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Exams

While a standard dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar, a comprehensive dental exam is a complete diagnostic evaluation of your oral health. Our exams systematically evaluate your teeth, gums, and jawbone for potential issues and specifically include:

Oral Cancer Screening: A preventative evaluation to identify early signs of abnormalities.

iTero Wellness Scans: Advanced 3D scanning to analyze your bite, alignment, and track changes in your dental health over time.

Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays to detect underlying decay or bone loss.

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While a standard dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar, a comprehensive dental exam is a complete diagnostic evaluation of your oral health. Our exams systematically evaluate your teeth, gums, and jawbone for potential issues and specifically include:

Oral Cancer Screening: A preventative evaluation to identify early signs of abnormalities.

iTero Wellness Scans: Advanced 3D scanning to analyze your bite, alignment, and track changes in your dental health over time.

Diagnostic Imaging: X-rays to detect underlying decay or bone loss.

We recommend a dental check-up every 6 months for kids, adults, and seniors. Regular visits help us identify issues early. Some may need to see us more often if they are at higher risk for cavities or gum issues.

Regular dental exams help identify and treat dental issues such as cavities early and prevent gum disease. They also help dentists screen for oral cancer early and suggest suitable treatments. Routine preventive care protects your smile and avoids complicated procedures.

Your dental exam begins with a check-in and a review of your medical and dental history. We may take digital x-rays to get a detailed view of your teeth, gums, and jaw. Your dentist will then perform a thorough examination to check for cavities, gum disease, oral health concerns, and other issues.

After the exam, we’ll discuss our findings, answer your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan. At Gentle Dental, we use modern technology and a patient-focused approach to help make your visit comfortable, efficient, and stress-free.

The cost of a dental exam can vary depending on your needs and whether X-rays or additional evaluations are required. Many dental insurance plans cover preventive exams at 100%, often including two exams per year. Click here to check your coverage online.

For patients without insurance, Gentle Dental offers flexible payment options, including CareCredit® financing and the Essential Dental Plan, to help make routine dental care more affordable. We’ll review your coverage and help with any cost questions before treatment begins.
 

Before & After

Cosmetic Veneers Cosmetic Veneers

Cosmetic veneers added to enhance smile

Veeners Whitening Veeners Whitening

Veneers, whitening and filing

Replacement Crown to all Porcelain Replacement Crown to all Porcelain

Replacement Crown to all Porcelain

Hear From Our Patients

Robert

Gentle Dental Brighton

I can't say enough good things about how I was treated at Gentle Dental Brighton over the last few years but more specifically recently when I had an infected root. Dr. Meyer was exceptional not just in her skills as a dentist, but how compassionate she was to the amount of pain I was in. She helped me from start to finish and even checked on me after the root canal. Not just a great dentist but a great person.

Michel

Gentle Dental Jamaica Plain

Dr. Mancini and his staff got me in for an appointment within an hour of my call and took care of a loose, temporary cap. To my surprise they were able to “install” my permanent crown even though the appointment for that procedure was scheduled a week later. Perfect fit! Made my day. Thank you Gentle Dental Jamaica Plain!

Denise

Gentle Dental Nashua

Best dental care around! Immaculate office. Staff is exceptional and truly caring. Dr. Anthony is the Best! He understands my anxiety. I am telling everyone to request an appointment at Gentle Dental Nashua!

Tom

Gentle Dental Wakefield

Just had my last implant visit and can now smile again! The whole process went smoothly. Hats off to Dr. Amin, Dr. Colon and Sheela. All three, along with the rest of the staff, were very professional and pleasant to work with. I have been a patient at this office for 10+ years and would recommend Gentle Dental Wakefield to anyone for their next dentist appointment!

Carolyn

Gentle Dental Belmont

This is an excellent dental practice with flexible scheduling and friendly staff. Hygienists and dentists are very knowledgeable and skilled. Would also recommend their periodontist. Prices are quite reasonable as well. The Saturday hours are a huge plus at this dentist in Belmont.

Laura

Gentle Dental Cambridge

I would definitely recommend my experience at Gentle Dental Cambridge in Porter Square. A truly wonderful team of talented people! And they are paired with the most up-to-date technology. My experience was terrific! I needed a root canal and crowns in addition to a cavity filling. I was in safe hands! From start to finish, I was treated well and the procedures were completed in a timely manner.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dental exam, and why is it important?

A dental examination is a comprehensive preventive check-up where a dentist evaluates your teeth, gums, and mouth for decay, infections, and other conditions. It is vital for preventing pain and protecting your overall oral health.

How often should I get a dental exam?

We recommend patients get dental exams every 6 months. Some may need more frequent visits based on their needs. Regular check-ups help keep your smile intact.

Do dental exams hurt?

Routine dental exams are generally painless, though you might feel minor discomfort or pressure if you have sensitive gums.

Will I need x-rays for every dental exam?

No, you do not need x-rays for every dental exam. Our team will work with you to determine what’s best for your needs.

What is the difference between a dental exam and a cleaning?

Dental cleaning removes plaque to prevent decay, while a dental exam is a diagnostic check-up that identifies oral health issues like cavities or gum disease.

Do children need regular dental exams?

Absolutely. Children need a dental exam every 6 months to keep their growing smiles healthy. Routine visits allow our team to prevent common childhood cavities, monitor their tooth development, and help your child feel comfortable at the dentist.

What if I haven't had a dental exam in years?

Not having a dental exam for a long time significantly increases the risk of advanced gum disease, severe tooth decay, and infections, often leading to bone or tooth loss.

Can dental exams help identify the cause of bad breath?

Yes, dental exams can help identify the causes of bad breath, which often stem from oral issues such as plaque, gum disease, or decay.

What does a Gentle Dental dentist look for during a dental exam beyond cavities?

During a dental exam, we look for signs of gum disease, enamel wear, cracked teeth, bite issues, infection, and concerns with existing dental work. We also examine your gums, tongue, and soft tissues to assess overall oral health.

What happens during a dental exam at Gentle Dental?

During your exam, we review your dental history, take x-rays if needed, examine your teeth and gums, and discuss your oral health. We’ll explain any findings and recommend next steps or treatment if needed.

What should I expect at my first dental exam at Gentle Dental?

Your first visit may include x-rays, a full exam, and a cleaning. We’ll review your dental history, address any concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your oral health needs and goals.

How long does a dental exam take at Gentle Dental?

Most dental exams take about 45 minutes to an hour. New patient visits may take longer if x-rays, cleanings, or additional evaluations are needed.

Can Gentle Dental dental exams detect oral cancer?

Yes. During your dental exam, we check for signs of oral cancer by examining your gums, tongue, cheeks, and other soft tissues for unusual sores, discoloration, or abnormalities.

How much does a dental exam cost at Gentle Dental?

The cost of a dental exam varies by location, insurance coverage, and whether x-rays are needed. We also provide new patient offers to make oral care more affordable.

Does Gentle Dental accept insurance for dental exams?

Yes, we accept most major dental insurance plans. click here to check your coverage online. We also provide flexible payment options for your convenience. We are here to help patients understand their benefits and coverage before treatment begins.

What happens after my dental exam at Gentle Dental?

After your dental exam at Gentle Dental, your dentist will review the findings with you, discuss any recommended treatments, and answer your questions. If treatment is needed, the team can create a personalized care plan and explain your options, costs, and next steps.

Related Services

We deliver top-tier family dental care under one roof. Experience complete, multi-specialty dentistry.

  • Cosmetic Dentistry

    Teeth whitening, veneers, and smile makeovers.

  • Emergency Dental Care

    Immediate relief from pain with expert attention.

  • Oral Surgery

    Extractions, tooth removal, and bone grafting.

  • Orthodontics

    Clear aligners and traditional braces.

  • Preventive & General Care

    Cleanings, exams, and personalized oral hygiene.

  • Restorative Dental Care

    Durable, natural-looking crowns and implants.

  • Specialty Care

    Root canals, gum treatment, and diagnostics.

Personalized treatment plans that combine multiple services to create your dream smile

Thin, custom porcelain shells to instantly perfect the appearance of your teeth

Safe whitening treatments to dramatically brighten your smile

Prompt, compassionate care for toothaches, broken teeth, and other urgent issues

Safe, gentle removal of severely damaged or problematic teeth

Expert extraction of impacted or painful wisdom teeth for lasting relief

Traditional and modern braces to straighten teeth

Clear, removable aligners for discreet and comfortable teeth straightening

Professional cleanings to remove plaque and keep your smile fresh

A new, non-invasive treatment designed to prevent and reverse cavities

Personalized care to manage gum health for patients with diabetes

Low-radiation imaging for fast, precise, and comfortable diagnostics

Quick treatments to strengthen enamel and help prevent cavities

Quick, painless screenings to check for early signs of oral cancer

Protective coatings applied to teeth to help prevent decay

Custom crowns and bridges to restore damaged or missing teeth

Durable, tooth-colored fillings to repair cavities and restore your smile

Advanced care to treat gum disease and support oral health

Natural-looking, long-lasting replacements for missing teeth

Custom dentures designed for comfort and a complete smile

Gentle treatment to relieve pain and save your natural teeth

Professional treatments for facial aesthetics and TMJ relief

Gentle oral care tailored for growing smiles

Safe options to keep you fully relaxed during dental visits

Custom oral appliances to improve breathing and sleep quality

Targeted care to relieve jaw pain, clicking, and discomfort

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