Dental Exam in Simi Valley
Maybe it has been a while since your last checkup, and a tooth has started reacting to cold drinks. Or your child is due for a visit, or you have been waking up with a sore jaw and wondering whether it matters. For many families in Simi Valley, a thorough dental exam is where answers begin. At 805 Dentistry, our team in Thousand Oaks welcomes Simi Valley patients of all ages for exams that look closely at the whole mouth, so you leave knowing where things stand and what, if anything, comes next.
A dental exam is a careful evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and the surrounding tissues of your mouth and jaw. Dr. Dar Radfar and our team look for early signs of decay, gum problems, worn or cracked teeth, and changes in existing fillings or crowns. We also include an oral cancer screening as part of looking after your overall oral health.
The exam is also a conversation. We ask about any sensitivity, discomfort, clenching, or snoring you have noticed. Our practice has a strong focus on sleep apnea and TMJ treatment, so these details help us decide whether your jaw or sleep deserves a closer look. Because we provide general, family, and cosmetic care in one office, the findings from your exam can lead directly into a plan without sending you elsewhere.
Our exams are for nearly everyone. We see children and adults of all ages. Younger patients ages 4 to 14 can also be seen through our pediatric dentistry care, and parents are welcome in the treatment room. Adults who have put off care for years are welcome too. We focus on understanding your mouth today, not on how long it has been.
Some Simi Valley patients come to us for an exam because something feels wrong. If you have a painful or damaged tooth, we offer emergency dental appointments. For patients who feel anxious about dental visits, our board-certified dental anesthesiologist provides sedation options, including nitrous, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.
What happens during a dental exam at your office?
Your visit starts with a review of your health history and any concerns you want to discuss, followed by a hands-on look at your mouth. From there, the steps depend on your needs. A typical visit may include:
- A review of your medical and dental history and current symptoms
- A visual check of each tooth, existing restorations, and your bite
- An evaluation of your gum health
- Cavity detection to identify decay early
- An oral cancer screening of your cheeks, tongue, and soft tissues
- 2D or 3D dental imaging when it is needed
Imaging is one area where our office offers more than many. We have a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist on staff and provide CBCT imaging, which gives a three-dimensional view. This can be especially useful when we are evaluating impacted teeth, TMJ concerns, or areas that need a closer look.
What happens if you find a problem?
If we find something, we explain it in plain terms and walk you through your options before any treatment begins. Many concerns can be handled by our general dentistry team, including fillings, crowns, and gum disease treatment.
When a closer look is needed, our office brings several specialties together. We have a board-certified endodontist for root canal care and cracked teeth, a board-certified periodontist for gum and implant concerns, and oral pathology services that include oral biopsies performed in our office. Our on-site dental lab supports restorative work. For Simi Valley families, this means fewer separate offices to coordinate.
What should I do after my exam?
After your exam, follow the home care and scheduling recommendations we give you. Many patients pair their exam with a dental cleaning, and we will let you know when to return based on what we found. Some patients may benefit from preventive steps such as fluoride treatment, dental sealants, or a night guard if we see signs of grinding.
Between visits, pay attention to changes such as new sensitivity, bleeding gums, jaw clicking, or sores that do not heal, and call us if they come up. Keeping track of these details makes your next exam more productive.
How can I pay for a dental exam?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your coverage applies to your visit. We also welcome self-pay patients. If you do not have dental insurance, you can still schedule an exam with us.
If your exam leads to recommended treatment, financing is available to help you spread out the cost. We review your options with you before treatment, so you can make a decision that fits your budget. If you are in Simi Valley and ready for a checkup, contact our team to schedule your dental exam.