General & Preventive Dentistry · Sacramento, CA
Dental Exams in Sacramento, CA
A thorough dental exam is the foundation of a healthy smile. Dr. Kathiriya carefully evaluates your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work — and screens for oral cancer — at every visit to our Sacramento, CA office.
Regular exams let us catch small problems while they are still small, saving you discomfort, time, and money down the road.
What Is a Comprehensive Dental Exam?
A dental exam is a head-to-toe checkup for your mouth. Dr. Bhumika Kathiriya, DDS evaluates your teeth, gums, bite, jaw joints, and any existing dental work, and performs an oral cancer screening at every visit. The goal is simple: find small problems while they're still small — before they turn into toothaches, cracked teeth, or costly repairs.
Our Sacramento office pairs that hands-on evaluation with modern diagnostics. Low-radiation digital X-rays reveal decay hiding between teeth and below the gumline, iTero 3D scanning maps your bite in detail, and cone beam 3D imaging is available when we need a deeper look at roots, bone, or jaw structure. You see everything on screen, in plain language, as we go.
Most patients combine their dental checkup with a professional cleaning in the same visit, so twice a year you walk out with a fully refreshed smile and a clear picture of your oral health. If you're new to the practice, your first new patient dental exam is a bit longer so we can get a complete baseline — and get to know you.
What Happens During Your Exam?
Every comprehensive exam at Fulton Family Dental covers the full picture of your oral health:
- Tooth-by-tooth check for cavities, cracks, and wear
- Gum health measurements to catch gingivitis and gum disease early
- Oral cancer screening of your lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat
- Evaluation of existing fillings, crowns, and other dental work
- Bite and jaw joint assessment, including signs of grinding or TMJ strain
- Review of your digital X-rays and scans together, on screen
- A personalized plan — with clear priorities — for anything that needs attention
Why Sacramento Families Choose Us for Checkups
Truly Thorough Exams
Every visit includes an oral cancer screening, gum measurements, and a full review of your teeth and dental work — never a quick glance.
Advanced Diagnostics
Low-radiation digital X-rays, iTero 3D scanning, and cone beam imaging help us catch problems that older methods miss.
UCLA-Trained Dentist
Dr. Kathiriya brings advanced training and 16+ years of experience to every checkup, serving Sacramento since 2011.
Care in Your Language
Our team serves patients in English, Hindi, and Spanish, so nothing gets lost in translation about your health.
Your Dental Checkup: What to Expect
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Health History & Concerns
We start by listening — your health history, medications, and anything that's been bothering you. Your priorities shape the visit.
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Imaging & Digital Scans
We capture only the low-radiation digital X-rays you actually need, plus a 3D scan when helpful. Images appear instantly on screen.
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Hands-On Examination
Dr. Kathiriya examines every tooth, measures your gum health, checks your bite and jaw, and completes your oral cancer screening.
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Findings & Your Plan
We walk through everything together in plain language. If treatment is needed, you get clear options and a written estimate — no pressure, no surprises.
Between Exams: Keeping Your Smile on Track
For most patients, a dental exam every six months is the sweet spot — frequent enough to catch cavities and gum changes early, when treatment is simplest. If you're managing gum disease, dry mouth, or a history of frequent cavities, Dr. Kathiriya may recommend seeing you a little more often. Either way, what you do at home between visits matters just as much.
Make the most of the months between checkups:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily
- Ask about a fluoride treatment at your visit if you're cavity-prone or have sensitivity
- Wear a nightguard if we spot signs of grinding or clenching
- Don't wait for your next appointment if something changes — new pain or sensitivity is worth a call
Dental Exam Cost & Insurance in Sacramento
Here's the good news: routine exams are preventive care, and most PPO dental plans cover them at or near 100% — typically twice per year — along with the X-rays that go with them. Preventive visits are the best value in dentistry, because a small filling caught early costs far less than a crown or root canal later.
At our Arden-Arcade office we verify your benefits before your visit and give you a clear written estimate for any recommended treatment, so there are never surprises. No insurance? Call our front office at (916) 929-3737 and ask about options for new patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a dental exam?
Every six months works well for most people. If you have gum disease, dry mouth, diabetes, or a history of frequent cavities, Dr. Kathiriya may recommend more frequent checkups so problems are caught at their earliest stage.
What's included in a new patient dental exam?
Your first visit is a comprehensive baseline: a full set of digital X-rays, tooth-by-tooth evaluation, gum health measurements, oral cancer screening, and a bite assessment. We finish by reviewing everything together and answering all of your questions.
Does a dental exam hurt?
No. An exam is visual and diagnostic — there's no drilling or injections. Gum measurements involve gentle probing that most patients barely notice. If dental visits make you anxious, ask about our sedation options for any treatment that follows.
Do I really need an oral cancer screening?
Yes — it takes about two minutes and it's included in every exam. Oral cancer is highly treatable when found early, and your dentist is often the first person positioned to spot it. We check your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat at each visit.
Will I get a cleaning at the same appointment?
Usually, yes. Most patients pair their exam with a professional cleaning in one visit. If your gums need deeper care, we'll explain why and schedule the right type of cleaning for you.
How much does a dental exam cost with insurance?
Most PPO dental plans cover exams as preventive care at or near 100%, typically twice a year. We verify your specific benefits before your visit, so you'll know exactly where you stand before we begin.
I haven't seen a dentist in years. Will I be judged?
Never. Patients come back after long gaps all the time, and our only focus is where your smile goes from here. We'll get a clear baseline, prioritize what matters most, and build a plan at a pace and budget that works for you.
What if my tooth already hurts — should I wait for a checkup?
Don't wait. Pain usually means a problem that will only grow. We offer same-day appointments for toothache relief — call (916) 929-3737 and we'll get you seen quickly.
More General & Preventive Dentistry Services
Mouthguards & Nightguards
Custom-fitted guards that protect teeth from sports impacts and grinding.
Learn MoreDue For A Checkup?
Book your comprehensive exam today and keep your smile on track.