Services

Examinations and Diagnostics

At Smile Center Silicon Valley in Sunnyvale, CA, your journey to a healthy, confident smile begins with a comprehensive examination and diagnostic evaluation. We believe that preventive care and early detection are the keys to maintaining strong, long-lasting oral health. With over 41 years of experience, a family-owned and operated practice, and a team of certified professionals, we provide the highest level of care using advanced dental technology and personalized dental treatments.

Our staff is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Spanish, ensuring every patient feels comfortable, informed, and understood. Examinations and diagnostics are the foundation of all effective dental care. By thoroughly assessing your teeth, gums, jaw, and overall oral health, our team can identify problems early, plan personalized dental treatments, and prevent more complex issues in the future.

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Comprehensive Oral Examination

A comprehensive oral examination with our Sunnyvale dentists includes a complete evaluation of your dental and oral health. During this visit, our team carefully reviews your teeth, gums, jaw alignment, bite, and soft tissues. We typically recommend this type of exam for new patients, anyone who hasn’t had a recent evaluation, or those experiencing a dental emergency.

 

Our comprehensive exam includes:

  • Detailed inspection of each tooth for decay, damage, or wear
  • Evaluation of gums for signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease
  • Comprehensive occlusal evaluation to identify malocclusion and assess temporomandibular joint function
  • Screening for oral cancer and other abnormalities
  • Review of your dental history and previous treatments
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Periodic Oral Examination

A periodic oral examination is a routine checkup recommended every six months. Even if you are not experiencing pain or visible problems, these exams are critical for maintaining oral health and preventing future issues.

 

During your periodic exam, we:

  • Examine teeth and gums for cavities, disease, or damage
  • Assess oral hygiene and provide personalized care recommendations
  • Update your dental records and monitor ongoing treatments
  • Identify early signs of problems that may require intervention

 

Regular periodic exams help ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy, minimizing the need for extensive procedures later on.

Limited Oral Examination (Problem-Focused)

Sometimes, a specific dental concern requires a limited or problem-focused examination. This type of exam targets a particular issue rather than assessing your entire oral health.

Limited oral examinations are ideal for patients experiencing:

 

  • Tooth pain or sensitivity
  • Swelling or infection
  • Broken or chipped teeth
  • Gum irritation or bleeding

 

By focusing on the problem area, we can quickly diagnose the cause, develop a treatment plan, and provide relief as efficiently as possible.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays are a vital diagnostic tool that allows us to see what cannot be detected through a visual exam alone. They provide detailed images of your teeth, bones, and soft tissues, helping identify issues such as:

 

  • Cavities between teeth
  • Alveolar bone loss associated with periodontal disease
  • Abscesses or infections
  • Impacted teeth or jaw abnormalities
  • Tumors or cysts

 

Digital X-rays are faster, safer, and more comfortable than traditional film X-rays. They also expose patients to significantly less radiation while providing clear, high-resolution images for precise diagnosis.

Oral Cancer Screening

Early detection of oral cancer is essential for effective treatment. At Smile Center Silicon Valley, we perform oral cancer screenings as part of your routine examination.

 

During a screening, our team checks for:

 

  • Unusual lumps, bumps, or growths
  • Red or white patches in the mouth
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Changes in tissue texture or color

 

Oral cancer screenings are noninvasive, quick, and painless. By detecting issues early, we improve outcomes and give patients peace of mind about their oral health.

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TMJ/TMD Evaluation

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) evaluations assess the function and health of your jaw joint. TMJ/TMD issues can cause:

 

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
  • Headaches or ear pain
  • Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw

 

During a TMJ/TMD evaluation, we carefully examine your jaw alignment, bite, and muscle function. When we detect issues, we create a personalized treatment plan that may include bite guards, physical therapy, or other interventions to relieve pain and restore proper function.

Why Regular Examinations Matter

Regular examinations and diagnostic evaluations are essential for:

 

  • Preventing dental problems before they worsen: Early detection of cavities, gum disease, and other issues can save patients from more invasive and expensive treatments.
  • Maintaining oral health is essential for overall wellness. Regular exams can help identify conditions that may affect your heart, immune system, and more.
  • Tracking changes over time: Periodic exams provide a record of your oral health, allowing our team to monitor trends and make informed decisions.
  • Creating personalized care plans: Examinations allow us to tailor treatment to your specific needs, ensuring the best outcomes for your smile.
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The Smile Center Silicon Valley Difference

At Smile Center Silicon Valley, your Sunnyvale CA dentist combines decades of experience with state-of-the-art technology and a patient-focused approach. Our certified professionals provide multilingual care in English, Mandarin, and Spanish, making every visit comfortable and stress-free.

As a family-owned and operated practice, we provide a welcoming atmosphere where patients of all ages receive attentive care and support. Our flexible payment plans make accessing high-quality dental care and cosmetic dentistry simple and stress-free.

By prioritizing examinations and diagnostics, we ensure that each patient receives early, precise, and personalized care, forming the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.

Schedule Your Examination Today

Whether you are a new patient or returning for your regular checkup, your oral health is our top priority. At Smile Center Silicon Valley, we offer comprehensive, problem-focused, and periodic examinations, along with digital X-rays, oral cancer screenings, and TMJ/TMD evaluations to keep your smile healthy and strong.

Experience the difference of advanced technology, compassionate care, and expert dental professionals. Contact us today to schedule your examination and take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile!