What is checked at a dental visit?
An examination assesses your teeth, gums, existing restorations, and the soft tissues of your mouth. A cleaning removes deposits that home care cannot fully remove. The findings determine whether preventive care or treatment is needed.
At Tomlinson Dental, tell us what you have noticed and what concerns you most. Whether you attend regularly or are returning after a long gap, we can start with an assessment and explain the next steps.
Sources: NIDCR: Gum disease · ADA: Dental X-rays
What may happen during the appointment?
Review your history
Bring an updated medication list and tell us about pain, bleeding, dry mouth, tobacco use, or changes in health.
Examine and record
We examine your mouth and assess gum health and existing dental work. Imaging is recommended when it can help answer a clinical question.
Discuss cleaning and treatment
The condition of your gums affects the type of cleaning needed. We’ll explain any recommended treatment and your follow-up plan.
Sources: ADA: Dental X-rays · NIDCR: Gum disease
How often should I have a checkup?
There is no single interval that suits everyone. Decay risk, gum health, previous treatment, and changes in your medical history can affect how often you should be seen. Ask why a particular recall interval is recommended.
Contact us between routine visits if you develop symptoms. A booked checkup months away is not a reason to wait with a new concern.
Sources: ADA: Dental X-rays
What can screening tell me?
Dental X-rays
X-rays can reveal problems not visible during an examination. We consider your history, findings, and previous images before recommending them; they are not automatically needed at every visit.
Soft-tissue examination
We look for changes in the tissues of your mouth. A screening examination cannot rule out every disease. A persistent sore, lump, or unexplained change may need further evaluation.
Sources: ADA: Dental X-rays
Learn more about oral cancer screening and tell us about changes even if they are painless.
Sources: NIDCR: Oral cancer and screening
Questions about exams and cleanings
Your examination determines what cleaning or treatment is appropriate. If periodontal disease is present, the recommended care may differ from a routine cleaning. Contact us if you want to understand how your first appointment is scheduled.
Tell us where they were taken and when. Existing images may help, although new ones can be needed if they do not answer the current clinical question.
Sources: ADA: Dental X-rays
Tell us before the visit. We can discuss what worries you and explain the assessment in manageable steps. The purpose is to help you plan your care.
Bring your medication and health information and any relevant insurance details. Our patient forms and first-visit information can help you prepare.
Related care
Schedule an Exam
Bring your questions. We’ll assess your mouth and explain the next steps for your dental care.
3907 North Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33603
Find us in Tampa, FL
Medically reviewed by Angella Tomlinson, DDS, PA