Dental Exam
A routine dental exam is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your smile and overall health. Even if you brush and floss daily, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach places—and early signs of dental issues often go unnoticed without a professional evaluation.
Regular checkups allow your dentist to catch cavities, gum disease, and other concerns before they become more serious (and more expensive to treat).
Whether you're coming in for a six-month visit or it’s been a while since your last appointment, we’re here to make the process easy and judgment-free.
We’ve reimagined every detail of your dental exam
What's included in my exam?
Your dental exam is more than a quick look—it’s a full evaluation of your oral health. During your visit, you can expect:
- Comprehensive dental evaluation: Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and jaw for signs of decay, damage, and inflammation.
- Digital X-rays (as needed): These help detect cavities between teeth, bone loss, impacted teeth, and other issues not visible to the naked eye.
- Professional teeth cleaning: A licensed dental hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish your teeth, and floss thoroughly to keep your mouth healthy.
- Gum disease screening: We check your gum pockets for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease—conditions that can worsen without proper care.
- Oral cancer screening: Early detection saves lives. Your dentist will check for any abnormal tissue or lesions that need further evaluation.
- Personalized care plan: Based on your exam, your dentist may recommend additional care, such as fluoride treatment, sealants, or cavity fillings.
This comprehensive approach to preventive dental care helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduces your risk of long-term dental problems.
Why regular dental exams matter
Skipping your dental exam might seem harmless—until it’s not. Problems like tooth decay, gum recession, or infection often don’t cause pain in the early stages, which is why routine dental visits are essential.
Here’s why staying on top of your dental checkups is so important:
- Catch issues early: Treating small cavities or early gum disease is far simpler (and less expensive) than dealing with tooth loss or root canals down the road.
- Prevent gum disease: Gingivitis is reversible when caught early—but can lead to permanent damage if ignored.
- Support overall health: There’s a strong link between oral health and systemic health. Studies show that gum disease is associated with heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
- Protect your smile and confidence: Keeping your teeth clean and strong helps you feel good every time you smile, eat, or speak.
Preventive care is key. Think of your dental exam as a small investment with big returns for your health and quality of life.
In the suite
An exam that’s designed to prevent problems, instead of just solving them.
Comfortable cleaning
A cleaning that's as gentle as it is thorough (in the absence of periodontal disease).
State-of-the-art tech
X-rays done in seconds instead of minutes, with 80% less radiation, plus digital imaging.
Free Oral Cancer Screening
A quick screening ($60 value) for peace of mind, completely gratis.
TV in your chair
Catch up on your favorite show with Beats® headphones.
And nothing that isn’t in your best interests
We’ll never, ever recommend care that you don’t need or want.
How often should you get a dental exam?
Most dentists—and the American Dental Association—recommend a routine dental exam every six months. These biannual visits help catch concerns early and keep your mouth clean and healthy.
However, some people may need to visit more frequently based on their individual oral health needs. You may benefit from more frequent visits if:
- You’re prone to cavities or gum disease
- You have a family history of dental problems
- You’re pregnant or undergoing hormonal changes
- You wear braces or other orthodontic devices
- You smoke or use tobacco products
- You have chronic conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases
Not sure what’s best for you? Your dentist will create a personalized checkup schedule based on your unique health history.
Meet the Tend brush bag:Your oral care, on the go
Your toothbrush deserves better than the bottom of your bag. That’s where our Tend brush bag comes in—designed to keep your oral care tools clean, protected, and easy to find wherever your day takes you.
With a sleek, compact design and room for your toothbrush, paste, and floss, it’s the ideal sidekick for travel, gym days, or just staying organized at home. It’s also reusable, wipeable, and honestly kind of cute.
Tend members get one free at your first visit—because thoughtful care is all in the details.
Frequently asked questions
Yes—zero judgment here. Whether it’s been six months or six years, we’re glad you’re making your oral health a priority again. We’ll meet you where you are and make sure you feel comfortable from the minute you walk in.
Just a valid photo ID and your insurance card (if you’re using one). If you’re transferring from another dentist, having your previous records is helpful but not required—we can request them for you.
We work with most major PPO insurance plans. If you’re unsure about your coverage, we’ll verify it ahead of your appointment and let you know exactly what’s included—no surprise bills, ever.
In most cases, yes. If everything checks out during your exam, your dental hygienist will go ahead and perform your cleaning during the same visit. If something unexpected comes up, we’ll talk through the next steps with you.
We’ll walk you through your personalized care plan and answer every question you have. If treatment is needed, we’ll go over options, costs, and schedule your next visit—always on your terms.
Yes, and they’re actually encouraged. Routine exams and cleanings are safe during all trimesters, and they’re a great way to prevent pregnancy-related oral health issues like gingivitis.
We get it—schedules are busy. That said, our studios are designed for adult care, so we recommend arranging childcare if possible to make sure you can fully relax during your visit. If you have questions about bringing a child with you, feel free to give us a call ahead of time.
We've got you covered
We partner with major insurers to get you the best care possible.
No insurance? Exams are $375 (and we can help with financing).
