A comprehensive exam checks every tooth, your gums, your bite, and screens for oral cancer, so anything that's starting to go wrong gets caught while it's still a small, simple fix.
A checkup is more than someone glancing at your teeth. We take digital X-rays to see what's happening below the surface, between teeth, under old fillings, at the roots, then a dentist personally examines every tooth, checks your gums for early signs of disease, evaluates your bite, and screens your mouth, tongue, and throat for anything unusual.
Most dental problems don't hurt until they're advanced. A cavity, a cracked filling, or early gum disease can sit quietly for months. The exam's whole purpose is to find that early, while treatment is still simple and inexpensive, instead of waiting for pain to force the issue.
A comprehensive exam is the right call for almost everyone on a regular schedule, plus a few situations that call for one sooner than usual.
The standard rhythm for catching problems while they're still small and cheap to fix.
First time with us? A full exam and X-ray set gives our team a baseline for your mouth.
Sensitivity, a nagging ache, or jaw tightness deserves a look even outside your regular schedule.
Gaps happen. We'll pick up wherever you are, without judgment, and get you back on track.
Getting veneers, implants, or Invisalign starts with a current exam to plan around.
If gum disease runs in your family or you've had it before, more frequent screening catches recurrence early.
Low-radiation digital X-rays let us see decay between teeth and below the gumline that a visual check alone would miss.
A dentist examines every tooth, checks old fillings and crowns for wear, measures gum health, and evaluates your bite.
We check your tongue, cheeks, throat, and neck for anything unusual, a quick, painless part of every checkup.
We walk you through what we found in plain language, prioritize anything that needs attention, and answer your questions before you leave.
The two visits look similar on the surface, both involve a dentist looking in your mouth, but the circumstances and the outcomes are very different.
Comprehensive exams, including X-rays, are typically covered at 100% by dental insurance twice per year with no deductible. If you're uninsured or between plans, our Membership Club covers exams and cleanings plus a discount on further treatment for one flat annual fee. We'll verify your benefits before your visit so you know the cost upfront.
Our clinic is in network with most PPOs and accepts all insurance plans. We'll verify your benefits and file the claim on your behalf.
Spread payment over time with interest-free financing through Lending Club or CareCredit, so cost isn't the reason you delay treatment.
Not insured? Our in-house membership plan simplifies preventative care and saves on treatment, a smart alternative when insurance isn't a fit.
Learn About MembershipA dentist personally reviews every exam and X-ray, so what your checkup finds gets an experienced second opinion the same visit.
Over a decade of practice in the DC area. Certified Invisalign provider and AAFE-certified in Botox therapeutics for TMJ and facial pain.
Restorative, cosmetic, and complex oral surgery. Invisalign and dental implant certified, with a special focus on patients with dental anxiety.
Compassionate care with a friendly approach. A Fairfax native who combines clinical expertise with genuine warmth that puts patients at ease.
Multi-disciplinary, comprehensive dentistry with a pragmatic approach. Passionate about patient education and staying current with advances in dental care.
Still have questions? Book a checkup at any of our three offices and we'll walk you through it.
Book ConsultationA comprehensive exam with X-rays usually runs 20 to 30 minutes. If we're combining it with your cleaning the same day, plan for closer to an hour total.
No. A full set is typically taken once a year, with smaller check X-rays in between if we're monitoring something specific. We'll only take what's clinically useful, not on a fixed schedule regardless of need.
We'll show you the X-ray and explain exactly what we're seeing, then talk through the fix, usually a filling, and get it scheduled. Most cavities found at a routine exam are small and simple to treat.
No. It's a quick visual and physical check of your tongue, cheeks, and neck that adds only a couple of minutes to your exam and involves no needles or instruments beyond a gloved hand and a light.
No. We see this often and our only goal is getting an accurate picture of where things stand now so we can build a plan forward. There's no lecture, just next steps.
For most plans, yes, comprehensive exams and X-rays are typically covered at 100% twice a year. We'll verify your specific benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises.
Twenty minutes now can save you a much longer, more expensive visit later. Get on the schedule and know exactly where things stand.
No pressure. No obligation. Just a clear picture of what's possible.
New patients always welcome. Fill out the form and we'll reach out to schedule your exam, or call the office nearest you.