Protect Your Oral Health with Dental Exams & Checkups
At Mission Viejo Family Dentistry, maintaining a healthy smile starts with regular dental exams and checkups. These routine visits are the foundation of preventive dental care, helping us identify potential issues early and keep your teeth, gums, and overall oral health in excellent condition.
Preventive care today helps you avoid complex dental problems tomorrow.
Why Are Dental Exams & Checkups Important?
Dental problems often develop silently, without pain or obvious symptoms in the early stages. Regular dental checkups allow our dental team to detect concerns early, ensuring timely and effective treatment.
Dental exams and checkups help to:
- Detect cavities and tooth decay early
- Identify gum disease before it progresses
- Monitor oral health changes over time
- Prevent costly and complex dental treatments
- Prevent costly and complex dental treatments
- Maintain a clean, healthy, and confident smile
Our Dental Exam & Checkup Services
Comprehensive Oral Examination
We thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw to check for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing cannot eliminate, helping prevent decay and gum disease.
Gum Health Evaluation
We assess your gums for signs of inflammation, recession, or periodontal disease to protect your long-term oral health.
Digital X-Rays (When Needed)
X-rays help detect hidden issues such as decay between teeth, bone loss, or infections that are not visible during a visual exam.
Personalized Preventive Guidance
We provide tailored advice on oral hygiene habits, diet, and preventive care to help you maintain optimal dental health between visits.
What to Expect During a Dental Exam & Checkup
A dental exam and checkup is a comfortable and efficient appointment designed to protect your oral health.
- Review of your dental and medical history
- Examination of teeth, gums, jaw, and bite
- Professional cleaning and plaque removal
- Digital X-rays, if necessary
- Discussion of findings and treatment recommendations
If any concerns are identified, we explain your options clearly and help you plan the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is included in a dental exam and checkup?
A dental exam includes a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, jaw, and oral health, along with professional cleaning and X-rays if needed.
How often should I have a dental checkup?
Most patients benefit from dental exams and cleanings every six months, though some may need more frequent visits.
Are dental exams painful?
No. Dental exams and cleanings are generally comfortable and non-invasive.
Why are dental X-rays important?
X-rays allow us to detect issues that cannot be seen during a visual exam, ensuring accurate diagnosis and early treatment.
What happens if a problem is found?
We will discuss the findings, explain your treatment options, and recommend a personalized care plan.