New Patients
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New Patients
Existing Patients
At the office of Joanna Tricorache, DDS, we take a preventive-first approach to oral health. Regular oral exams give patients and clinicians a shared understanding of current dental health and a roadmap for preserving function, comfort, and a confident smile. During these visits we pair a careful clinical assessment with patient education — covering cleanings, targeted screenings such as oral cancer checks, and practical guidance on daily hygiene and nutrition — so patients leave appointments feeling informed and involved in their care.
Your initial oral exam establishes a comprehensive starting point. We begin by reviewing your medical and dental histories to understand how existing medications, chronic conditions, or past treatments might influence your oral health. This conversation helps us prioritize areas of concern and tailor the exam to your individual needs.
The clinical portion includes a close inspection of teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and the soft tissues of the mouth. We check for signs of decay, inflammation, or lesions and evaluate bite alignment and jaw joint function. If there are indications of clenching, grinding, or TMJ discomfort, we document those findings and explain the potential consequences so you can make informed decisions about next steps.
Diagnostic imaging is recommended when needed to reveal what a visual exam cannot. X-rays and other radiographs let us see beneath the enamel and assess bone levels, root structures, and areas between teeth where decay often starts. After the exam, we’ll review our observations and outline any follow-up care or preventive measures that will best protect your oral health.
The mouth is a mirror of the body. Changes in oral tissues can be early indicators of broader health issues, and conversely, systemic conditions often have oral manifestations. During an oral exam we look for signs that may point to conditions affecting other parts of the body and discuss those observations with patients so they can pursue appropriate medical follow-up when indicated.
Contemporary research highlights associations — not automatic causation — between oral disease and several systemic conditions. Chronic inflammation from untreated gum disease, for example, has been studied in relation to cardiovascular health, respiratory conditions, and metabolic processes. Detecting and managing oral inflammation can therefore be an important component of comprehensive health maintenance.
Because many health issues show early signs in the mouth, we pay special attention to persistent dry mouth, unusual ulcers, persistent bad breath, or other unexplained oral changes. Recognizing these signals early allows us to coordinate care with your medical providers and to implement interventions that improve oral comfort and reduce the risk of progression.
Digestive concerns
Respiratory conditions
Cardiovascular disease risks
Stroke-related factors
Diabetes management considerations
Neurological health connections
Routine checkups paired with professional cleanings are the most effective way to keep minor problems from becoming major ones. Twice-yearly visits allow us to monitor trends in your oral health — measuring gum levels, evaluating wear patterns, and catching decay early when treatment is simpler and less invasive. Regular professional care reinforces the healthy habits you practice at home.
Even with diligent brushing and flossing, some plaque and tartar accumulate in places that are difficult to reach. Our hygienists use specialized tools to remove hardened deposits and smooth tooth surfaces, which reduces bacterial load and helps prevent cavities and gum disease. After a thorough cleaning and polish, many patients notice immediate improvements in freshness and comfort.
Checkup visits are also an opportunity for targeted patient education. We demonstrate effective brushing and interdental cleaning techniques, discuss the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health, and review any appliance or restorative needs. For children, routine exams help establish positive habits and allow us to monitor tooth eruption and jaw growth to determine whether orthodontic evaluation may be appropriate in the future.
Our aim is to create a practical, sustainable plan for each patient so that preventive care becomes routine rather than reactive. By identifying risk factors early and offering clear, achievable recommendations, we help patients protect their smiles for the long term.
Visual examination is essential, but radiographs reveal the parts of the smile that are otherwise hidden. Dental x-rays provide critical information about tooth roots, bone support, developing teeth, and the spaces between teeth where decay often begins. These images are an indispensable part of accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Modern digital radiography has transformed how quickly and safely we can obtain these diagnostic images. Digital sensors produce high-quality images with lower radiation exposure than traditional film and allow us to view and enhance images immediately. This speed improves patient communication and helps us make timely clinical decisions.
Other advantages of digital imaging include efficient storage and the ability to share images securely with specialists or referring providers when collaborative care is needed. Because the images are available instantly, we can walk patients through what we see and explain why certain treatments or preventive measures are recommended.
Faster image acquisition with reduced radiation exposure
Immediate viewing and on-screen explanation
Simple electronic sharing for coordinated care
Environmental advantages from eliminating developing chemicals
Convenient archiving in the patient’s digital record
Different diagnostic films serve different purposes. The choice of image depends on the clinical question we’re trying to answer — whether we need a focused view of a single tooth, an overview of the entire mouth, or a profile of the facial skeleton for growth assessment. Below are some of the imaging types commonly used in dental practice.
Periapical x-ray - A focused view that shows the entire tooth from crown to root and the surrounding bone, useful for evaluating root health and localized problems.
Bitewing x-ray - A small film that highlights the crowns of posterior teeth to detect early decay between teeth and to monitor bone levels in the back of the mouth.
Full Mouth Series - A comprehensive set of periapical and bitewing images that documents the condition of most teeth and supporting structures for a complete diagnostic baseline.
Panoramic Film (panorex) - A broad, two-dimensional image of the jaws and teeth that helps identify impacted teeth, large-scale pathology, and overall jaw development.
Cephalometric Film - A profile x-ray often used in orthodontic planning to evaluate facial proportions and skeletal relationships.
When three-dimensional detail is necessary, we may recommend cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT produces highly detailed 3D images of teeth, bone, and surrounding anatomy, which can be invaluable for advanced diagnostics, surgical planning, and precise placement of dental implants. We discuss the benefits and considerations of any imaging before proceeding so patients understand why a particular modality is indicated.
In summary, regular oral exams combine careful clinical assessment, targeted imaging, and personalized education to protect oral health and support overall well-being. The office of Joanna Tricorache, DDS is committed to thorough, evidence-informed exams that prioritize prevention, early detection, and clear communication. If you would like to learn more about what to expect at an oral exam or to discuss how we can help preserve your smile, 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 Joanna Tricorache, DDS, 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 Joanna Tricorache, DDS, 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 Joanna Tricorache, DDS, 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 Joanna Tricorache, DDS 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 Joanna Tricorache, DDS.
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 Joanna Tricorache, DDS, 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-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 Joanna Tricorache, DDS 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 Joanna Tricorache, DDS, 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.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Joanna Tricorache, DDS is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.