Preventive care

Comprehensive dental exams in Herriman

New to our office, or has it been a while since you saw a dentist? A comprehensive exam gives you a full picture of your mouth so we can plan care that fits you.

Call (385) 481-6738 Insurance and payment

What is a comprehensive dental exam?

It is a longer, more detailed exam than a routine checkup. Your dentist looks at every tooth, your gums, your jaw joints, your bite and the soft tissues of your mouth. The results become the baseline we compare against at later visits.

Done when you first become a patient
Often repeated every few years after that
Ends with a clear plan you can ask questions about

When you need a comprehensive exam

Most people have this exam at their first visit with us. It is also a good idea if:

It has been a few years since your last dental visit
Your health has changed, such as a new diagnosis or new medicines
You have several concerns at once, like a sore tooth, jaw pain and bleeding gums
You are thinking about larger treatment such as implants, crowns or a smile makeover

After this first full exam, most of your visits are shorter cleanings and checkups. Your dentist may suggest repeating the full exam every three to five years, or sooner if something changes.

What we check

Your health history. We go over your medical history, medicines and any past dental work. Some health problems, such as diabetes, can show signs in the mouth first.
X-rays and photos. X-rays show what is under the surface, like decay between teeth and the bone around them. Intraoral camera photos let you see what your dentist sees.
Teeth and fillings. Your dentist looks at each tooth for decay, cracks, wear and old fillings that may be failing.
Gums and bone. The pockets around your teeth are measured to check for gum disease.
Jaw and bite. Your dentist checks how your teeth meet and listens for clicking or tightness in the jaw joints.
Soft tissue. Your tongue, cheeks, throat, head and neck are checked, which includes an oral cancer screening.

Your care plan

At the end, your dentist walks you through what was found. If you need treatment, you get a plan that lists what is most pressing and what can wait. You can take time to think it over and ask questions.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about comprehensive dental exams

How long does a comprehensive exam take?

Plan on about an hour, sometimes a bit more if we take a full set of X-rays. A cleaning may be done the same day or at a separate visit.

How is this different from a regular checkup?

A regular checkup is a shorter review that looks for changes since your last visit. A comprehensive exam is the full, detailed baseline that those shorter checks are based on.

Should I bring anything to my first exam?

Bring a list of your medicines, your insurance card and any recent X-rays from another dentist if you have them. Write down any questions or worries so you do not forget them.

What if I am nervous about seeing a dentist again?

Let us know when you book. We can go slowly, explain each step and stop whenever you need a break. Many people feel better once they know what to expect.

Related care