What happens during a dental exam?

During a complete dental exam, the dental assistant takes a full mouth series of x-rays for the dentist to evaluate the health of the teeth, gum and to screen for oral cancer. Oral exams and x-rays allow the dentist to identify problems such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer in their early stages.

Do I have to take x-rays for a dental checkup?

Dental x-rays are the standard of care during a dental exam. X-rays allow the dentist to detect cavities between the teeth, infection at the root and oral pathology (cancer) that cannot be detected with the naked eyes.

How long do oral exams take?

Dental Exams last about 60 minutes. During the 60 minutes, dental x-rays are taken so the dentist can evaluate the teeth, gum and oral cavity. The dentist will explain the findings and make treatment recommendations to the patient.

Dental Exam in Whittier

Detect cavities early before they lead to expensive dental treatments. Schedule your oral exam with our highly trained and experienced dentist today at Perfect Smile Dental Group in Whittier.

(562) 351-1012

Brent Martinez

I am amazed at the time, expertise and personal care that Dr. Yang and staff provided. I searched for many Dentist in my area and my decision to use this office for me and my family was based on what Google reviews MY COMMUNITY has left. I trust the community's recommendations and am glad I have found such a special Dentist office for me and my family.

Sukhawadee Anussornrajkit

I recently visited Perfect Smile for a teeth cleaning, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked through the door, the staff greeted me warmly and made me feel right at home. Dr. Yang performed my cleaning was highly skilled and knowledgeable. They took the time to explain each step of the process, making sure I was comfortable and informed throughout. Their gentle touch and attention to detail were truly commendable. The facilities at Perfect smile were immaculate and well-maintained. The waiting area was cozy and inviting, with comfortable seating and a soothing ambiance. The dental equipment used during my cleaning appeared state-of-the-art, and I felt confident in the level of care I was receiving. The entire staff at Perfect smile was friendly, professional, and genuinely cared about my well-being. They answered all my questions patiently and provided valuable oral hygiene tips to maintain my dental health. It's evident that they prioritize patient satisfaction and go above and beyond to ensure a positive experience. What impressed me the most was the thoroughness of the cleaning. My teeth felt incredibly clean and refreshed afterward, and I left with a brighter smile. The hygienist even gave me personalized recommendations to improve certain areas of my oral hygiene routine, which I greatly appreciated. I highly recommend Perfect smile to anyone seeking top-notch dental care. Their commitment to excellence, friendly atmosphere, and skilled professionals make them stand out among other dental offices in the area. I will definitely be returning for future dental treatments and cleanings. Thank you for providing such outstanding service and making my dental cleaning experience a truly pleasant one!

Brianna Jaramillo

I haven’t been to the dentist in a few years. My last dentist would always say my teeth are fine and no further work needed even though I would complain about pain. It wasn’t a surprise when I decided to finally look for a new dentist due to the pain that I would need to get 9 fillings. Sarahy is the absolute best. She’s super friendly/professional. She explained my insurance cost and even provided payment plans. Dr Yang made the fillings as painless as can be. He thoroughly explained the process of what was going to be done before, explained the aftercare and answered any questions I had. I will definitely be recommending family and friends.

Rosa Alves

I wanted to leave a really positive review. I was referred by my insurance, and the service was excellent. Everyone was wonderful very attentive, explained everything carefully, gave me a small gift, and I also loved the atmosphere. The music was refined, the place was super clean, organized, and it was just excellent.

Alyssa Gutierrez

I had a routine cleaning + fillings done. Overall, great experience. I would recommend coming here!

mathew alvarez

First I just want to say how happy I am to have found Dr.Yang and his dentist office. I have never had work done on my teeth, but when my mother referred Dr.Yang and his office it was that best decision I’ve made. So far he does great work and a job amazing on keeping you calm while he works on you I 1000% recommend Dr.Yang and his office. Also his assistants are very kind and helpful as well assisting me in getting on a payment plan to pay my dental bills. Another thing his dental assistant is very kinda and gentle as well I am very happy to have been shown this office

Maria Mendez

I had two crowns done at Perfect Smile Whittier and I am very pleased with the work Dr. Yang (UCLA) did on me. The staff, Sabrina and Sarai were very nice. I will keep coming back to finish my treatment with Dr. Yang (UCLA), I called him Dr. UCLA, because he studied at UCLA. I greatly recommend Perfect Smile Whittier! Thank you so much Dr. Yang (UCLA)!

Jeniffer Dominguez

Wow the best dentist! After taking my 14 year old daughter to many places I was able to find the right place. We went because she was having problems with her gums and loose tooth.Doctor Yang is the best. He explained everything perfectly and talk to my daughter and made her feel comfortable and at ease. I really, really recommend you this place.

Lucero Tamayo

I come every 6 months for a dental cleaning. The staff is always friendly and get me in quickly.

Kimberly W.

I can't say enough great things about this dentist! My son came in with a very painful toothache, and the doctor got us in quickly and immediately helped him get relief. What really stood out was how thorough and caring he was. He took detailed pictures of my son's teeth, displayed them on the screen, and walked us through everything step by step. He explained what he was seeing in a way that was easy to understand and made sure we felt comfortable and informed before making any decisions. His bedside manner was outstanding--friendly, knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely caring. You can tell he loves what he does and truly wants his patients to understand their dental health. The entire experience was professional, stress-free, and reassuring. Front office is outstanding as well. If you're looking for a dentist who provides exceptional care and outstanding customer service, I highly recommend him. 10/10 experience. We are so grateful for the care my son received!

Yvonne

Dr. Yang has been the best dentist my family and I have experienced. He is so thorough and honest, he takes pride in his work and takes the time to complete the treatment needed, and explains it in detail for the patient to understand. The staff is friendly and so welcoming, I recommend Perfect Smile Dental Group to everyone.

Melissa M.

I found this office through Yelp, and the amazing staff reviews are what convinced me to give them a try. I'm happy to say they were absolutely right on the 1st day! From my first phone call, Sarah was friendly, welcoming, and helped verify my insurance. I shared that I hadn't been to the dentist in a while and have a strong gag reflex, and everyone was incredibly understanding and accommodating. The dentist was kind, informative, and never judgmental. Sarah also took the time to explain my treatment plan, payment options, and next steps. The entire team made me feel comfortable and cared for so far.

Melina M.

I have recommended this dental office to so many people! Service is great staff is amazing and very attentive. I was very scared of going to a new dentist because of some bad experiences in the past but Perfect Smile Dental Group has changed how I feel about going into a dental office. Dr. Yang is the best by far and really takes his time with each patient. Very glad I found him in Whittier!

Duraan O.

Literally the best dentist and care staff I've ever had. Had cavities filled and a tooth removed and it was as completely painless. Highly recommend.

Vincent B.

I was in the market for a new dentist and came across Perfect Smile Dental Group here on Yelp. With all the positive reviews I decided to go in and see for myself. I had a chipped tooth and desperately needed a cleaning and X-rays as well. The staff were extremely friendly and informative and took care of all my requests during my appointment. They provided quality care and did a great job with my cleaning. They also did a great job with my filling for my chipped tooth, which looks brand new! Definitely will be looking to be a life long patient at this dental practice.

Yvonne Z.

Friendly, professional, empathetic staff. I told how scared I was and they were really considerate. This was the first time I was thoroughly explained what I needed done and explained what my insurance covered.

Roland O.

Being a new patient I was apprehensive about seeing a new dentist or even going into a new office, but I needed a cleaning fast and found Dr Yang's office, Perfect Smile Dental Group. The entire facility was very clean, decorative, organized and friendly. The staff made me feel welcomed, Julie the assistant was very professional and courteous. Dr Yang was very thorough, conversant and compassionate about his work. He gave me suggestions on how to maintain my teeth better, what my x rays consist of and what cleaning schedules would be ideal for future appointments. Perfect Smile Dental Group is top quality that everyone should be looking for, and I'm glad I found them. Thank you guys, see you at my next appointment.

Bruce C.

Excellent professional care. The office staff is friendly and courteous. The senior dentist is a third generation dentist who takes great care and pride in his work. He takes the time to carefully explain one's dental needs and procedures. The state of the art big screens ensure transparency. I highly recommend Perfect Smile.

What are Benefits of a Dental Exam?

When you first visit our clinic, you’ll receive a comprehensive oral exam that includes the head, neck, and mouth. It is for new patients or those who have not had one in recent years. Here’s what to expect for this comprehensive exam:

Digital X-rays: We’ll take a series of X-rays and intraoral photos so the dentist can evaluate your teeth, gums, and overall oral health.

Checks for cavities and more. The dentist will use the X-rays to check for any cavities, root infections, signs of bone loss due to gum disease, and signs of grinding or clenching.

Jaw joint alignment exam: The dentist also examines the jaw joints and tooth alignment to determine whether the joints function properly and whether you need orthodontic treatment, such as Invisalign or braces.

Cancer screening: The dentist conducts oral cancer screening to detect any signs of cancer on the tongue or the floor of the mouth.

Consultation, diagnosis, and recommendations: Following the evaluation, the dentist will show you any areas of concern on the X-rays and intraoral photos. Based on the evidence from digital X-rays, intraoral photos, and intraoral examination, the dentist will diagnose and provide treatment recommendations to address your tooth conditions, existing restorations (such as old fillings and old crowns), and gum and oral health to help optimize your oral health.

Existing patients should receive routine oral exams and dental cleanings every six months. These are less comprehensive but still include periodic X-rays, cavity and other dental issue checks, oral cancer screening, and teeth cleaning.

We’re committed to ensuring you understand all of your treatment options and the pros and cons of each procedure. Dental exams at our clinic in Whittier, CA always end with a detailed discussion with you so we can answer any questions and concerns that you may have.

A treatment coordinator will review the treatment plan, insurance benefits, and financing options with you so we can help restore your healthy smile. Dental procedures in the treatment plan do not have to be done all at once. Treatments can be done in phases, starting with the most urgent concerns and progressing to the least urgent.

Will Insurance Cover My Dental Exam Services and Treatment?

Perfect Smile Dental Group in Whittier, CA accepts most insurance plans, including:

Aetna
AlwaysCare
Unum
Anthem
Ameritas
Blue Shield of California
Cigna
Careington Care

Geha
Guardian
Humana
Metlife
Principal
Sun Life
United Healthcare

Whether you are using PPO insurances or exploring flexible payment options, our team is committed to making high-quality dental care accessible and straightforward. We offer personalized financing solutions and will work closely with you to create a plan that fits your needs and helps you move forward confidently with your care. Discover how comfortable, modern, and stress-free achieving a healthier smile can be.

We do not accept HMO.

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What are the Benefits of a Dental Exam?

While many people may put off dentist visits out of fear or procrastination, it is essential to get a good exam at least every six months. Benefits of doing so include:

Early detection of cavities before they result in costly dental treatments.
Early detection and treatment of gum disease.
Early detection of oral cancer.
Detection of teeth grinding to prevent further damage.

Importance of Dental Exams

The American Dental Association recommends that all patients get an oral exam and cleaning at least once every six months, for the following reasons:

By scheduling routine checkups and cleanings, the dentist can detect early signs of cavities that, if left untreated, can lead to a root canal. Treating cavities when they are small is less invasive and less expensive.
Waiting too long to schedule routine checkups and cleanings allows plaque to build up, which may lead to inflamed gums, gum disease, cavities, root canals, crowns, and other costly dental procedures.
Comprehensive dental exams and periodic routine exams are recommended for early detection and treatment of cavities before they progress into the nerve, which may require a root canal and a crown.

Source: American Dental Association (ADA)

Benefits of Dental Exams at our Whittier, CA Clinic

Choosing the right dentist can make the difference between having a trusted professional to take care of your smile and identify any oral issues, and receiving dental exam services from a dentist you don’t know or trust.

Perfect Smile Dental Group boasts a team of dedicated professionals who care for every patient seen in the clinic and can address any dental issues that arise during an oral exam. Here’s what you can expect when you choose Perfect Smile:

Expert Dental Care

Led by third-generation dentist Dr. Michael Yang, our team offers reliable dental exams in Whittier, CA, to keep your smile healthy and beautiful. restore.

Innovative Dentistry

Our office prides itself on staying up to date with the latest dental care technology.

Customized Treatment Plans

We craft personalized dental solutions tailored to each patient’s needs.

Relaxing Office Atmosphere

Our inviting office helps you relax and feel at ease during oral exams in our Whittier, CA clinic.

Accessible Treatment Plans

We make restoring your smile more accessible with flexible payment options for dental exams.

Lasting Smile Solutions

We’re committed to partnering with you for the long term and keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a dental exam cost?

Exam costs vary by geographic location, but the typical range is $100 to $175.

What happens during an oral exam?

During a complete exam, the dental assistant takes a full-mouth series of X-rays for the dentist to evaluate the health of the teeth and gums and screen for oral cancer. Oral exams and X-rays allow the dentist to identify problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer in their early stages.