Preventive care

Comprehensive dental exams in Lehi

Just moved here, or has life kept you away from the dentist for a while? A full exam shows you exactly where your teeth and gums stand right now.

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What is a comprehensive dental exam?

Think of it as a full inventory of your mouth. Your dentist reviews every tooth, plus your gums, bite, jaw joints and the soft tissue inside your cheeks and throat. Most people have one when they first come to a new office, then again every few years.

Gives a baseline for later checkups
A full set of X-rays is common
You leave knowing your options and priorities

Who should have a comprehensive exam

This visit makes sense for you if:

You are new to our office
It has been several years since you saw a dentist
You have noticed a sore tooth, a loose tooth or a bite that feels different
You are thinking about larger treatment such as implants or clear aligners

Many people repeat a full exam every three to five years, with routine checkups in between. If your health shifts or a new problem appears, your dentist may want one sooner.

Your mouth can sometimes show signs of issues in other parts of the body, like diabetes or high blood pressure. Your dentist does not diagnose these. If something seems unusual, though, you may be asked to follow up with your doctor.

What to expect

Talk first. You share your health history, the medicines you take and what you hope to get from your care.
Pictures. X-rays and photos let your dentist see places the eye can't, like between teeth, under the gums and in the bone.
Each tooth. Your dentist looks for decay, cracks, wear and older fillings or crowns that may be breaking down.
Gums, bite and jaw. Gum pockets are measured to look for gum disease. Your bite and jaw joints are checked for wear, clicking or soreness.
Soft tissue. Your lips, cheeks, tongue, throat and neck get a careful look during an oral cancer screening.
The plan. You hear what was found, what is most urgent and what can wait. Your cleaning may happen that day or at the next visit.

Cost and insurance

Your cost depends on the care you need and your dental plan. After your exam, we give you an estimate and go over what your insurance is likely to cover before any treatment starts. We work with most major dental plans and accept CareCredit.

See insurance and payment options

FAQ

Questions about comprehensive exams

How much time should I set aside?

Around an hour is typical. If you also need a full set of X-rays and a cleaning that same day, it can take longer.

Is this the same as my six month checkup?

No. A checkup looks at what has changed since last time. A full exam reviews everything in depth and usually happens when you are new or every few years.

Can you use X-rays from my old dentist?

Often, yes, if they are recent. Otherwise most new patients need fresh X-rays. Your dentist takes only the images needed to plan your care.

How can I get ready for the visit?

Write down your medicines and any questions, and have your insurance card handy. If you have old dental records, bring them or let us know where they are.

Does insurance pay for a full exam?

Many plans cover it on a set schedule, such as once every few years. We can look up your benefits for you. Visit our insurance page for details.

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