical information and any records from recent dental visits if you have them. Make a note of symptoms or questions you want to discuss so you don’t forget details during the appointment. If you wear removable appliances or night guards, bring them so the clinician can assess fit and function.
Good oral hygiene before your visit helps the clinician evaluate your baseline condition, but you do not need to alter your normal routine. If you have specific concerns about anxiety or gag reflex, mention them when scheduling so the team can prepare accommodations. Clear communication and documentation help the clinician make the most of your exam time and deliver personalized recommendations.
Inform your dentist about any sensitivity to hot, cold or pressure, persistent tooth or gum pain, swelling, bleeding or changes in bite or tooth position. Mention chronic dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, changes in taste or persistent bad breath, as these can signal conditions that warrant further evaluation. Also note any oral sores or lumps that do not heal within two weeks.
Share recent changes in your overall health, new medications, tobacco or vaping use and any history of head and neck cancer, as these factors influence screening and care recommendations. Accurate information about symptoms and health history helps the team triage concerns and determine whether additional testing or medical referral is needed. Timely reporting of symptoms supports earlier diagnosis and simpler treatment.
Preventive recommendations typically include tailored home-care strategies such as proper brushing technique, daily interdental cleaning and, when appropriate, therapeutic mouth rinses or topical fluoride to strengthen enamel. The clinician may suggest specific tools—floss types, interdental brushes or electric toothbrushes—based on your anatomy and ability to clean effectively. For patients who grind their teeth, a custom night guard may be recommended to protect restorations and reduce wear.
Professional cleanings at recommended intervals are often part of the prevention plan because hygienists remove plaque and tartar from areas that are difficult to reach at home. Lifestyle guidance—addressing diet, tobacco use and habits that contribute to wear or gum disease—can further reduce risk. Follow-up appointments are scheduled as needed to monitor changes and to ensure preventive measures are working.
To schedule an oral exam at Dodson Brothers Dentistry call the Kihei office at (808) 214-9488 or request an appointment through the practice contact channels listed on the website. When you call, the team will ask a few questions about your dental history, current concerns and availability so they can book the appropriate appointment length. New patients are welcome and the staff will explain any forms or records to bring for the first visit.
On the day of your appointment expect a focused, efficient visit that includes a review of health history, a clinical exam and any recommended imaging. The clinician will review findings with you, outline recommended preventive or restorative steps and answer your questions before you leave. Clear communication and individualized care are priorities to help you feel informed and confident about your oral health plan.
Have questions, need to schedule an appointment, or want to learn more about our services?
Our friendly team is ready to assist you. At Dodson Brothers Dentistry, we make connecting with us easy, convenient, and stress-free.
