Dental Exams
A comprehensive dental exam is a thorough evaluation of the entire oral cavity, teeth, gums, bite alignment, jaw function, soft tissues, and oral cancer risk combined with diagnostic imaging to identify issues before they become serious. It's the foundation of preventive dentistry.
What actually gets checked
A five-minute "exam" misses most of what matters. A real comprehensive exam covers:
Every tooth — checked individually for decay, cracks, and existing restorations
Gum health — periodontal probing to measure gum pocket depth
Bite and jaw function — how teeth come together, TMJ clicking or pain
Soft tissues — tongue, cheeks, palate, floor of mouth
Oral cancer screening — visual and tactile screening of all soft tissue areas
Existing dental work — status of fillings, crowns, implants, orthodontic appliances
Digital X-rays or CBCT when indicated, to see what the eye can't
Common reasons for extraction
A first-visit comprehensive exam runs 60–90 minutes total, which includes the exam itself (20–30 min), digital X-rays, a cleaning when appropriate, and a one-on-one treatment discussion with Dr. Yeo.
Recall exams (every six months after that) take about 30–45 minutes including a cleaning.
The procedure
Every 6 months for most adults with healthy teeth and gums
Every 3–4 months if you have periodontal disease, recent major work, or higher risk factors (smoking, diabetes, family history)
Anytime something changes pain, sensitivity, bleeding, swelling, a broken tooth
Other Services
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a dental exam?
Do dental exams hurt?
Will I need X-rays at every exam?
Does insurance cover exams?
What if you find something at my exam?
