General Dentistry
Exams & Cleanings in Reston, VA
Routine care that keeps small problems small.
A thorough cleaning and a complete exam, with digital X-rays and intraoral cameras so you see what we see.
Exams & Cleanings
Dental exams and cleanings in Reston, VA: plaque and tartar removal, digital X-rays, an oral cancer screening and a bite check for every age in the family.
Prevention is the foundation of a healthy smile
Brushing and flossing at home are essential, but on their own they are not enough to protect your teeth and gums. Regular cleanings and exams remove the stubborn plaque and tartar that home care leaves behind, and they give a dental team the chance to catch problems early. Many dental problems cause no pain at first, so a checkup is often the only way to find them before they need more involved treatment. Your hygienist carefully cleans your teeth, and Dr. Kiumars Karbasi examines your whole mouth for any signs of concern. If something needs attention, we explain what we found and talk through your options before anything is scheduled.
What happens at your visit
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and below the gumline, then polishes away stains so your smile looks bright. Your exam includes a check for cavities, gum disease, TMJ problems and other oral health issues, an oral cancer screening and a check of your bite. If we spot any problems, we discuss treatment options with you right away.
Tools that make the visit more thorough
- Digital and panoramic X-raysDetailed images of your teeth, roots and bones, with less radiation than traditional X-rays. They help us catch small issues that are not visible to the naked eye.
- Intraoral camerasA small camera shows the nooks and crannies of your mouth on a screen, so you understand your oral health and can make informed decisions about your care.
- Ultrasonic cleanersHigh-frequency vibrations remove built-up plaque and tartar more effectively than traditional instruments, and they are more comfortable than conventional scalers.
Why routine visits pay off
- Early detectionProblems found early are simpler to treat.
- PreventionCleanings help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Fresh breathYou leave with that fresh-from-the-dentist feeling.
- Home carePersonalized advice makes your daily routine work harder.
- CostPreventive care helps you avoid expensive treatment later.
- Overall healthA healthy mouth supports your overall health.
Book a cleaning for the whole family
We see children, parents and grandparents in one office, so the family can keep their checkups together. New patients without insurance can ask about our new patient cleaning and exam special, and our membership plan covers exams and cleanings. If your exam turns up a cavity or gum concerns, we can plan tooth-colored fillings or gum disease treatment here.
The short answer
A dental exam and cleaning is routine preventive care that keeps your teeth and gums healthy and catches problems early. A hygienist removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and below the gumline and polishes away stains, and your dentist checks for cavities, gum disease, TMJ problems and other issues, with an oral cancer screening and a bite check. Regular visits help prevent tooth decay and gum disease and let small issues be treated before they need more involved care.
Exams & cleanings FAQ
- How long does a dental exam and cleaning take?
- For most patients, a dental exam and cleaning takes about an hour. We begin by asking about any problems and may take a set of X-rays. Your hygienist then looks over your mouth and performs a thorough cleaning. Finally, your dentist completes the exam and makes any recommendations needed for a healthy smile.
- How soon after my cleaning can I eat?
- You can typically eat right after a dental cleaning, because it does not require any numbing or recovery time. Some patients notice sensitivity in their teeth and gums after a cleaning. If you do, or if your dentist advises against certain foods or drinks for a while, it is best to follow that advice. In general, you can return to your regular eating habits without significant delay.
- Why should I get a dental exam if I’m not in pain?
- You should get regular exams because not all dental problems cause pain, and by the time something hurts it is often already serious. A routine exam lets a dental professional look closely at your mouth. We can identify potential problems or catch them in their early stages. That allows us to treat them before you need more expensive and invasive care.
- What does a dental exam check for?
- A dental exam checks for cavities, gum disease, TMJ problems and other oral health issues. It also includes an oral cancer screening and a check of your bite alignment. Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras help us see details that are not visible to the naked eye. If we spot any problems, we discuss treatment options with you right away.
- Do you see children for cleanings?
- Yes, we care for patients of all ages, from young children to grandparents. For children, we focus on prevention and education, teaching proper brushing and flossing while monitoring their dental development. Our youngest patients get pressure-free introductions that help them feel comfortable in the dental office. That way the whole family can be seen in one familiar office.
- What if I don’t have dental insurance?
- Patients without insurance can still keep up with routine care through our in-house membership plan. The plan covers exams and cleanings and gives you discounts on other treatments. New patients without insurance can also ask about our new patient cleaning and exam special. Our front desk team will walk you through the option that fits you or your family.
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Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and helps you get the most from your coverage.
Aetna · CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield · Cigna · Delta Dental · BlueCross BlueShield FEP Dental · Guardian · MetLife
Financing through Cherry, Proceed Finance, LendingClub and HFD.