
At the office of Texas Super Smiles for Kids, we take a proactive stance on oral health because preventing problems is almost always preferable to treating them. Regular oral exams are the cornerstone of that approach: they detect early concerns, track growth and development, and give families practical, realistic steps they can use at home. Our team combines careful clinical evaluation with clear, patient-focused communication so every visit leaves you better informed and confident about your care.
During an oral exam at our Plainview office, we blend hands-on examination with modern diagnostics and focused education. That combination lets us tailor preventive recommendations — from routine cleanings and fluoride treatments to oral cancer screenings and periodontal checks — to the needs of each patient. We emphasize comfort, clarity, and collaboration so you understand what we see and why we recommend particular next steps.
Your first comprehensive exam is about gathering information that will shape care for years to come. We begin by reviewing medical and dental history in detail so we understand any conditions, medications, or past treatments that could affect oral health. Parents and patients are encouraged to describe concerns or symptoms — even subtle issues like intermittent sensitivity or jaw noises can guide our evaluation.
The clinical portion of the exam is systematic and thorough. We inspect teeth, gums, mucous membranes, and jaw function to look for signs of decay, inflammation, trauma, or developmental irregularities. Evaluation of the bite and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) helps us identify functional issues such as clenching, restricted movement, or joint sounds that may warrant monitoring or intervention.
Assessing periodontal health is an integral part of the baseline. Measuring gum pockets, checking for bleeding on probing, and noting tissue quality allows us to identify early gum disease and determine whether standard hygiene visits are sufficient or if more focused periodontal care is needed. For younger patients, we also document eruption patterns and spacing concerns to support timely referrals if orthodontic evaluation becomes appropriate.

Diagnostic imaging is selected carefully based on age, clinical signs, and accepted guidelines. X‑rays reveal decay between teeth, the condition of roots and supporting bone, and the presence of developing or impacted teeth that aren’t visible during the exam. After the initial visit we summarize our findings, explain any recommended follow-up, and answer questions so you can make informed decisions about ongoing care.
Oral exams often reveal clues that extend beyond the mouth. Chronic inflammation, persistent infections, or changes in saliva can affect nutrition, sleep, and even systemic disease management. Because the mouth reflects many internal processes, a careful dental exam can help identify when a medical evaluation or interdisciplinary care might be beneficial.
Research has linked oral conditions to a range of systemic issues. For example, chronic periodontal inflammation can complicate diabetes management and has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Respiratory problems can be worsened by oral bacteria, while certain nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, or autoimmune conditions may present with distinctive oral signs.
Medications and long-term illnesses also commonly affect oral health. Dry mouth, altered taste, and a higher susceptibility to decay are frequent side effects of many systemic therapies. During an exam we assess for these manifestations and discuss practical strategies to reduce risk, such as targeted hygiene practices, saliva-stimulating options, and coordination with your physician when needed.
Professional cleanings are a vital partner to good home care. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate in areas that are hard to reach; a skilled hygienist removes hardened deposits and polishes the teeth to lower bacterial levels and freshen the smile. Cleanings also give clinicians the chance to spot early issues before they require more invasive treatment.
We recommend recall schedules based on individual risk factors rather than a single one-size-fits-all timeline. For many patients, routine visits provide a reliable rhythm for monitoring and prevention, while people with active gum disease or other risk factors may need closer follow-up. Our team will explain the reasoning behind any suggested intervals and work with you to find a plan that fits your family’s needs.
Education is a major focus of every hygiene visit. We demonstrate brushing and flossing techniques, review the best tools for each patient, and offer age-appropriate guidance that helps children and adults adopt habits that stick. For parents, we provide practical tips for supervising oral care and establishing routines that make healthy behavior part of daily life.

Digital radiography broadens what we can see and improves how quickly we can act. Digital x‑rays provide crisp images of tooth roots, bone levels, and interproximal areas so we can catch early decay, assess the development of unerupted teeth, and monitor bone health. Because images are available instantly, we can review findings with you during the appointment and compare changes over time.
There are several advantages to digital imaging: lower radiation exposure versus traditional film, immediate availability for review, and easier storage and sharing for consults or referrals. These benefits help us make more accurate diagnoses and keep patients engaged in their care by showing them clear, understandable images of what we observe.
In select situations, more advanced imaging — such as panoramic radiographs or cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) — provides a wider or three-dimensional view when the clinical question demands it. Those tools are reserved for specific needs like implant planning, complex surgical assessment, or evaluation of impacted teeth, and are used with attention to safety and appropriateness.

Different radiographs serve different diagnostic goals, so we select imaging to answer the question at hand while keeping exposure to the minimum necessary. Bitewing images focus on the crowns of back teeth and are excellent for detecting decay between teeth. Periapical films concentrate on a single tooth and its root, which is useful when root health or localized infection is suspected.
A full-mouth series provides a comprehensive baseline for new patients, combining multiple views to document current conditions. Panoramic films capture the entire dental arch and jaw structure in a single image, which is particularly helpful for assessing eruption patterns, impacted teeth, or broad anatomic relationships. Cephalometric images are used primarily in orthodontic assessment to analyze facial growth and skeletal patterns.
When three-dimensional detail is required for complex treatment planning — for example, in implant placement or surgical evaluation — CBCT imaging delivers precise cross-sectional views. Our guiding principle is simple: use the most appropriate image to make an accurate diagnosis and design a safe, effective treatment plan, and we’ll always explain why a particular image is recommended.
At Texas Super Smiles for Kids, our approach to oral exams combines careful observation, modern diagnostics, and clear communication so families leave each visit with practical guidance and confidence in their care. If you have questions about what to expect at your next checkup or would like help scheduling an exam, please contact us 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 Texas Super Smiles for Kids, 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 Texas Super Smiles for Kids, 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 Texas Super Smiles for Kids, 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 Texas Super Smiles for Kids 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 Texas Super Smiles for Kids.
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 Texas Super Smiles for Kids, 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 Texas Super Smiles for Kids 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 Texas Super Smiles for Kids, 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.
