At the office of William L. Krell, DDS, MAGD, we view oral exams as the cornerstone of preventive dental care. A thorough, routine exam does more than spot a cavity—it creates a personalized map of your oral health, flags early changes, and helps us tailor treatments that preserve natural teeth and protect overall wellness. Our goal is to make every exam clear, comfortable, and focused on practical steps you can take between visits.
We approach examinations with four decades of clinical experience and modern diagnostic tools, combining careful observation with imaging and professional assessment. Exams are designed to be efficient and informative: you’ll leave understanding the condition of your teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues, and with a clear plan for maintaining or improving your oral health.
Your initial appointment establishes the baseline for future care. We begin with a concise review of your medical and dental history so we can identify factors that influence oral health, such as medications, chronic conditions, or past treatments. Understanding your goals and any symptoms you’ve noticed helps us prioritize concerns during the clinical evaluation.
The clinical exam includes a systematic inspection of teeth, gums, tongue, and other soft tissues, along with an assessment of jaw function and bite. We screen for early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and oral lesions, and we look for patterns of wear that may indicate clenching or grinding. When appropriate, we perform an oral cancer screening by examining the mouth, head, and neck for any unusual changes.
Diagnostic imaging is ordered only when it contributes meaningful information to your care. If x-rays or three-dimensional imaging are recommended, we’ll explain the reason, how the images help with diagnosis or planning, and what to expect during image capture. After the exam, we’ll review findings with you and discuss practical next steps—whether that’s routine maintenance, targeted prevention, or restorative treatment.
Oral health does not exist in isolation. Changes in the mouth can be signals of broader health issues, and conversely, systemic conditions often manifest with oral symptoms. During every comprehensive exam, we look beyond teeth and gums to identify signs that may warrant attention or coordination with your medical provider.
Research links chronic oral inflammation and untreated periodontal disease with a heightened risk for several systemic conditions. While the relationships are complex and vary between individuals, being proactive about gum health can reduce potential complications and support overall wellness. That’s why our exams include attention to periodontal status and soft tissue health as routine components.
Some of the conditions that can be associated with oral findings include digestive and respiratory concerns, cardiovascular issues, stroke risk factors, diabetes management challenges, and cognitive health trends. Noticing dry mouth, unusual ulcers, persistent bad breath, or sudden changes in tissue appearance during an exam helps us recommend appropriate follow-up or referrals when indicated.
Digestive disorders
Respiratory problems
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Alzheimer's disease
Daily brushing and flossing form the foundation of oral health, but professional visits add a layer of protection that home care cannot replace. A dental cleaning removes hardened deposits and polish that accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, and a checkup allows us to catch small problems before they become larger, more complex issues.
Routine visits give us repeated opportunities to monitor trends in your oral health—changes in gum levels, shifting bite patterns, or emerging decay. Early detection often means simpler, less invasive treatment and better long-term results. We aim to educate patients about hygiene techniques tailored to their unique needs so they can maintain progress between appointments.
Preventive care is also age- and stage-specific. For children we focus on establishing healthy habits and monitoring development; for adults we emphasize gum health, wear patterns, and risk-based prevention; for older patients we pay particular attention to restorative longevity, dry mouth, and other age-related concerns. Each visit is an opportunity to reassess an individualized plan that supports lifelong oral health.
Visual inspection tells part of the story; imaging completes it. Digital radiographs and advanced imaging provide clear views of tooth roots, bone levels, and structures beneath the surface that are not visible in a visual exam. These tools help us identify hidden decay, evaluate bone health, and plan restorative or surgical procedures with greater precision.
Digital radiography has transformed the patient experience: images are acquired quickly, require minimal radiation, and can be viewed immediately on a screen. This immediacy helps us explain findings in real time and include the images in your record for careful longitudinal review. Digital files are also easy to share securely with specialists should a referral be needed.
For complex cases or surgical planning—such as implant placement—three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed anatomical information. CBCT enables accurate assessment of bone volume, nerve positions, and sinus relationships, which improves both safety and predictability for advanced procedures. We select imaging based on clinical need and always discuss the benefits and considerations with each patient.
Different images serve different diagnostic purposes. Small, focused films like periapical x-rays show the entire tooth from crown to root and are ideal for evaluating root integrity or localized infection. Bitewing radiographs concentrate on tooth crowns in adjacent areas and are highly effective at revealing interproximal decay between teeth.
A full‑mouth series combines periapical and bitewing views to provide a comprehensive assessment of all teeth and supporting bone. Panoramic films give a broad, two‑dimensional overview of the jaws, tooth development, and impacted teeth, helpful for screening and treatment planning. Cephalometric films are used primarily in orthodontic assessment to evaluate facial growth and jaw relationships.
Today’s imaging toolbox also includes CBCT for three‑dimensional visualization when superior anatomical detail is required. Each modality has a specific purpose, and we recommend the least invasive option that yields the diagnostic information needed for safe, effective care. Our priority is accurate diagnosis with patient safety and comfort top of mind.
At the practice, we strive to make oral exams a positive, informative experience that empowers patients to take charge of their dental health. If you have questions about what to expect, imaging options, or how we tailor preventive strategies to your needs, please contact us for more information. We welcome the opportunity to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
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 William L. Krell, DDS, MAGD, 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 William L. Krell, DDS, MAGD, 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 William L. Krell, DDS, MAGD, 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 William L. Krell, DDS, MAGD 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 William L. Krell, DDS, MAGD.
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 William L. Krell, DDS, MAGD, 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 William L. Krell, DDS, MAGD 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 William L. Krell, DDS, MAGD, 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 comprehensive clinical evaluation of the teeth, gums, bite, and soft tissues of the mouth. The exam identifies early signs of decay, gum disease, abnormal wear, infections and soft tissue changes that may require monitoring or treatment. It also establishes a baseline record so clinicians can compare findings over time and detect subtle changes earlier.
Regular oral exams are the cornerstone of preventive dental care because they prioritize early detection and conservative treatment. Catching problems in their initial stages usually means simpler procedures and better long-term outcomes. At the practice of William L. Krell, DDS, MAGD we emphasize clear communication so patients understand their oral health and the practical steps to protect it.
Your first oral exam typically begins with a review of medical and dental history to identify medications, chronic conditions or past treatments that influence oral health. The clinician will ask about symptoms, lifestyle factors and your goals so the exam can be prioritized to address your concerns. This background helps guide the clinical inspection and any imaging that may be appropriate.
The clinical portion includes a systematic inspection of teeth, gums, tongue and other soft tissues along with an assessment of jaw function and bite. We screen for decay, periodontal disease, abnormal lesions and patterns of wear that indicate clenching or grinding. After the exam the clinician reviews findings, answers questions and outlines a personalized preventive or treatment plan.
The recommended frequency of oral exams varies based on an individual’s risk factors, periodontal status, and overall oral health. For many patients routine exams every six months support maintenance and early detection, while others with specific risks may need more frequent monitoring. Your clinician will recommend an interval based on clinical findings, medical history and preventive needs.
Regular, risk-based scheduling allows the dental team to monitor trends such as gum recession, new decay or changing bite relationships. Adjusting exam frequency ensures that preventive measures and treatments are introduced at the most effective time. This approach helps minimize invasive procedures and preserve tooth structure whenever possible.
Yes, a comprehensive oral exam routinely includes an oral cancer screening that assesses the mouth, head and neck for unusual lumps, ulcers, color changes or other suspicious signs. The clinician visually and manually examines tissues and notes any findings that warrant monitoring, biopsy or referral. Early detection of oral cancer greatly improves treatment options and outcomes.
If any concerning areas are found, the team documents size, location and appearance and may take photographs or recommend further testing. The dental team will explain findings and the rationale for any additional steps so patients understand the process. Coordination with medical providers or specialists occurs when needed to ensure timely evaluation and care.
Diagnostic imaging complements the visual exam by revealing structures beneath the surface such as tooth roots, bone levels and hidden decay. Digital radiographs are taken selectively when they add meaningful information to diagnosis or treatment planning and they provide immediate images for review. For complex cases, three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers detailed anatomical views that improve surgical and restorative safety.
We recommend the least invasive imaging modality that yields the necessary information while keeping patient safety and comfort in mind. Digital imaging allows clinicians to explain findings in real time and include images in your record for longitudinal comparison. Images may also be shared securely with specialists if a referral is required for definitive care.
Oral health is connected to overall health because the mouth can reflect systemic conditions and chronic oral inflammation may influence other physiologic systems. During an exam clinicians look for signs such as persistent gum inflammation, dry mouth or unusual lesions that could signal underlying medical issues or complications. Identifying these signs early supports timely coordination with medical providers when appropriate.
Research has linked periodontal inflammation with a range of systemic concerns, so maintaining gum health is an important part of comprehensive well‑being. While associations vary between individuals, proactive periodontal screening and treatment can reduce local inflammation and support broader health goals. The dental team discusses relevant findings and recommends follow-up or referrals when indicated.
Before an oral exam share any changes in your health, new medications, recent surgeries or ongoing medical treatments because these factors can affect oral conditions and treatment planning. Mention symptoms such as sensitivity, bleeding gums, persistent bad breath or mouth pain, and describe when those symptoms began or changed. Also let the team know about lifestyle habits like tobacco use or nighttime teeth grinding that influence risk.
If you have had recent imaging, specialist consultations or dental work elsewhere, bringing records or notifying the office can streamline care and reduce duplicate testing. Clear, accurate information helps the clinician assess risk and personalize prevention strategies. Open communication ensures safer, more effective recommendations and follow-up plans.
During a comprehensive oral exam clinicians routinely assess periodontal health by measuring pocket depths, evaluating gum attachment and checking for bleeding or recession. These findings determine whether a routine cleaning is appropriate or if a deeper periodontal treatment plan is needed. Assessment of gum health is central to preventing progression of disease and protecting supporting bone.
Professional cleanings remove hardened deposits that brushing and flossing cannot eliminate and they help control the bacterial buildup that drives periodontal problems. The dental team will explain the recommended hygiene interval and any specialized home care techniques tailored to your periodontal status. Ongoing monitoring at regular exams ensures that preventive and therapeutic measures remain effective.
Oral exams are tailored to each life stage by focusing on the most relevant risks and preventive needs for that age group. For children exams concentrate on growth, development, eruption patterns and habit counseling, while adults receive attention to gum health, wear patterns and risk‑based prevention. For older adults clinicians emphasize restorative longevity, dry mouth management and monitoring for age-related changes that affect prosthetics and implants.
This life‑stage approach ensures that education, hygiene recommendations and interval scheduling are appropriate and effective for each patient. The clinician adjusts the exam content and preventive strategies as needs evolve over time. Regular reassessment supports long-term preservation of oral function and comfort across the lifespan.
After the exam the clinician reviews findings with you, answers questions and outlines a recommended follow‑up plan that prioritizes prevention and minimally invasive care. The plan may include routine cleanings, targeted preventive therapies, restorative treatment or referrals to specialists when advanced care is required. Decisions are based on clinical evidence, your health history and your personal goals for oral health.
The team documents findings and schedules any necessary appointments while providing practical instructions for at‑home care to support healing and prevention. Follow‑up intervals are individualized so changes can be monitored and interventions applied promptly when needed. Clear communication and shared decision‑making help patients feel informed and confident about their next steps.
Get in touch with us today!
