Many people wait until a tooth hurts to schedule a dental visit, but general dentistry is often most helpful when care is preventive. A dentist visit usually includes an exam, a cleaning, and sometimes x-rays depending on history and symptoms. These treatments can help protect teeth that are more likely to decay. Many patients ask how often they should come in for cleanings. If sensitivity or bleeding gums show up, it is a good idea to schedule an exam rather than guessing the cause. A new patient dental exam can also be a good time to discuss goals and concerns. We help patients understand what we see during exams and what next steps make sense based on findings.