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

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 174 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Heang La 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Update Review 9/12/2026
I just had my implant crown placed at perfect smile dental Group in Whittier. The crown looks very natural and very comfortable when I chew. The whole dental visit experience was painless. I’m glad that I have found Dr. Michael Yang and I would recommend to my family and friends and anyone who is looking for a good dentist in Whittier.
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Update Review 2/22/2026
My severe grinding broke my dental bridge a few days ago.  I recently had dental implants at Perfect Smile Dental Group in Whittier.  My friends and family had implants done at another office and told me it was going to hurt a lot, but my dental implant placements at Perfect Smile Dental Group was painless, smooth and quick!  I did have mild discomfort as expected.  I was back to normal in 2 days.  I am so excited to get my implant crowns in 3 months and won't have to hassle with flossing under my bridge no more!  Dr. Yang is highly skill, professional and very patient.  He took time to explain to me everything about dental implants before we started my case.  I wanted to know about the process and healing time and whether it will hurt.  After talking to Dr. Yang, I felt reassured and wanted to move forward with my dental implants and I am glad I did! It did not hurt at all!
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Due to severe grinding, many of my teeth have problems.  I hesitated going to the dentist for many years. My main reason for coming to the dentist was that my dental bridge broke.  When I came to see Dr. Yang, his office was clean, welcoming and professional.  The staff was really friendly.  Dr. Yang was very through during the exam.  He took photos of my teeth and showed me on the X-rays where I had cavities and where I needed to have dental crowns to prevent my teeth from breaking. He told me I need a night guard to protect my teeth from breaking when I grind my teeth when I am sleeping.  I was very impressed with his attention to details.  He took his time in explaining and answering all my questions.  I don’t think I have had a dentist that cared enough to take the time to explain everything so I can understand what was going on in my mouth.  I had the best cleaning.  My teeth never felt so clean before!   I have been coming here for my dental needs and have been very happy with their customer service that I decided to stay with this dentist for my dental implants.  I highly recommend this office!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   George George 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience at Perfect Smile Dental Group. The staff was friendly and professional, and Dentist was skilled and attentive. They explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kayla Winn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I went in today as a new patient for cleaning & filling and Dr Yang was so kind and very thorough. Didn’t experience any discomfort or pain at all during the service. I had mentioned some issues i have and he was very helpful! Thank you again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Richard Godinez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had my daughter come in for fillings. She had such a great experience. They work wonderfully with kids and care a lot about their patients.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Haydee Rico 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I got my fillings done here and plan to get the rest of my treatment plan finished. Dr. Yang is amazing, very kind and wasn’t afraid to explain things in detail as to why I needed certain treatments. He has great skills and I was even falling asleep during my fillings.

Also Sarahy at the front desk is super nice and definitely calms your dental anxiety if you have any. I would recommend this place to anyone that needs a gentle dentist and a dental office that actually cares about their patients!

I wasn’t able to get to the dentist in about 5 years and I came here originally for a second opinion after my previous dentist wanted about 7k to cap all my teeth because “fillings were just not possible.”
Dr. Yang made it possible. Now I can focus on treatment that will better my smile and oral health.
Thank you Perfect Smile Dental Group!!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brent Martinez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brianna Jaramillo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rosa Alves 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alyssa Gutierrez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a routine cleaning + fillings done. Overall, great experience. I would recommend coming here!

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 49 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Yelp  
   
   Eddy C. 
 
 
 
 Verified I had a great experience.The staff was friendly and professional, Dentist and staff were skilled and attentive. They explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable. Highly recommend!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Kayla N. 
 
 
 
 Verified I went in today as a new patient for cleaning & filling and Dr Yang was so kind and very thorough. Didn't experience any discomfort or pain at all during the service. I had mentioned some issues i have and he was very helpful! Thank you again!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Kimberly W. 
 
 
 
 Verified 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!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Yvonne 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Melissa M. 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Melina M. 
 
 
 
 Verified 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!
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Duraan O. 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Vincent B. 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Yvonne Z. 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.
  
 
      Posted on Yelp  
   
   Roland O. 
 
 
 
 Verified 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.

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.