Dental Checkup Tucson, AZ
Why a dental checkup?
Keeping your teeth clean every day by brushing and flossing is one of the most important things you can do to keep your smile healthy. Routine dental checkups are vital to good oral hygiene and are the best way to detect problems at their earliest stages. Early detection and treatment save unnecessary discomfort, time, and money.
The Academy of General Dentistry recommends checkups twice a year. Oral needs change with age and the condition of your teeth and gums. Your Dentist may recommend a checkup schedule that is more or less frequent than twice a year.
Keep your smile healthy!
Comprehensive dental exam in Tucson Arizona.
What to expect at your dental checkup
Visiting the dentist doesn’t have to feel intimidating. At OpenCare Dental, we make your check-up simple, comfortable, and focused on keeping your smile healthy. During your appointment, our team will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.
Comprehensive Dental Exam:
- Digital x-rays & intraoral photos, as determined by the dentist
- A gingival pocket exam
- A visual exam of your mouth, face, jaw, and neck
- Comprehensive electronic dental records
- Recommended dental treatment & fees
1. Digital Radiographs & Photos
X-Rays: Digital x-rays find dental problems not detected during a visual exam. We use digital x-rays that give instant results. Our team will determine when and how often you will need to have x-rays.
Intraoral Photos: We use an intraoral camera to take clear, magnified, and lighted images of your teeth and gums. We will be able to show you any problems or conditions that are affecting your teeth and gums right on the computer screen in front of you. You will be able to see what the dentist sees.
2. Gingival Exam (Gumline)
A hand-held instrument is placed between the gums and teeth to measure the depth of each pocket. A gingival pocket exam determines the presence or risk of gum disease. Each tooth sits inside a gingival pocket of gum tissue. Food and plaque naturally collect inside this pocket, and it takes daily brushing and flossing to remove the food and plaque from the gingival pocket. If not removed, harmful bacteria penetrate the gum-line and deepen the pocket. As the depth of a gingival pocket increases, so does the risk of tooth damage and infection. Gum disease may be reversible if found quick enough. Since it rarely has symptoms of pain, it is possible to have gum disease and not even know it.
3. Visual Examination
During your visual exam, we will check the lymph nodes of your head, jaw, and neck for pain, tenderness, and flexibility. We will also check your TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) for clicking and popping, soreness, or lack of motion. Finally, we will look for cracked and decayed teeth, as well as growths and sores on the roof and floor of your mouth, tongue, lips, gums.
4. Electronic Dental Records
We keep the records for each of your checkups, diagnostics, and treatments electronically. You benefit because our dentists have immediate and comprehensive access to all of your medical histories, exams, diagnostics, treatment plans, and progress reports. Electronic dental records improve patient safety and create efficiencies that help reduce patient waiting times.
5. Treatment Plan & Review
After completion of the exam, you and the dentist will discuss appropriate treatment sequencing and create a personalized treatment plan for you. After, a treatment coordinator will review treatment fees, insurance benefits (if available), and financing options with you to help you complete all your necessary treatment in a timely and affordable manner.
First visit to OpenCare Dental?
Is this your first visit to OpenCare Dental in Tucson, Arizona? Please view our New Patient Information page and forms.
Have you seen a dentist in another office? Let us know ahead and we’ll make sure that your records get transferred to our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive Dental Checkups in Tucson, AZ
Why are routine dental checkups important?
Regular checkups with a top-rated family dentistry in Tucson help catch dental issues early, save you from discomfort and costly treatments, and keep your smile healthy for years.
How often should I visit a dentist near me for a checkup?
The Academy of General Dentistry recommends checkups twice a year. Depending on your oral health, your family dentist in Tucson may recommend a different schedule.
Why are digital x-rays and intraoral photos used?
Digital x-rays help identify issues not visible during a visual exam and provide instant results. Intraoral cameras capture magnified images of your teeth and gums so you can see exactly what the dentist sees.
What is a gum pocket exam and why is it important for family dentistry?
A gum pocket exam measures the health of your gums. Deeper pockets can signal gum disease, which can often be reversed when caught early—something we prioritize as your family dentist for all ages.
How do electronic dental records benefit me as a patient?
Electronic records allow dentists quick access to your full dental and treatment history, improving patient safety, reducing waiting times, and streamlining care.
What happens after a dental exam?
After your dental checkup, your dentist near you will explain recommended treatments. Our treatment coordinator will review costs, insurance coverage, and flexible payment plans.
Is OpenCare Dental a good choice for family dentistry in Tucson?
My first visit to Opencare and it was exceptional. Check in process was easy, everything was explained from the front desk point of view, as well as the doctor (Dr. Martin). The office had a welcoming atmosphere and you felt like you mattered, meaning bedside manner was superb! Thank you Larissa and Dr. Martin for making me feel very comfortable. Dentist offices can sometimes be intimidating but here it felt very at ease.
Sarah Garcia