Comprehensive Dental Checkups at Fibonacci Dental Studio

Routine dental checkups are the cornerstone of lasting oral health. They are not simply about addressing problems as they arise; they are about proactive, preventive care designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. At Fibonacci Dental Studio in Rapid City, SD, Dr. Laura Davies and her dedicated team provide meticulous examinations that allow us to detect potential issues at their earliest stages, prevent complex problems from developing, and empower you with the knowledge to maintain your oral health between visits.

A regular checkup provides a complete picture of your oral health, going far beyond a simple look for cavities. With over a decade of experience and a commitment to advanced technology, Dr. Davies ensures every examination is precise, thorough, and comfortable. We believe that preventive care is the most effective way to minimize the need for extensive and costly treatments down the road.

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Reasons Why Dental Checkups are Important

Even with diligent daily brushing and flossing, there are aspects of your oral health that can only be assessed and managed by a dental professional. Regular visits allow us to:

• Detect Cavities in Their Infancy: Early-stage decay is often invisible to the naked eye and causes no pain. We use specialized tools and diagnostic imaging to identify cavities when they are small and can be treated with a simple, conservative filling, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
• Prevent and Manage Gum Disease: Plaque and tartar can build up below the gumline, leading to inflammation (gingivitis) and, eventually, irreversible periodontal disease. We can identify the earliest signs of gum issues and provide professional cleanings and guidance to halt their progression.
• Identify Damage from Grinding and Clenching: Many people grind or clench their teeth (a condition called bruxism), often while sleeping. This can cause significant wear, cracks, and fractures. We can spot the tell-tale signs and recommend solutions like a custom night guard to protect your teeth from further damage.
• Perform Lifesaving Oral Cancer Screenings: Dr. Davies conducts a thorough visual and tactile screening of your tongue, cheeks, palate, and other soft tissues to check for any abnormalities. Early detection of oral cancer dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment.
• Evaluate Existing Dental Work: Fillings, crowns, and bridges do not last forever. We check your existing restorations to ensure they are intact, stable, and free of decay around the margins, preventing larger problems from developing underneath them.

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What to Expect During Your Dental Checkup

A dental checkup at Fibonacci Dental Studio is a comprehensive and systematic process tailored to your individual needs. Here is what a typical appointment includes:

1. Medical and Dental History Review: We begin by discussing your overall health, any new medical conditions, and any medications you are taking, as many systemic health issues and medications can impact your oral health.
2. Digital Imaging (X-rays): Using advanced digital radiography, which minimizes radiation exposure, we capture clear images of your teeth, roots, and jawbone. These images are essential for diagnosing issues hidden from view, such as decay between teeth, abscesses, impacted teeth, and bone loss.
3. Thorough Periodontal Assessment: Healthy gums are the foundation for healthy teeth. A member of our team will gently measure the depth of the small pockets between your teeth and gums. This helps us assess the health of your gum tissue and detect any signs of periodontal disease.
4. Detailed Tooth-by-Tooth Examination: Dr. Davies will carefully inspect each tooth for signs of decay, wear, cracks, or enamel erosion. She will also evaluate the condition of any existing fillings, crowns, or other restorations.
5. Oral Cancer Screening: This critical part of the exam involves a careful check of the soft tissues in your mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat, for any sores or discolorations that could indicate a problem.
6. Bite and Jaw Evaluation: We assess how your teeth come together (your occlusion) to identify any alignment issues. We also check your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for signs of dysfunction that can cause pain and clicking in your jaw.
7. Professional Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Our skilled dental hygienist will gently remove the plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. This is a crucial step that cannot be accomplished with at-home brushing. The cleaning is completed by polishing your teeth to remove surface stains, leaving your smile feeling smooth and looking bright.
8. Personalized Preventive Guidance: At the end of your visit, we will discuss our findings with you and provide clear, practical advice on home care, dietary habits, and any recommended treatments tailored to your specific needs.

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Dental Care for Every Age

We provide personalized checkups for every member of your family:

• Children: Early visits help build a positive relationship with dental care. We monitor their growth and development, provide preventive treatments like fluoride and sealants, and teach them effective brushing habits.
• Adults: For adults, the focus is on maintenance and prevention. We help you preserve your natural teeth, manage gum health, and maintain the integrity of any existing dental work.
• Seniors: We address the unique oral health challenges that can arise with age, such as dry mouth, wear and tear, and caring for dentures or implants, ensuring continued comfort and function.

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Meet Dr. Laura Davies, DDS

Dr. Laura Davies, DDS, is a general and family dentist practicing at Fibonacci Dental Studio in Rapid City, South Dakota. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry, where she was honored with the Dr. John Killip Student Leadership Award and the Periodontal Prosthodontic Award. Before dentistry, she completed a B.S. in chemical engineering and an MBA, bringing a unique interdisciplinary background to her clinical approach. Dr. Davies is an active member and current President of the Black Hills District Dental Society, and participates in continuing education through SPEAR and the Kois Center. She is committed to advancing dental care and regularly volunteers in outreach programs across South Dakota.

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Payment and Financing Options

Fibonacci Dental Studio accepts most insurance plans and offers flexible payment arrangements. We also partner with CareCredit to offer monthly payment plans, making treatment costs more affordable and manageable.

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Location and Contact
Fibonacci Dental Studio
2800 Jackson Blvd, Suite 9
Rapid City, SD 57702
Phone: (605) 348-0831