At the office of Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center, we believe the simplest way to protect a smile is routine attention. Regular oral exams let our team find small problems before they become big ones, keep restorations functioning, and reinforce healthy habits for every family member. Our preventive services include careful clinical examinations, professional cleanings, oral cancer screening, and guidance on daily care, nutrition, and lifestyle choices that affect oral health.
Oral exams are an opportunity to look beyond how teeth appear and assess how well the entire mouth is functioning. Even when you’re not experiencing discomfort, subtle changes can signal developing decay, early gum disease, or jaw dysfunction. Catching these issues early usually means treatments are simpler, less invasive, and more predictable.
Consistency matters. By tracking changes over time—through visual exams, periodontal checks, and diagnostic imaging—our clinicians build a clear picture of your oral health. This allows us to tailor preventive plans, recommend minimally invasive treatments when needed, and coordinate care with medical providers if broader health concerns emerge.
Oral exams are also a chance to personalize care. We can identify habits like grinding or clenching, evaluate bite relationships, and suggest practical solutions such as custom night guards or habit-awareness strategies. The goal is to preserve function, comfort, and appearance for the long term.
Your first comprehensive visit focuses on establishing a baseline. We begin by reviewing medical history, medications, and any symptoms or concerns you bring. Understanding your overall health and daily routine helps our team interpret findings and recommend appropriate preventive measures or treatments.
Next comes a systematic clinical exam that covers teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks, and the tissues around the jaws. We assess gum health, check for signs of infection or inflammation, examine restorations, and evaluate jaw motion and muscle tenderness that can indicate TMJ issues. If warranted, we will also screen for oral lesions or abnormalities that require closer monitoring.
Diagnostic imaging is selected based on individual needs. Small intraoral images, bitewings, or panoramic films may be taken to reveal decay between teeth, bone levels around roots, or the position of developing teeth. These images help us plan care precisely and explain findings clearly so you can make informed decisions.
The mouth does not exist in isolation. Increasing evidence links oral inflammation and infection to broader health outcomes, and changes in the mouth may be early clues to systemic conditions. For that reason, a thorough oral exam includes attention to signs that could suggest an underlying medical issue.
During exams we look for indicators such as prolonged dryness, unusual sores, persistent bad breath, or rapidly progressing gum problems. These findings sometimes point to medication side effects, nutritional deficiencies, or systemic illnesses that benefit from coordinated care with your physician.
Some of the health areas that research has associated with oral disease include:
Digestive disorders
Respiratory problems
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Alzheimer's disease
Professional cleanings complement a strong home routine by removing hardened deposits and polishing away surface staining. Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate in hard-to-reach places; scaling and polishing performed by a dental hygienist reduce bacterial load and help reverse early gum inflammation.
Routine visits are also teaching moments. Our hygienists provide targeted instruction on brushing technique, interdental cleaning, and product recommendations based on your specific needs. For children and teens, these appointments include growth monitoring and age-appropriate guidance to encourage healthy habits that last a lifetime.
Frequency of visits is individualized; many patients are seen twice a year, while others with higher risk may need more frequent monitoring. During each visit we reassess risk factors, update preventive strategies, and discuss ways to reduce your chances of future problems—whether through simple behavior changes or protective appliances.
When necessary, preventive care extends beyond cleanings. Fluoride treatments, sealants for vulnerable teeth, and occlusal guards for those who grind are common measures that protect smiles with minimal disruption to daily life.
Visual inspection tells part of the story, but radiographs let us see beneath the surface. X-rays reveal the roots of teeth, the condition of bone, and areas between teeth where decay can hide. They are indispensable for diagnosing problems early and planning precise, conservative treatment.
Digital radiography has made image capture faster and safer. Digital sensors reduce radiation exposure, produce instant images for discussion, and allow us to store and compare images over time. This efficiency improves diagnosis and helps you understand why we recommend a given course of care.
Benefits of digital imaging include:
Faster image acquisition with less radiation exposure
Immediate viewing and side-by-side comparisons
Easy electronic sharing for specialist consultations or medical coordination
No chemical processing, which reduces waste and environmental impact
Automatic storage in your digital record for more consistent follow-up
Different images serve different purposes. A periapical x-ray focuses on an individual tooth from crown to root, a bitewing highlights contacts between teeth to check for decay, and a panoramic film offers a broad view of the jaws and developing or impacted teeth. For orthodontic assessment, a cephalometric view can illustrate facial and jaw relationships.
For complex cases—implant planning, surgical evaluation, or detailed anatomical assessment—we may use cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to acquire three-dimensional images. These scans provide exceptional detail for safe, predictable treatment planning when needed.
Routine oral exams are the foundation of lasting oral health. By pairing careful clinical exams with modern imaging and personalized prevention, our practice helps patients preserve function and confidence. If you have questions about what to expect during an exam or want to learn more about maintaining your smile, please contact us for more information.
Yes. We always welcome new patients and their families for care. Feel free to give us a call or reach out to us online to schedule a first visit or for any additional information on our office. We look forward to hearing from you!
Routine dental checkups and professional cleanings help ensure your smile remains in tip-top condition and that any developing problems receive the prompt care they require. While it's a good idea to schedule a checkup and cleaning twice a year, longer or shorter intervals between routine visits depend on your specific needs.
We understand that life gets complicated and busy, and for various reasons, you haven't been able to get to the dentist for care. Don't worry; it's always a good time to get back in touch with the health of your smile.
At Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center, we offer skilled and compassionate care to address a wide range of dental needs. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning, restorations, periodontal treatment, root canal therapy, or the replacement of missing teeth to get your smile back into shape, we provide precise, gentle, stress-free treatment to give you a smile that is as beautiful as it is healthy.
Give us a call today; we're happy to address all your questions and concerns about getting your smile back in tip-top condition.
For pregnant women, practicing good oral care and seeing the dentist to maintain a healthy smile is considered an important component of prenatal care. Researchers have found that pregnancy not only increases the risk of oral health problems, but these problems may also lead to pregnancy complications. At the office of Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center, we provide the skilled and compassionate care required to help expectant mothers keep their teeth and gums in tip-top condition. While certain procedures are not recommended during pregnancy, we provide the necessary care and take all the necessary precautions required.
Thanks to advances in modern dentistry, teeth that have been affected by a range of imperfections or that have sustained damage from trauma or dental decay can be restored to produce a naturally beautiful looking and functional smile.
As skilled and experienced providers of care, our office can effectively improve and enhance the appearance of teeth that are stained, discolored, misshapen, chipped, fractured, gapped, crowded, or broken down due to dental decay. At the office of Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center, we offer a comprehensive selection of the leading-edge cosmetic solutions from teeth whitening procedures, dental bonding, tooth-colored fillings, and veneers, to prosthetic solutions and dental implants to rebuild complete and beautiful smiles.
Contact our office to learn more about the many ways we can help you create the smile you've always wanted.
If you're visiting Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center for the first time, it is helpful that you contact your former dental office and have your records sent over to us. Make note of any problems you may have so that you can discuss them with your dentist.
To provide efficient service, we ask you to please bring your insurance card, an ID, plus any referral slips or diagnostic records given to you by another office. If you are taking medications, please note or make a list of what they are as you will need to provide that information.
Yes! We assure you that both you and your family will be in good hands at the office of Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center.
We do our best to make sure every patient who steps into our office for care is put at ease. We provide precise and gentle care and our skilled, compassionate team strives to make every visit stress-free. You can rest assured that your smile is in the best of hands and that we are doing all we can to ensure your comfort throughout every procedure. While we always take the time to explain every step in care, feel free to ask us any questions about local anesthesia and methods of dental sedation.
At the office of Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center, we strive to provide the highest quality of care to address all your dental needs. Once we've had the opportunity to examine your smile, we can give you a clear picture of any dental issues that are present, along with a quote for what the cost of treatment will be. The cost of care all depends upon the extent and complexity of issues affecting the health or appearance of your smile and the types of procedures that are required. Our goal is to make dental care more affordable so that you can begin treatment without any additional stress or delay.
Keep in mind that with routine dental checkups and periodic care, we can help prevent dental disease while treating emerging problems early in their onset to avoid larger issues and more expensive care down the road.
Routine dental checkups and preventive care procedures may be covered under your dental insurance plan requiring little to no out-of-pocket expense. We invite you to check our financial information page or give us a call to find out if our office participates with your plan, and if you have any other questions about dental insurance, dental savings plans, forms of payment, or financing options. We welcome your inquiries and do our best to help you begin care without additional stress or delay.
If you've lost a tooth due to injury, decay, gum disease, or any other reason, we recommend dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants come the closest to replicating the look, feel, and function of your natural teeth.
Absolutely! Both flossing and brushing regularly are equally important to maintain your oral health. While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing cleans in between them. Flossing is important to prevent plaque buildup, which can cause gums to recede and lead to periodontal disease.
Even if you have dentures, it is still necessary to see a dentist! Dental checkups help ensure that your dentures are comfortable, fitting properly, and that there are no other problems. Beyond assessing your dentures, our dentist will also perform a thorough examination of the jawbone, and surrounding soft tissues both inside the mouth, the face, and neck, to confirm that you remain in good oral health.
Emergency dental care is a service we hope you'll never need- but if you do, the office of Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center is here for you!
Whether you're suffering from a chipped tooth, toothache, or any problem affecting your oral health, you can be sure to get the prompt attention and compassionate care you require at our office. Patient care and comfort are our top priorities, and we offer a comprehensive range of the most advanced services to address a broad spectrum of dental needs.
While the pain of a toothache is one of the more common reasons that patients come to our office for emergency dental care, we also promptly treat emergencies that are not necessarily painful like crowns that have been dislodged and broken dentures that leave embarrassing gaps in one's smile.
You can rest assured that your oral health is in the best of hands at our office. We'll quickly determine exactly what's wrong, explain your treatment options, and then provide the precise and gentle care you require to alleviate your discomfort and get you back on the path to oral health and wellness.
Your health and comfort are our top priorities. If your dental emergency is painful, if it affects the appearance of your smile, or if you suspect that an infection is present, our office will make every effort to see you as soon as possible for care.
At the office of Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center, we welcome patients of all ages for care and offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help every member of your family maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Whether you or a loved one needs a routine checkup and cleaning, fillings, same-day crowns, a cosmetic smile makeover, the replacement of missing teeth or require the services of a skilled and compassionate emergency dentist, you can rely on our office for the highest quality care.
For more information on our office and the many services we provide, or to schedule an appointment for care, give us a call today.
At Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center, regular oral exams are the foundation of preventive care. These visits let clinicians identify small problems before they become larger, more complex issues and ensure existing restorations remain functional. Routine exams also allow the team to reinforce healthy habits for every family member.
By combining visual inspection, periodontal evaluation and diagnostic imaging, providers can track subtle changes and intervene early when necessary. Early detection often leads to simpler, less invasive and more predictable treatments. When appropriate, we coordinate care with medical providers to address conditions that affect both oral and overall health.
A comprehensive oral exam begins with a review of your medical history, current medications and any symptoms or concerns you want to discuss. This context helps clinicians interpret findings and tailor recommendations to your health needs. Patients should be prepared to mention changes in health, new medications or recent symptoms that may affect oral care.
The clinical exam examines teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks and the tissues around the jaws to identify signs of decay, inflammation or soft tissue abnormalities. The clinician will assess restorations, check gum probing depths and evaluate jaw motion and muscle tenderness that can indicate TMJ issues. When concerns arise, the team will document findings and explain the significance in clear, patient-friendly language.
Diagnostic imaging may include small intraoral images, bitewings or panoramic films based on individual needs to reveal areas not visible on inspection alone. These images are reviewed with you so you understand the rationale for recommended care. Together, the exam and images establish a baseline for future comparisons and treatment planning.
Most patients benefit from an oral exam every six months, but frequency is individualized based on risk factors and clinical findings. People with gum disease, a history of decay, dry mouth or certain medical conditions may need more frequent monitoring to prevent progression. Your clinician will recommend a schedule that balances prevention with your personal risk profile.
Children and adolescents are monitored for growth, eruption patterns and preventive needs like sealants, while older adults may require closer attention to gum health and medication-related changes. Lifestyle factors such as tobacco use, high sugar intake or nighttime grinding can also influence visit frequency. Regular recall appointments make it easier to catch problems early and maintain long-term oral health.
Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a thorough oral exam and involves both visual inspection and gentle palpation of the mouth and neck. Clinicians look for persistent sores, unusual lumps, red or white patches and other tissue changes that may signal a problem. Early detection substantially improves treatment options and outcomes.
When suspicious findings are identified, the team documents the area, takes photographs or images if helpful and recommends appropriate follow-up, which may include specialized testing or referral. Adjunctive screening tools may be used selectively to aid detection but are not a substitute for clinical judgment. Patients with risk factors such as tobacco or heavy alcohol use receive tailored counseling and closer surveillance.
X-rays and 3D imaging reveal information that is not visible during a visual exam, including decay between teeth, the health of tooth roots and the condition of jawbone. These images are invaluable for diagnosing hidden problems and guiding precise treatment decisions. In many cases, radiographs allow clinicians to treat issues earlier and more conservatively.
Digital radiography reduces radiation exposure and produces instant images that can be compared over time or shared with specialists when coordination is needed. Cone-beam computed tomography provides three-dimensional detail when planning implants, complex surgery or evaluating anatomical structures. Your clinician will recommend the lowest level of imaging needed to answer the clinical question.
Oral health can reflect and influence overall health because chronic oral inflammation and infection have been linked to systemic conditions. During exams, clinicians watch for signs such as persistent dry mouth, rapidly progressing gum disease or unusual oral lesions that may suggest broader health issues. Identifying these signs early allows for timely medical collaboration.
When appropriate, our team coordinates with physicians to address medication effects, nutritional deficiencies or conditions like diabetes that affect oral tissues. Sharing relevant findings helps ensure comprehensive care and supports better long-term outcomes. Patients are encouraged to inform their dentist about any changes in their medical history or medications.
A standard oral exam is paired with preventive services such as professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants when indicated to reduce the risk of decay. Hygienists remove hardened plaque and polish teeth to lower bacterial levels and help reverse early gum inflammation. These procedures complement a strong home-care routine.
Exams also include personalized instruction on brushing and interdental cleaning techniques and product recommendations suited to your needs. For patients who grind or clench, clinicians may suggest habit-awareness strategies or custom night guards to protect teeth and restorations. Each preventive plan is tailored to reduce future problems with minimal disruption to daily life.
Oral exams for children and teens focus on growth and development as well as preventive care, monitoring tooth eruption, jaw relationships and risk of decay. Providers evaluate space for incoming permanent teeth and recommend interventions such as sealants or early orthodontic referrals when necessary. Establishing good habits early helps support a lifetime of oral health.
Clinical visits also provide age-appropriate education to patients and caregivers about nutrition, home care and injury prevention. The team emphasizes positive, practical steps to reduce anxiety and encourage cooperation at each stage of development. Regular, supportive exams build confidence and make future dental treatment simpler and more effective.
To prepare for an oral exam, bring an updated list of medications, any recent medical records and a note of symptoms or concerns you want to discuss. Being ready to share changes in health, sleep patterns, or oral sensitivity helps clinicians make well-informed assessments. If you wear removable appliances, bring them to the appointment for evaluation.
Arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork and allow time for imaging if needed. During the visit, expect clear explanations of findings and recommended next steps so you can make informed decisions about care. If you have anxiety or special needs, let the office know in advance so accommodations can be arranged.
Schedule an urgent oral exam if you experience severe pain, swelling, a broken or knocked-out tooth, uncontrolled bleeding or signs of infection such as fever with dental symptoms. Rapid evaluation can often prevent complications and reduce the need for more extensive treatment later. When in doubt, prompt assessment is the safest choice.
Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center reserves time for urgent appointments to address acute problems and relieve pain when patients need immediate attention. The team will evaluate the situation, provide pain control and outline next steps for definitive care or referral if necessary. Keep the office informed of your symptoms to help the staff prioritize and prepare for your visit.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Contacting Smiles Dental at Reston Town Center is easy! Our friendly staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, answering inquiries about treatment options, and addressing any concerns you may have. Whether you prefer to give us a call, send us an email, or fill out our convenient online contact form, we're here to help. Don't wait to take the first step towards achieving the smile of your dreams – reach out to us today and discover the difference personalized dental care can make.
