PREVENTIVE CARE
Dental Checkups & Exams
Comprehensive Exams for Lasting Oral Health
Regular dental checkups and comprehensive oral exams are the cornerstone of good oral health. During these visits, we thoroughly evaluate your teeth, gums, and mouth to detect problems early — when they're easier and more affordable to treat.
We recommend professional checkups every six months for most patients. These routine visits, combined with excellent home care, help prevent cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer while keeping your smile healthy for life.
Why Regular Exams Matter
Patients who maintain a consistent checkup schedule spend less on dental care over their lifetime. A small cavity caught at a checkup costs a fraction of a crown or root canal later. Regular monitoring prevents gum disease — the leading cause of adult tooth loss — and oral cancer screenings improve treatment outcomes dramatically when caught early.
Professional cleanings remove tartar that brushing and flossing can't reach, and personalized guidance from Dr. Chan helps you tailor your home care routine to your specific needs.
What's Included in Your Exam
Every checkup at Glendale Dental Wellness includes a thorough, multi-step evaluation so nothing gets missed:
Visual Inspection
We carefully examine all surfaces of your teeth and gums, looking for signs of decay, discoloration, and gum disease. We assess alignment and check for any unusual growths or tissue changes.
Digital X-Rays
Our advanced digital imaging detects cavities between teeth, assesses bone density, and identifies problems beneath the gum line — all with minimal radiation and superior image quality.
Oral Cancer Screening
We perform a thorough screening for oral cancer and precancerous conditions, checking the soft tissues of your mouth, throat, and neck. Early detection saves lives.
Gum Assessment
We measure the depth of gum pockets and evaluate gum health. Deep pockets may indicate gum disease that requires deep cleaning or LANAP laser therapy.
Bite Evaluation
We assess your bite alignment and check for signs of grinding or clenching that could indicate TMJ disorder. If needed, we can recommend a custom nightguard.
Treatment Planning
We discuss our findings and create a personalized plan. Whether you need a simple cleaning, preventive care, or restorative work, you'll understand every step before we begin.
Preparing for Your Appointment
A quick brush and floss before your visit helps us evaluate your teeth and gums accurately.
Let us know about any health changes, new medications, or symptoms since your last visit.
Write down anything you want to ask Dr. Chan — from cosmetic concerns to sensitivity issues.
This gives you time to complete any paperwork and settle in before your exam begins.
Between-Visit Care Tips
Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes each session.
Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles your toothbrush can't reach between teeth.
Sugar feeds bacteria that cause decay. Choose water over soda and snack on crunchy vegetables instead.
If you grind your teeth, a custom mouthguard can protect your enamel while you sleep.
Our pediatric dentistry program builds healthy habits with sealants and fluoride treatments.
Consistent checkups catch problems early and keep your preventive care on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a dental checkup?
Most people should have a checkup every six months. However, patients with gum disease, diabetes, or other risk factors may need more frequent visits. We'll recommend an ideal schedule based on your individual needs.
What happens during a dental exam?
We examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay and disease, assess your bite, check for oral cancer, and take X-rays if needed. We'll discuss our findings and recommend any necessary treatments.
Why are digital X-rays better than traditional X-rays?
Digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays while providing clearer images. They're faster, more comfortable, and better for detecting early tooth decay and bone problems.
Can a checkup find cavities?
Yes, we examine your teeth for cavities during a checkup. X-rays help us detect cavities between teeth and beneath existing restorations that aren't visible during a visual exam.
What should I do to prepare for a checkup?
Simply brush and floss before your appointment. No special preparation is needed. If you have health changes or new symptoms since your last visit, let us know.
