Dental Exam in Woodland Hills
A dental exam is how small problems get caught while they are still simple to fix. Many issues, such as early cavities, gum inflammation, a cracked filling, or a jaw that has started clicking, cause no pain at first. During a dental exam, our team looks for these quiet changes so you can address them before they become urgent. Patients from Woodland Hills come to 805 Dentistry, our general, family, and cosmetic practice in Thousand Oaks led by Dr. Dar Radfar, for exams that look at the whole mouth rather than just one tooth.
A dental exam is a careful, hands-on evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and the soft tissues of your mouth. We check each tooth for decay, wear, and cracks. We look at existing fillings, crowns, and other restorations, and we assess your gums for signs of disease. We also perform an oral cancer screening as part of looking at your cheeks, tongue, and other soft tissues.
When we need to see what the eye cannot, we use 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging when it is appropriate. Images help with cavity detection between teeth, show bone levels around the roots, and reveal problems like impacted teeth. Because we have a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist on staff, complex images can be interpreted in-house instead of being sent elsewhere.
Dental exams are for everyone, from young children to older adults. Our general dentistry team sees patients of all ages, so Woodland Hills families can schedule parents and kids at the same office. For children ages 4 to 14, parents are welcome in the treatment room, which helps younger patients feel more at ease.
Exams are also a good starting point if you have a specific concern. That might be sensitivity, bleeding gums, jaw clicking or locking, headaches that seem connected to your jaw, or questions about snoring and sleep apnea. Because we also focus on TMJ treatment and sleep apnea treatment, we pay attention to your bite and jaw during the exam. If something needs a closer look, our board-certified periodontist, board-certified endodontist, or other specialists can often see you within the same practice.
What happens during a dental exam at your office?
Your exam follows a clear, step-by-step process, and we explain what we see as we go. Here is what to expect:
- A review of your health history, medications, and any concerns you want to discuss
- Imaging as needed, chosen based on your situation
- A tooth-by-tooth check for decay, cracks, and worn or failing restorations
- A gum evaluation to look for signs of periodontal disease
- An oral cancer screening of your soft tissues
- A look at your bite and jaw movement
- A conversation about findings and recommended next steps
Many patients pair their exam with a dental cleaning, which lets us take care of preventive care in one visit. If you feel nervous about dental visits, tell us. We have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer options such as nitrous oxide for patients with dental anxiety when treatment is needed.
What should I do after my exam?
After your exam, follow the plan we discuss with you and keep up your daily home care. If we find nothing that needs attention, we will recommend when to return for your next exam based on your mouth and health history, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
If we do find something, we will walk you through your options, such as fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment, or a night guard for grinding. We will prioritize what matters most. Our on-site dental lab supports restorative work, and having multiple specialties under one roof means fewer referrals across town. If a problem flares up before your next visit, we offer emergency dental appointments, so Woodland Hills patients have somewhere to turn when something unexpected happens.
How can I pay for a dental exam?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we also welcome self-pay patients. Preventive visits like exams are often part of dental coverage. Our team can help you understand how your plan applies before you commit to any treatment.
If the exam leads to recommended treatment, financing is available to help spread out the cost. We will go over your options clearly so you can make decisions with confidence. To schedule a dental exam, contact our office and let us know you are coming from Woodland Hills. We look forward to caring for you and your family.