PREVENTATIVE & GENERAL DENTISTRY
Preventative
& General Dentistry
Oral health is structural. It shapes how the jaw functions, how the face ages, and how comfortably someone moves through daily life. Dr. Martin treats preventive care as the foundation on which every other clinical decision rests — not a box to check between bigger procedures.
Each visit includes a full assessment of gum health, bite mechanics, jaw joint function, and existing restorations alongside the cleaning, which means Dr. Martin builds ongoing clinical context rather than starting fresh at each appointment. For patients with a history of gum disease or elevated decay risk, a three to four month monitoring interval is typical. For those with consistently stable dentition, annual comprehensive exams supported by regular cleanings are usually sufficient. Digital X-rays are taken when there's a clinical reason — not by default — and read against each patient's history rather than as isolated snapshots.
What does a comprehensive exam involve, and why does it matter?
A comprehensive exam is much more than a check for cavities. It includes a full assessment of your gum health, bite mechanics, jaw joint function, existing restorations, tooth structure, and soft tissue — including an oral cancer screening. Digital imaging gives us a view of what's happening beneath the surface. At our practice, we use this information to understand your oral health as a whole system rather than addressing individual teeth in isolation. That context shapes every recommendation we make — because what's happening with your bite and jaw influences your long-term dental stability just as much as the condition of any individual tooth.
How often do I actually need to come in for a cleaning and exam?
For most patients, twice a year is the right interval — but it's not a universal rule. Patients with a history of gum disease, a tendency toward heavy buildup, or systemic conditions that affect oral health often benefit from coming in every three to four months. Patients with consistently healthy gums and low decay risk may do well with annual exams supported by more frequent cleanings. At our practice, we assess your individual risk profile and recommend an interval based on what your mouth actually needs — not a default schedule applied to everyone.
I haven't been to the dentist in a few years. What should I expect?
Honestly, the best thing you can do is come in — and we're not going to make you feel bad about the gap. After an extended absence, the first visit typically involves a thorough catch-up exam, updated imaging, and a professional cleaning that may take longer than a routine maintenance visit depending on the level of buildup. We'll give you a clear picture of where things stand and a prioritized plan for addressing anything that needs attention. At our practice, the goal of that first appointment is to get you oriented and informed — not to overwhelm you with a treatment list, but to help you understand what's important now versus what can be monitored over time.
Are X-rays at every visit really necessary?
Not necessarily at every visit — and we don't take them that way. Imaging frequency is based on your individual risk level, the time since your last set, and what we're monitoring. Patients with active concerns or a history of decay may need updated images more frequently. Patients with stable, healthy dentition can often go longer between full sets. At our practice, we use digital X-rays that significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional film, and we only recommend imaging when it's clinically justified. The goal is informed dentistry, not routine procedures for their own sake.
Begin with a
comprehensive evaluation.
Every patient relationship begins with a thorough assessment and an open conversation. We take the time to understand your history, concerns, and long-term goals before recommending treatment. Complete the form below and one of our team members will reach out to you soon.
Before
and after.
Explore real patient transformations made possible through Dr. Gregory Martin’s comprehensive, all-in-one approach to care. Results vary by individual. These images are provided for educational purposes and do not guarantee specific outcomes.