What to Expect at Your Routine Dental Appointment

What to Expect During a Routine Dental Checkup in Northridge, CA

Has it been a while since your last dental visit? Whether you’re due for a dental exam or just want to stay on top of your oral health, a routine checkup is an essential part of keeping your smile strong and healthy. At Kevin H. Gropp, DDS in Northridge, CA, we make dental visits simple, stress-free, and personalized to your needs.

Our team is dedicated to early detection and prevention. With professional cleanings, thorough exams, and friendly guidance, we help you maintain optimal oral health while making your experience as comfortable as possible.

Ready to take the next step in protecting your smile? Call our Northridge, CA, dental office at (818) 709-8645 to schedule your checkup. We proudly welcome patients from Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Lake Balboa, and nearby areas.

Arrival

When you arrive at our Northridge dental office, you’ll be greeted warmly by our friendly front office staff. They’ll ask to see your ID and insurance card for verification. If you’re a new patient, you’ll need to fill out some basic paperwork about your medical history and any medications you’re taking. Once checked in, you can relax in our comfortable waiting area until a dental assistant calls your name.

Initial Exam

The dental assistant will take you to an exam room and go over your reason for visiting and any concerns you may have. When Dr. Gropp comes in, he’ll do a comprehensive oral exam, checking your teeth, gums, tongue, palate, and jaw joint. He’ll check for signs of decay, infections, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues. The exam only takes a few minutes. Dr. Gropp will discuss what he sees and make recommendations for any needed dental work.

Cleaning

After the exam, it’s time for the dental cleaning. This is performed by a trained dental hygienist, not the dentist. The hygienist will place a paper bib around your neck and make sure you’re comfortable.

We’ll use special instruments to scrape and polish each tooth above and below the gumline, removing built-up plaque and tartar. As they clean, they’ll also check each tooth thoroughly for cavities or cracks. The hygienist will probably give your teeth a fluoride treatment as well to strengthen enamel.

X-rays

X-rays are often taken during your routine cleaning to check for hidden oral issues between the teeth and below the gums. Our office uses safe digital X-rays, resulting in minimal exposure. We recommend bitewing X-rays once per year and full mouth X-rays every five years. The hygienist will have you bite down on a small tab while the image is taken. The actual X-ray only takes a few seconds.

Questions and Advice

Throughout your appointment, Dr. Gropp and our hygienists encourage you to ask any questions you may have about your oral health. We’re happy to explain dental procedures, clarify insurance coverage, discuss minimally invasive treatment options, and more.

Based on what they see during your checkup, they may offer tips and advice about your brushing and flossing routine, diet, use of fluoride, and other things you can do at home to keep your smile looking great.

Checkout

After your exam and cleaning are complete, the front office will check you out and schedule follow-up appointments if needed. Routine cleanings are usually recommended every six months for optimal oral health. Our goal is to provide excellent preventative dental care to help you avoid more extensive procedures down the road.

Schedule Your Dental Checkup With Dr. Gropp Today

At Kevin H. Gropp, DDS in Northridge, CA, our friendly and experienced team is committed to making every exam and cleaning as comfortable and informative as possible. If you have any questions before your visit, we’re always here to help.

Call our office at (818) 709-8645 to schedule your next dental appointment in North Hills. We proudly serve patients from Chatsworth, Granada Hills, Lake Balboa, and surrounding communities. We look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile!