Dental Exam
Comprehensive Dental Exams Dentist in Tukwila
Prevent Tooth Decay, Catch Issues Early & Keep Your Smile Healthy with Expert Dental Checkups Near Southcenter Mall
We believe everyone deserves a great smile. In fact, a glowing and healthy smile often makes a great first impression. Unfortunately, the opposite is true as well. The first step to achieving and maintaining a great smile begins with an exam. We recommend exams every 6 months to allow for early detection and simple treatments when problems arise.
Routine dental exams aren’t just about clean teeth – they’re vital for your overall health. At Smiles @ Southcenter, conveniently located near Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, WA, our comprehensive dental exams include thorough evaluations of your teeth, gums, jaws, and overall oral condition. By catching early signs of dental issues, we help you maintain a healthy smile for life.
Why are Dental Exams Important
Regular dental visits are important because they help spot oral health problems early on when treatment is likely to be simpler and more affordable. Delayed detection, on the other hand, generally translates to increased time in the dental chair, more involved treatments and increased costs.
There is no one-size fits-all dental treatment. Some people need to visit the dentist once or twice a year, others may need more visits. You are a unique individual, with a unique smile and unique needs when it comes to keeping your smile healthy.
Even if you don’t have any symptoms, you can still have oral health problems that only a dental professional can diagnose. Keeping your mouth healthy is essential to your overall health. Regular exams are also imporant because some diseases or medical conditions have symptoms that can appear in the mouth before anywhere else on the body.
Why Choose Smiles @ Southcenter for Your Dental Exam
There are a lot of reasons our patients love coming to our dental practice, but here are a few important reasons you should choose us:
- Local Experience (35+ years)
We’ve served the Tukwila and nearby communities like Renton and SeaTac with trusted care for over three decades. - Comprehensive & In-House Services
Exams, x-rays, teeth cleanings, fillings, cosmetic, or surgical dentistry all under one roof – no referrals or travel needed. - Advanced Technology
Digital x-rays, intraoral, cameras, periodontal scanners – provides accurate, painless diagnostics - Gentle, Patient-Centered Approach
Low-anxiety environment, sedation options, and a team that genuinely cares about your comfort. - Multilingual Team
Fluency in Vietnamese and Arabic – ideal for our diverse Tukwila patient-base
- Flexible Scheduling
Early morning and evening appointments make dental care accessible to professionals, parents, and students. - Dental Membership Plan
Affordable preventative care options, including annual exams and cleanings, without insurance.
- Positive Community Reputation
4.9 Google star rating – patients consistently mention our thorough care and welcoming staff - Exceptional Long-Term Outcomes
Durable and high-quality results for treatments like veneers, fillings, implants, and crowns.
No Dental Insurance? No Worries.
Enroll in S@S Dental Plan. A dental plan that cuts cost, not convenience. Join today, you’ll be glad you did!
An in-house membership plan for families and individuals that allows members to receive dental services at significantly reduced fees with coverage that starts right away.
Why Dental Exams are Essential
(Annually – and Even More Often)
- Early Detection of Dental Decay
Regular exams uncover cavities before they worsen - Gum Disease Prevention
Detect early gum inflammation or periodontitis to prevent long-term damage - Oral Cancer Screening
Early signs of oral cancer can be subtle; annual screenings significantly improve treatment outcomes - Restorative Treatment Monitoring
Fillings, crowns, implants – your dentist checks for wear, fit, or failure - Alignment and Bite Assessment
Identifies teeth shifting, TMJ issues, or jaw problems - Systemic Health Insight
Conditions like diabetes or heart disease often show early signs in the mouth - Overall Preventive Care
Routine exams empower better oral hygiene routines and habits, fostering long-term health
Request an Appointment
Investing in routine dental exams is a vital step in maintaining your long-term oral and overall health.
Annual (or biannual) dental exams at Smiles @ Southcenter help you stay one step ahead of oral health issues – from cavities and gingivitis to oral cancer. With advanced diagnostics, caring professionals, and flexible options tailored to Tukwila-area patients, our team ensures clean, healthy, beautiful smiles year after year. Make dental exams a priority – your future self will thank you!
Call us at 206-575-9150 to book your dental exam at our Tukwila dental practice.
Patient Testimonials
I had a great experience at Smiles at Southcenter! The staff was welcoming, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. The office is clean and modern, and they really take the time to explain everything clearly. My dentist was gentle, knowledgeable, and made the whole process easy and stress-free. I truly appreciate the care and attention to detail. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality dental care!
Easy, caring and very professional. Love those folks as they care a great deal! I highly recommend the friendly staff that care a lot about not only your dental health, but your over all health. Wonderful people.
I've been seeing the team at Smiles for over 20 years now. Through all the ups and downs I've had in my mouth (and there have been plenty!) I've never had a bad experience. In fact, the people here go out of their way to make sure I am not only satisfied, but so grateful to have them all on my side through all the 'fun'.
In summary: Extremely professional, thorough and nice to be around :)
Long time patient, always feel like staff and dentists are interested in helping us keep our teeth healthy and intact for as long as possible. Very helpful when the occasional emergency arises or when we need to reschedule.
For someone who hates going to the dentist, everyone from the receptionist to everyone who worked on my teeth. Everyone was super sweet and comforting. They make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. They show you all the prices and with insurance so you’re not surprised with numbers. I highly recommend!!!!
Smiles @ Southcenter
Address
15425 53rd Ave S
Tukwila, WA 98188
Phone
206-575-9150Hours of Operation
Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
What a Dental Exam Includes
- Patient History & Concerns
We update medical/dental history and note current concerns (e.g., sensitivity, pain, and cosmetic goals) - Oral Health Evaluation
- Visual inspection of teeth, gums, jaws, soft tissues
- Probing gum tissue to measure pockets around teeth
- Checking restorative work
- Full-Mouth X-Rays (as needed)
Intraoral x-rays to detect hidden decay or bone loss - Occlusion & Bite Check
Assess how teeth align and function together - Oral Cancer Screening
Assess for lumps, texture changes, lesions in mouth/throat/tongue - Periodontal Charting
Tracks gum pocket depths for periodontal disease detection - Oral Cleanliness & Hygiene Coaching
Review brushing and flossing techniques, suggest aids like interdental brushes or water flossers - Dental Exams Summary & Treatment Plan
Dental Exam Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a dental exam?
Most patients need a dental exam every six months. For those with gum issues, diabetes, or a history of decay, we often recommend every 3-4 months.
Do dental exams hurt?
No. Exams are painless, always including a gentle hygiene cleaning and patient education.
What if dental insurance doesn’t cover my x-rays or dental exam?
Smiles @ Southcenter offers affordable exam packages, including yearly exams and teeth cleanings, via our dental membership plan.
Is an exam needed if I feel fine?
Yes! Many dental problems don’t cause pain until they’re severe – prevention through exams helps avoid bigger issues.
Can exams detect oral cancer?
Absolutely! We visually inspect all mouth tissues and perform gentle palpation to detect early signs.
What should I bring to my first exam?
Please bring your insurance card (if applicable), list of medications, and any dental / x-ray records from your previous providers.
What happens if a problem is found?
We review findings, provide treatment options, cost estimates, and schedule follow-up appointments as needed.