Comprehensive Dental Exam in Washington, PA
A comprehensive dental exam at Enhanced Wellness is more than a quick look in your mouth. Dr. Elizabeth Wakim takes the time to understand your full oral health picture — catching small problems before they become expensive ones, and building a plan that fits your goals and your life.
Enhanced Wellness · 620 N Main St, Washington, PA 15301 · (724) 225-5070
What Is a Comprehensive Dental Exam?
A comprehensive exam is a full evaluation of your oral health — not just your teeth. Dr. Wakim examines your gums, bite, jaw, soft tissues, and existing restorations. She reviews your medical and dental history and takes diagnostic X-rays to see what's happening below the surface. The goal is to catch problems early, identify risk factors, and give you a clear picture of where your oral health stands.
The American Dental Association recommends a comprehensive exam when you first join a new practice and periodically thereafter. Routine checkups every six months between comprehensive exams keep things on track. Think of a comprehensive exam as your full baseline — the foundation every other visit builds on.
At Enhanced Wellness, a comprehensive exam isn't rushed. Dr. Wakim takes the time to actually listen to your concerns, explain what she finds, and talk through options. You'll leave knowing exactly what's going on and what — if anything — needs to be done about it.
Cavity & Decay Check
Visual exam and X-rays to detect decay between teeth, under existing restorations, and at the gumline before it becomes a bigger problem.
Gum Health Assessment
Periodontal probing to measure pocket depths and check for early or advanced gum disease — the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Oral Cancer Screening
Visual and tactile exam of all soft tissues — lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and floor of mouth — for any abnormal changes or lesions.
Bite & Jaw Evaluation
Assessment of your occlusion (how your teeth come together), signs of grinding or clenching, and TMJ function and comfort.
Diagnostic X-Rays
Digital X-rays show what can't be seen with the naked eye — bone levels, root health, impacted teeth, and interproximal decay.
Existing Restoration Review
Examination of all current fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants for wear, cracks, leakage, or other issues that need attention.
New to Enhanced Wellness? Here's What to Expect
Your first visit to Enhanced Wellness includes a comprehensive exam. It's longer and more thorough than a routine checkup — and that's by design. We need to understand your full history before we can take care of you properly.
1
Medical & Dental History Review
Dr. Wakim reviews your medical history, current medications, allergies, and any previous dental work. Many systemic conditions affect oral health, and vice versa — this context matters.
~10 minutes2
Digital X-Rays
Full-mouth or targeted X-rays using our low-radiation digital imaging system. Images are available instantly for Dr. Wakim to review and discuss with you on screen.
~10–15 minutes3
Full Exam
Dr. Wakim examines every tooth, your gums, bite, jaw, and all soft tissues. She'll note any areas of concern and take time to answer any questions you have along the way.
~20–30 minutes4
Treatment Plan & Discussion
Dr. Wakim walks you through everything she found — clearly, without jargon. She'll explain what needs immediate attention, what can be monitored, and what your options are. No pressure, no surprises.
~10–15 minutesWhat to Bring to Your First Visit
To make your comprehensive exam as complete as possible, bring the following if you have them:
Your dental insurance card · A list of current medications · Any recent X-rays from a previous dentist · Notes on any symptoms, concerns, or goals you want to discuss
Don't have recent X-rays? No problem — we'll take them here.
Why the Comprehensive Exam Matters
What a thorough exam can catch early
- Cavities between teeth not visible to the naked eye
- Early gum disease before bone loss occurs
- Oral cancer when it's most treatable
- Cracked teeth before they fracture completely
- Failing old fillings or leaking crowns
- Signs of teeth grinding (bruxism) and TMJ issues
- Bone loss around teeth or implants
- Systemic disease signs that appear in the mouth first
Problems caught early are almost always simpler and less expensive to treat. A cavity treated at the filling stage costs a fraction of what it costs at the crown or root canal stage. The comprehensive exam is the most cost-effective thing you can do for your oral health.
Trusted by Washington, PA for 15+ Years
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim has been the trusted dentist for patients across Washington County for over 15 years. Her comprehensive exams are known for being thorough, unhurried, and honest — patients consistently say Dr. Wakim takes more time to explain findings and options than any dentist they've seen before.
★★★★★
500+
Five-Star Google Reviews
★★★★★
15+
Years Serving Washington, PA
★★★★★
30K+
Successful Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
A routine checkup (recall exam) is a periodic update — checking for changes since your last visit. A comprehensive exam is a full baseline evaluation covering your complete medical and dental history, full-mouth X-rays, periodontal assessment, oral cancer screening, bite evaluation, and a detailed review of every tooth and existing restoration. It takes longer and provides a more complete picture of your overall oral health.
Most dental insurance plans cover one comprehensive exam per year or per new patient visit, typically at 100%. Routine checkups (recall exams) are also usually covered twice per year. Our team will verify your benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Plan for 60–90 minutes for your first visit, which includes your comprehensive exam, X-rays, and treatment planning discussion. If we're also completing a cleaning the same day, budget a little more time. We'll give you a clear expectation when you book.
Yes — when you join a new practice, a comprehensive exam establishes your baseline at Enhanced Wellness. If you have recent X-rays from your previous dentist (within the past 12 months), bring them along and we may be able to use those rather than retake them, saving time and minimizing radiation.
In most cases, yes — we schedule your cleaning for the same visit as your comprehensive exam. Depending on the findings, Dr. Wakim may recommend a regular cleaning or a deeper periodontal cleaning first. We'll discuss that with you before any treatment begins.
Not at all — we see this often and there's zero judgment here. A comprehensive exam is exactly the right starting point. Dr. Wakim will assess where things stand, address anything urgent, and put together a realistic plan to get your oral health back on track at a pace that works for you.
Book Your Comprehensive Exam in Washington, PA
New patients are always welcome at Enhanced Wellness. Let's start with a thorough look and go from there.
Enhanced Wellness · 620 N Main St, Washington, PA 15301 · Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, DDS
