A routine dental checkup at Sola Dental Spa in Staten Island with Dr. Anne Gershkowitz, DDS generally includes a review of your recent health history, a full exam of your teeth and gums, an oral cancer screening, and X-rays when your dentist determines they are needed, typically completed in under an hour. Nothing about it should feel rushed or mysterious, and knowing the sequence ahead of time tends to ease any lingering nerves about the visit. For anyone due for a full evaluation, our general dentistry page outlines the broader range of care available.
A routine checkup covers a brief health history update, a hands-on exam of teeth and gums, an oral cancer screening, and X-rays if your dentist recommends them based on your history and last visit.
“Patients sometimes apologize for not flossing enough right when they sit down, before I’ve even looked. A checkup isn’t a test you pass or fail. It’s a chance for us to catch small things while they’re still small, which is exactly why showing up matters more than showing up perfect.”
Dr. Anne Gershkowitz, DDS, Founder, Sola Dental Spa
A patient who had not been to a dentist in several years came in expecting a lecture and instead left with a clear, specific plan, one small cavity to address and a note to come back in six months, once the checkup showed there was nothing more urgent going on.
What actually happens during the exam?
The dentist or hygienist examines each tooth and the surrounding gum tissue, checks for signs of decay or wear, and evaluates your bite. An oral cancer screening, which involves checking your tongue, cheeks, and neck, is a standard part of the visit.
Your dentist will also ask about any changes in your overall health since your last visit, since certain medical conditions can show symptoms in the mouth first, according to the American Dental Association, which notes that continuity of care helps catch problems while they are still minor.
Will I need X-rays every time?
Not necessarily. X-rays are typically taken on a schedule based on your individual risk factors and history, often once a year for most adults, rather than at every single visit.
If nothing about your oral health or risk factors has changed since recent imaging, your dentist may decide a visual exam and cleaning are sufficient for that visit. The decision is based on your specific history, not a blanket rule applied to every patient.
How often should I actually be coming in?
There is no single answer that fits everyone. Some patients do well with two visits a year, while others with a history of gum disease or higher cavity risk benefit from more frequent visits.
Your dentist tailors the recommended interval to your own history rather than a generic twice-a-year rule, factoring in things like gum health, past cavities, and habits like smoking that can affect risk.
What to bring or prepare for your visit
| Item | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| List of new medications | Some medications affect oral health or interact with dental treatment |
| Insurance information | Speeds up the front-desk process before your appointment |
| Notes on any changes | Sensitivity, bleeding gums, or jaw discomfort worth mentioning |
If dental visits themselves make you anxious, our related post on the daily habits that support a healthy smile between visits can help make each checkup a smaller step rather than a bigger one.
Frequently asked questions
Does a routine checkup include a cleaning?
Often yes, a professional cleaning is typically paired with the exam in the same visit, though your dentist will confirm what your specific visit includes.
What if the dentist finds a cavity during my checkup?
You will be told what was found and given a clear plan for next steps, which is usually a separate appointment rather than immediate treatment during the checkup itself.
Is an oral cancer screening painful?
No. It involves a visual and manual check of your mouth, tongue, and neck, and takes only a couple of minutes.
How do I know if I am coming in often enough?
Your dentist will recommend an interval based on your own risk factors and oral health history at each visit, rather than a fixed rule for every patient.
What if I have not been to the dentist in years?
You will not be judged. A checkup after a long gap simply starts with a fuller picture of where things stand, then builds a plan from there.