Comprehensive Dental Exams and Cleanings for Lifelong Oral Health
Regular dental exams are the foundation of long-term oral health and a confident smile for patients of all ages.
Your Trusted Destination for Dental Exams and Exceptional Dental Care
At The Foleck Center, our experienced dental team is committed to providing top-tier dental exams and professional dental cleanings that support your overall dental health. With state-of-the-art technology and a compassionate approach, we ensure that every dental exam is thorough, comfortable, and tailored to your unique needs.
Our convenient locations in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Kecoughtan, and Hampton Coliseum allow us to serve patients across the region with accessible and reliable comprehensive dental care. Whether you’re due for a routine dental exam or need help managing specific oral health issues, our skilled professionals are here to support your journey toward optimal oral health.
Why Routine Dental Exams Are Essential
A routine dental exam is about more than checking for cavities. It’s a proactive step in preventing tooth decay, detecting early signs of gum disease, and addressing oral health concerns before they become more serious. Our dental hygienists perform a complete oral exam, screen for oral cancer, and evaluate your medical history, flossing habits, and oral hygiene routine.
With tools like dental x-rays, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants, we help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. As recommended by the American Dental Association, we encourage regular dental visits and routine cleanings to reduce the risk of tooth loss, periodontal disease, and other dental issues caused by plaque buildup and poor dental hygiene.
Preventive Dental Care for Every Stage of Life
From young children to older adults, dental care needs evolve over time. That’s why we offer services like children’s dentistry, deep dental cleanings, and preventive education to encourage regular brushing, healthy eating habits, and good tooth brushing technique. We emphasize the importance of regular professional dental cleanings and checkups to help prevent oral diseases and promote a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth.
Our gentle, patient-first approach means you’ll receive exceptional dental care in a supportive and relaxed setting—whether you’re in for a teeth cleaning appointment, experiencing bleeding gums, or need urgent attention for a dental emergency.
Book Your Dental Exam at a Foleck Center Location Near You
When it’s time for your next dental exam, choose the trusted professionals at The Foleck Center. With locations in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Kecoughtan, and Hampton Coliseum, our offices are here to make access to exceptional dental care convenient and stress-free.
What are Dental Exams?
A dental exam is a routine checkup performed by your dentist to evaluate your overall oral health. During your exam, your dental team will carefully examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay, infection, gum disease, oral cancer, and other potential concerns. They will also assess existing dental work, such as fillings and other restorations, to ensure everything remains in good condition. Scheduling dental exams twice a year is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and catching issues early before they become more serious.
What Is Preventive Dental Care?
Preventive dental care refers to regular dental visits aimed at stopping oral health problems before they start. This includes semi-annual dental exams, professional cleanings, and necessary X-rays performed by your dentist. With a focus on prevention rather than treatment, patients at The Foleck Center in the Tidewater area receive the foundational care required to maintain good oral health and prevent issues down the road.
Importance of Preventive Care
Seeing a dentist for periodic exams and cleanings is the cornerstone of good preventive dental care. These visits allow early detection of small problems before they become complicated and expensive to treat. For example, identifying minor tooth decay early on means we can treat it relatively simply with a small filling. However, if decay advances unchecked, you may eventually need a root canal, dental crown, or tooth extraction.
Similarly, our dentists can detect the early signs of gum disease during an oral exam and provide treatment. When left untreated, gum disease can cause chronic bad breath, receding gums, bone loss around teeth, and eventual tooth loss. Getting dental exams makes prevention and early intervention possible.
What Can You Expect at Your Dental Exam?
Your visit will typically begin with a comprehensive examination of your head, neck, and oral tissues to check for any abnormalities. Each tooth will be evaluated individually, using specialized dental instruments to gently assess areas around the teeth and gums for issues that may not be visible to the naked eye. X-rays may also be taken to provide a clearer view of areas between teeth or below the surface. In addition, your dental team will check for signs of grinding, measure gum pocket depth, and assess how your teeth respond to temperature and percussion.
Based on the results of your exam, your dentist will recommend a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific oral health needs. Whether you require a simple filling or more complex care like oral surgery, a wide range of dental solutions is available under one roof. During your visit, one of our experienced hygienists will also perform a thorough cleaning, using specialized tools to remove plaque buildup both above and below the gum line.
Our Other Preventive Treatments
- Fluoride: We offer fluoride treatments that help protect teeth, repair early stages of decay, and reverse root sensitivity.
- Gum Disease Treatment: Our dentists and hygienists provide several therapies to halt the progression of gum disease and heal inflamed gums.
- Dental X-rays: X-rays allow us to see between the teeth and evaluate what’s happening under the gums. We use dental radiographs to find issues not visible during your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need X-rays at every preventive care visit?
Yes, dental X-rays allow your dentist to detect issues between teeth and under the gums during your exam. Bitewing, periapical, and panoramic radiographs provide vital information about your oral health that can’t be obtained through visual inspection alone. Tracking changes over time, through regular dental imaging is the key for early diagnosis and intervention of problems.
I brush and floss regularly. Do I still need professional teeth cleanings?
Yes. While your daily homecare routine of brushing and flossing is important for removing surface-level plaque, it only cleans about 25 percent of your tooth surfaces. Professional dental cleanings remove hard-to-reach tartar buildup and stains you can’t eliminate with brushing and flossing alone. Removing these disease-causing deposits prevents more serious issues like cavities and gum disease.
My teeth feel fine. Can’t I wait longer between preventive visits?
No. Many serious dental health issues including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, can start with no pain or outward symptoms that you may notice on your own. Sticking to the recommended six-month checkup schedule allows your dentist to catch developing problems at their earliest, easiest-to-treat stages before you have pain or discomfort.
Do fluoride treatments strengthen teeth and prevent cavities?
Yes. Topical fluoride applications help remineralize weakened areas on tooth surfaces before cavity formation sets in. They also make tooth enamel more resistant to acid attacks that cause decay over time. Getting in-office fluoride strengthens and protects your teeth between visits.
Don’t Delay Necessary Dental Care
We sincerely care about the dental health of all our patients here at The Foleck Center. Whether you’re coming from nearby, Hampton, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, we invite you to become part of our dental family. Our skilled dentists, hygienists, and professional staff will warmly provide you with gentle, quality care in a judgment-free environment.
Contact us online or by phone so we can schedule your first appointment and get started on the path toward a glowing, confident smile that will make you proud. Your oral health deserves priority and first-class preventive care close to home, so contact us today!
