Dental Exam in Calabasas
If it's been a while since anyone took a close look at your teeth, or something feels slightly off, like a sensitive spot, a clicking jaw, or gums that bleed when you brush, a dental exam is the most practical place to start. At 805 Dentistry, our team in Thousand Oaks sees patients from Calabasas and neighboring communities for thorough exams that give you a clear picture of your oral health and a plan for what comes next.
A dental exam is a careful evaluation of your teeth, gums, jaw, and the soft tissues of your mouth. It is a core part of preventive dentistry: the goal is to find problems early, when they are typically simpler to address, and to confirm what is healthy so you aren't left guessing.
During your visit, we check for decay as part of our cavity detection process, look at existing fillings and crowns, and evaluate your gums for signs of disease. We also perform an oral cancer screening, examining the tissues of your mouth for anything that warrants a closer look. Because our practice has a strong focus on TMJ and sleep apnea, we pay attention to how your jaw moves and whether you show signs that may point to these conditions. Many people don't connect them to the dentist at all.
Our exams are for children and adults of all ages, so Calabasas families can bring everyone to one office. Younger patients are welcome, and for children ages 4 to 14, parents are welcome in the treatment room.
An exam is a good fit whether you're establishing care with a new dentist, returning after a long gap, or keeping up with routine visits. It's also the right first step if you've noticed a specific concern, such as a chipped or cracked tooth, persistent facial or jaw pain, jaw clicking or locking, or snoring that a partner has mentioned. Patients who feel anxious about dental visits can talk with us about comfort options, including nitrous oxide and other sedation offered at our practice.
What happens during a dental exam at 805 Dentistry?
Your exam covers a conversation, a hands-on evaluation, and imaging when it's needed. We start by reviewing your health history and asking about any symptoms or goals you have, then move through a systematic check of your mouth.
Here's what you can generally expect:
- A review of your medical and dental history, plus any concerns you bring up
- A visual and hands-on check of each tooth, existing restorations, and your bite
- An evaluation of your gums and supporting tissues
- An oral cancer screening of your tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat area
- Jaw and TMJ assessment, including how your jaw opens, closes, and moves
- Dental imaging when appropriate, including 2D and 3D imaging and CBCT scans
Imaging lets us see what can't be seen by eye alone, such as decay between teeth, the position of wisdom teeth, or the structures around your jaw joint. Having this capability in-house means many questions can be answered in the same office rather than through an outside referral.
What happens after my exam?
After your exam, we walk you through what we found and explain any recommended next steps in plain terms. If everything looks healthy, we'll suggest when to return and how to keep things that way at home.
If we do find something, you won't need to go elsewhere for most follow-up care. Our office offers a wide range of treatments, including dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment, root canal therapy, orthodontics, TMJ therapy, and sleep apnea treatment, along with specialists on staff in areas like endodontics, periodontics, and oral pathology. If an area of tissue needs further evaluation, we can perform an oral biopsy in our office. For Calabasas patients, having this much care under one roof means fewer offices to coordinate and fewer trips to schedule.
How much does a dental exam cost, and do you take insurance?
Your cost depends on your coverage and whether imaging is needed. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we're glad to help you understand your benefits before your visit.
If you don't have dental insurance, we welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for treatment you may need after your exam. We'll go over costs with you up front so you can make informed decisions. To schedule a dental exam for yourself or your family, contact our team. We look forward to caring for you and your neighbors in Calabasas.