Dental Check-Ups
The visit you book twice a year that keeps everything else off your calendar. A check-up combines an exam and a cleaning in one appointment, and it is where small problems get caught while they are still small.
Dental check-ups in Northridge, CA
A check-up is a single appointment that covers both an exam and a cleaning. Most visits run about an hour. Here is how that hour is usually spent.
Review of what has changed
We start by asking about any new pain, sensitivity, or changes since your last visit, along with updates to your medical history or medications. This shapes what we pay closest attention to.
The exam
We check your teeth and gums for decay, gum disease, and other concerns, using digital X-rays and periodontal assessment where needed. More detail on what we screen for is on our dental exams page.
The cleaning
One of our hygienists removes the plaque and tartar that brushing cannot reach, then polishes. This is the part most patients think of as the check-up, and it is covered in depth on our teeth cleaning page.
What to do next
If we found something, we explain what it is, whether it needs treating now or watching, and what your options are. If everything looks good, we will suggest when to come back and note anything worth adjusting in your routine at home.
Check-ups are the foundation of our general dentistry care, and we see patients of every age, from a child's first visit to adults who have been with this practice for decades.
How often should you come in?
Twice a year is the standard answer, but the honest answer depends on what your mouth is dealing with.
Every 6 months
Most patients
If your teeth and gums are healthy and you have no history of frequent cavities, two visits a year is enough to catch problems early and keep buildup under control.
Every 3 to 4 months
Patients with gum disease
Active or previously treated periodontal disease needs closer monitoring and more frequent cleanings to keep it from progressing. Our periodontists coordinate this directly.
More frequently
Higher-risk patients
A history of repeated cavities, smoking, diabetes, dry mouth from medication, or pregnancy can all justify a tighter schedule. We will tell you if that applies to you.
As soon as possible
If something hurts
Pain, swelling, bleeding, or a tooth that suddenly feels different are not reasons to wait for your next scheduled visit. Call us and we will get you seen.
If it has been years rather than months since your last visit, that is worth booking rather than avoiding. We see patients in that situation regularly, and nobody here is going to lecture you about it.
Frequently asked questions about check-ups
Plan for about an hour. That covers the exam, X-rays if they are due, and the cleaning. First visits sometimes run a little longer because we are building your records from scratch.
The exam is one part of the check-up. A check-up is the full appointment, which includes the exam plus a professional cleaning and a conversation about what comes next.
It is common, and it is not a reason to keep putting it off. We will assess where things stand, tell you honestly what needs attention, and prioritize it rather than throwing a long list at you all at once.
Around the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits are short and low pressure, and they matter mostly because they build a child's comfort with the dentist before anything needs treating.
No. X-rays are taken when they add something we cannot see by looking, based on your history and risk. Most patients do not need them at every single check-up.
Due for a visit? We are happy to help.
Find out what is actually going on
Schedule an exam and get a clear, honest picture of your oral health.