Your First Visit with Dr. Cooke

The key to success with each and every patient is in the personal care and outstanding communication Dr. Cooke exhibits.  After being warmly welcomed into the office, Dr. Cooke begins with a personal meeting, a thorough exam and comprehensive evaluation.

The thorough exam a new patient is given by Dr. Cooke is usually more specialized than any they have experienced previously.  He is able to shed unique light on the condition of the mouth and teeth in addition to how well the jaw is functioning.  Evaluating the way in which the teeth are working is critical to long-term restorative success for the patient. 

There are four segments to Dr. Cooke’s thorough exam.  The evaluation includes:  

1. The support structure (foundation) of all teeth.  Dr. Cooke assesses how healthy and functional the foundation of the patient's teeth is (bone support and condition of gum tissue). If Dr. Cooke finds an area of concern, he explains various methods in which it can be corrected.  In order for the teeth to stay in good condition for the long term, it is very important for the foundation to be healthy and solid. 

2. Examining the current wear and tear on each individual tooth tells Dr. Cooke many things.  He also takes a very close look at any previous restorative work to see how it is holding up.  As patients know, some dental work done long in the past can start to break down, making it reasonable to protect before more long-term damage is done.   

3. An evaluation of the comfort, mechanical, and functional aspects relating to how a patient's teeth fit together (bite) and function (chewing) is of the utmost importance.  Dr. Cooke underscores that the mechanical part of the chewing system is directly linked to how well it functions. "There is a correct bite and then, there is an acquired bite," he explains. "Acquired bites can lead to clenching and grinding, which damages the teeth prematurely and can cause jaw pain."  In the comprehensive bite analysis that Dr. Cooke performs, he is able to assess how the patient's bite will affect any proposed treatment, or ultimately the life span of one's teeth.

4.  The cosmetic appearance of teeth is what most people would love to have improved.  Dr. Cooke has a very fine eye when it comes to evaluating the visual attractiveness of each person's smile.  If needed, Dr. Cooke can make quality suggestions as to how he can further beautify a person's smile.  With his experience and artistry helping patients over three decades, Dr. Cooke is a master who has assisted in bringing thousands of patients a beautiful smile.  

With his innate talent and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, Dr. Cooke reviews a concise summary of his findings along with any recommendations with each patient.  Communicating well and educating his patients is one of Dr. Cooke’s primary values.  He regularly provides excellence of service with a warm, personal touch.  Helping his patients maintain a lifetime of good dental health is his goal.  

We are excited to meet you! Call for an appointment today!