Visit Our Top-Rated Los Angeles Dentist
Going to the dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning can seem daunting, but it’s an important part of maintaining your oral health. Dr. Kevin Gropp and his team in Northridge, CA want to make your dental visit as comfortable and informative as possible. Here’s what you can expect when you come in for your next appointment.
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 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 Appointment Today
At the Northridge dental office of Dr. Kevin Gropp, our knowledgeable staff strives to make each exam and cleaning a comfortable, informative experience. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any other questions before your appointment. We look forward to seeing you!