Dental check-up: what to expect
Overview
A routine dental check-up supports your oral health by helping identify concerns early. Whether it has been six months or longer since your last visit, here’s what to expect and what your checkup may include.
A dental check-up may include an exam, X-rays as needed, sometimes a cleaning and an oral cancer screening
Costs vary, and many insurance plans cover up to two preventive visits at or near 100%
For many patients, a checkup is recommended about every six months
Regular visits can help reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease and other oral health concerns
What is a dental check-up?
A dental check-up is a preventive visit where your care team reviews the health of your teeth, gums and mouth. These visits help identify early signs of concerns such as cavities, gum disease or changes in your bite. For many patients, a checkup is recommended about every six months.
What happens during a dental check-up?
A dental check-up includes several steps that help your care team understand your oral health and recommend next steps if needed.
Your care team may ask about current medications, recent health changes and any dental concerns or symptoms you would like to discuss.
Your care team examines your teeth and gums for cavities, cracks, wear and signs of inflammation or infection. Your bite and any existing dental work are also reviewed.
X-rays may be taken every 6–24 months, depending on your needs. They help your care team see areas not visible during the exam, such as hidden cavities, bone changes, impacted teeth or signs of infection.
Your care team examines your tongue, cheeks, throat and soft tissues for any unusual changes.
Based on your oral health, your care team may recommend hygiene services such as polishing or fluoride treatment, which are often scheduled at a follow-up visit.
If any concerns are identified, your care team will review your options, discuss next steps and go over costs and insurance coverage so you can make an informed decision.
How much does a dental check-up cost?
The cost of a dental check-up varies based on your oral health needs and whether you are a new or returning patient. It may depend on the number of X-rays taken, the type of exam performed and any hygiene services recommended. Your Aspen Dental care team will review your exam findings and insurance coverage with you and provide clear pricing before treatment begins.
¹Offer available in select offices. For new patients that do not have dental insurance. New patients must be 21 or older to receive $29 exam and X-rays, a minimum $80 value; the value of the savings will vary based on doctor recommendation. Offer expires 12/31/26.
How often should you get a dental check-up?
For many patients, a dental check-up is recommended about every six months. Your care team can help determine the schedule that best supports your oral health.
Gum disease
A history of frequent cavities
Diabetes or other health conditions
Tobacco or vape use
Why regular dental check-ups are important
Routine dental check-ups support both your oral health and your overall well-being.
Regular visits help your care team identify changes that may not be noticeable at home.
Regular check-ups help maintain your teeth and support gum health over time.
Oral health plays an important role in your overall well-being and is connected to other aspects of your health.
How long does a dental check-up take?
A dental check-up typically takes 45–60 minutes, depending on your oral health and whether X-rays are needed. New patients may need 60–90 minutes for a full evaluation and X-rays. For many patients, the visit lasts about an hour.
Exam: 10–15 minutes
Oral cancer screening: 1–2 minutes
X-rays (if needed): 10–20 minutes
Hygiene services (time permitting or scheduled at a follow up visit): 30–45 minutes
Treatment discussion: 5–10 minutes
JT B.
Westminister, CO
Frequently asked questions about dental check-ups
Skipping routine dental check-ups can make it harder to identify early signs of cavities, gum concerns or other oral health issues. Even if your teeth feel fine, some changes develop gradually over time. Regular visits give your care team more information to monitor your oral health.
Most dental insurance plans fully or mostly cover routine dental check-ups, including exams, and X-rays. Your care team can review your benefits with you before treatment begins.
A dental check-up is the full preventive visit, which may include an exam, X-rays, hygiene services and an oral cancer screening. A dental exam is one part of that visit and focuses on the health of your teeth, gums and mouth.
No. At Aspen Dental a dental check-up may include services like polishing, but a full preventive cleaning is often a separate visit with a hygienist. Your care team can discuss next steps based on your oral health and book a follow-up preventive teeth cleaning.
Yes, and it’s completely normal. If you feel dental anxiety, let your care team know. They can explain each step, check in with you during the visit and adjust the pace to help you feel more at ease.