Reviewed by Dr. Amanda Murphy, DMD — August 9, 2026
A routine checkup has two parts: a professional cleaning with one of our hygienists, and an exam with your dentist. Along the way we measure your gum health, look for problems while they are still small, and — just as importantly — walk you through what we see, in plain language, before anything is decided.
If you have not been to the dentist in a while, or you are considering switching practices, here is exactly what to expect.
The cleaning
Your hygienist removes the plaque and tartar that daily brushing cannot — especially the hardened deposits along and just below the gumline where gum inflammation starts. Then your teeth are polished to remove surface stain and leave everything smooth.
During this visit you will usually hear us call out a series of small numbers. That is gum charting: we measure the shallow pocket where each tooth meets the gum, in millimeters, at several points per tooth. Healthy pockets are shallow; deepening pockets are one of the earliest signs of gum trouble, often before anything hurts or looks different to you. Because we record them every time, we can compare visits and catch a trend early — and we are happy to show you your numbers and what they mean.
If your gums need more than a routine cleaning — for instance, if it has been several years or the measurements show deeper pockets — we will explain what we found and what kind of cleaning would actually help, before doing anything. No surprises.
The exam
After the cleaning, your dentist examines:
- Every tooth — for decay, cracks, and wear, including the surfaces between teeth
- Your existing dental work — fillings, crowns, and bridges age too, and a small gap around an old filling is easier to address early
- Your gums and bone support — reviewing the charting with the hygienist
- Your soft tissues — cheeks, tongue, palate, and throat, a brief screening for anything unusual, including signs that warrant a closer look
- Your bite and jaw — how your teeth meet, and signs of grinding or clenching
Dr. Amanda Murphy, Dr. Aditi Patel, and Dr. Zohra Metalwala share the same philosophy here: thorough eyes, conservative hands. Finding something does not automatically mean treating it — it means understanding it, and watching or acting at the right moment.
The technology, briefly
Two tools come up often at checkups, so it is worth knowing what they are:
- Low-dose digital X-rays, taken on an interval based on your personal risk rather than automatically at every visit. They show what eyes cannot: decay between teeth, problems under old fillings, and the bone that supports everything. More on how we decide in Do I Really Need Dental X-Rays?
- The iTero digital scanner, which builds a 3D picture of your teeth with a small wand — no goopy impressions. Repeating scans over time lets us track wear, movement, and spots we are watching, and show you the comparison on screen.
Technology here serves one purpose: better information for calmer decisions.
The conversation
The last part of the visit is the one we care most about. Your dentist sits down with you and goes through what we found — what is healthy, what we are keeping an eye on, and what genuinely needs attention, in order of importance. You will see your own scans and images while we talk.
If treatment is worth considering, you will get the options, the honest trade-offs, and time to think. Nothing is decided in the chair without you understanding it first. That unhurried, no-pressure conversation is the reason many of our patients have been with us for decades — we have been caring for Winnetka families since 1988, and it is how we would want to be treated ourselves.
New here?
First visits include a comprehensive exam, any imaging that is genuinely needed, and time to talk about your history and goals. Depending on your gum health and appointment type, a cleaning may happen that day or be scheduled separately. Our new patient page covers the practical details, and our front office is glad to answer anything by phone or text at (847) 441-5939 before you book.
Common questions from patients
How long does a checkup take?
It depends on the visit — a routine cleaning and exam is typically under an hour, while a comprehensive first visit runs longer because we are building your baseline. When you book, we will tell you exactly what to plan for.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Most people find routine cleanings comfortable. If your gums are inflamed or it has been a long time, some areas can be tender — tell us, and we will adjust our pace, numb a sensitive spot, or split the work into shorter visits. You set the pace, not the schedule.
How much does a checkup cost without insurance?
We are a fee-for-service practice, and our front office will give you clear numbers before your visit — just call or text (847) 441-5939. If you have insurance, we file claims on your behalf even though we are out-of-network with all plans. If you do not, our membership plans cover routine preventive visits for a flat monthly amount.
What should I bring to a first appointment?
A list of medications you take, your prior dentist’s name if you would like us to request records and recent X-rays, and any questions you have been sitting on. That is it — the new patient page has the rest.
Are you open on Saturdays?
We are open two Saturdays a month, 9–1 — call to confirm dates. Weekday hours run Monday through Friday except Wednesdays.
Will you pressure me about treatment I’m not ready for?
No. We will tell you honestly what we see and what we recommend, including what happens if you wait — and then the decision is yours. Watchful waiting, done properly with scheduled rechecks, is a legitimate plan we use often.
Ready for a visit?
Request an appointment or call or text (847) 441-5939. You will find us at 715 Elm St, Winnetka, IL 60093 — in the village center, a short walk from the Winnetka Metra station.
Related reading: How Often Should You Really See a Dentist? · General dentistry at WDG · New patients
This information is general education, not a diagnosis.
Recent Comments