A Checkup You Can Actually See
A lot of people sit through a dental exam without knowing what the dentist is looking at. We try to change that. At our Newton office, Dr. Monika Kaceli uses iTero and TRIOS 5 intraoral scanners to build a 3D image of your teeth, and she walks you through it on the screen.
That picture makes conversations easier. A worn edge, a small crack near an old filling or a tooth that is starting to shift is much easier to understand when you can see it from every angle.
What Dr. Kaceli Checks During Your Exam
An exam covers more than cavities. Dr. Kaceli looks at the whole mouth and how it works together.
- Teeth: decay, cracks, wear and changes since your last visit
- Gums: a gum evaluation for inflammation, bleeding or pocketing
- Bite and TMJ: how your teeth meet and how your jaw joints move
- Existing work: fillings, crowns and other restorations, to make sure they are still sealed and sound
- Soft tissue: an oral cancer screening of the tongue, cheeks, throat and gums
When images are needed, we use digital radiography. Not every visit calls for X-rays, and Dr. Kaceli will tell you why she wants them before they are taken.
Exams for Kids and Teens
Children's visits are part of what we do in Newton. For very young children, much of the first appointment is about getting comfortable in the chair and answering parents' questions.
Common topics include teething, thumb-sucking and when a habit is worth addressing. As kids get older, exams turn to how adult teeth are coming in and whether back teeth would benefit from extra protection, such as sealants. Use the New Patient Child form to register a child before the first visit.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
- Health historyWe review your medical history, medications and any concerns you have noticed, such as sensitivity or jaw soreness.
- CleaningMost exams are paired with a professional cleaning in Newton, so your teeth are clear of plaque and tartar before Dr. Kaceli looks closely.
- Scans and X-rays as neededA 3D intraoral scan and digital X-rays give Dr. Kaceli a view of areas the eye cannot reach.
- The examDr. Kaceli checks your teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints and soft tissue, along with any existing restorations.
- Talking it overYou get a plain explanation of what she found. If treatment makes sense, she lays out your options and you decide together what comes next.
How Often Should You Have an Exam?
Every adult should have an exam at least once a year, and for most patients about every six months works best. People with gum disease, frequent cavities or a lot of dental work often benefit from coming in more often.
Regular exams are how small issues stay small. A tiny cavity usually needs only a filling. The same spot left for a couple of years can need a crown.
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Newton?
Dr. Kaceli built her practice around taking time with patients. Exams here are not a quick glance and a handshake. She explains what she sees and gives you room to ask questions.
If something urgent turns up, the Newton office offers same-day emergency visits. Amy Orsini at the front desk can help with insurance questions and prepare a pretreatment estimate if your exam leads to recommended treatment.
