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Preventive

Preventive & family dentistry

Preventive dentistry is the routine care that keeps problems small: cleanings, exams, x-rays when they are needed, fluoride and sealants, and catching decay early enough to treat it simply.

A dental team member talking with a relaxed patient in a bright operatory with a view of the Chicago skyline at Dental Salon.

What preventive and family dentistry covers

How often to come, and why it is not six months for everyone

Six months is a default rather than a rule. People with healthy gums and no recent decay do fine on it. People with a history of gum disease, a dry mouth from medication, or several new cavities in a short span do better at three or four months, which is roughly how long plaque takes to reorganize into something that causes damage. The point of the interval is to find things while they are small and cheap. Most of what gets treated at a check-up would have been a crown or a root canal had it been found two years later.

What a check-up actually includes

A visit is a cleaning, a focused exam, and x-rays only when they will change a decision. We measure the gums by probing rather than glancing at them, look for decay between teeth where a mirror cannot reach, and screen the soft tissues for oral cancer, which takes under a minute and is the part most people do not realize is happening. Digital x-rays and clinical photographs may also be reviewed with AI-assisted software that flags areas for a closer look. The software flags; our dentists interpret and decide. For early decay we use minimally invasive options where the evidence supports them, and say plainly when a filling is still the better choice.

Family scheduling, and what happens between visits

Children and adults can be seen at the same office, usually back to back, which is the difference between one trip and three. Our hygienists work to unhurried appointments, so there is time to hear what was found and why it matters. Most of what protects your teeth happens in the eleven and a half months you are not here, so home-care advice is specific to what we actually saw: which surfaces you are consistently missing, whether an interdental brush would do more for you than floss, what to do about the sensitivity you mentioned. Soft-tissue laser therapy is available when it suits the plan, including support during periodontal maintenance and focused visits for recurrent cold sores.

Who it's a good fit for

  • You want a calm dental cleaning and exam without feeling rushed
  • You're looking for a new dental home and a clear picture of your oral health
  • Your family wants one office where kids and adults can be seen together
  • You haven't been to the dentist in years and want a judgment-free restart
  • You manage diabetes, are pregnant, or have heart disease and know oral health matters for your overall care
  • You get recurrent cold sores and want to ask about in-office laser treatment

What to expect

  1. First visit: full exam, x-rays only when they change the plan, photos of problem areas
  2. Cleaning: scaling, polish, and flossing with the same hygienist when possible
  3. Home-care coaching tailored to what we see in your mouth
  4. Treatment plan: what's urgent, what can wait, and what preventive steps help
  5. Recall schedule: usually every 6 months, or every 3–4 months if you're managing gum disease

Common questions

How often should I come in for a cleaning?
Every 6 months is the right cadence for most adults. If you've had gum disease, smoke, are pregnant, or have certain health conditions, we may recommend every 3–4 months. We'll tell you what's right for you, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Do you offer laser treatment for cold sores?
Yes, when it is appropriate for your case. If you notice a cold sore starting or already have a lesion, call as early as you can. We'll review your health history and timing, explain whether in-office soft-tissue laser therapy is a good option alongside other care, and answer questions before you decide on a plan.
Do you see kids?
Yes. We're a family practice and see patients from age 1 onward. The first visit for young children is short, calm, and focused on getting comfortable with the chair. See our family and pediatric dentistry page for what to expect.
Will I need x-rays at every visit?
No. X-rays are only taken when they'll change the treatment plan. Bitewings are typically every 12–24 months for adults with no active issues; full-mouth x-rays every 3–5 years. We follow ADA guidelines and we'll always tell you why we're recommending a specific x-ray.
What if I haven't been to the dentist in years?
You're welcome here, no judgment. Many of our long-term patients started as 'I haven't been in 5+ years' visits. We'll do a thorough exam, build a realistic plan, and pace it however works for you.
Do you accept my insurance?
We accept most major dental plans and file claims for you as a courtesy. We also offer a membership plan for uninsured patients ($350/year for the first member, $300/year for each additional member) that covers exams, x-rays, two standard cleanings, a take-home whitening kit, and 15% off other procedures.
Are dental cleanings and exams FSA or HSA eligible?
Yes. Routine cleanings, exams, x-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants are all eligible expenses under FSA and HSA accounts. So is the diagnostic work done at a new-patient visit.

Book a consultation

Available at both offices. Pick the one that's closer to you.

Who provides this care

Preventive & family dentistry at each of our offices

Hours, parking, and the team differ by office. These pages cover the details for each one.

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