In pain? We see dental emergencies as quickly as we can. What to do now
An exam and a professional cleaning every six months, for children and adults, so small problems are caught while they are still simple to fix.
Who It’s For
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are the simplest way to keep your own teeth for life. Brushing and flossing at home matter, but they can’t remove hardened tartar or show what is happening between your teeth and below the gumline.
Twice a year, we clean your teeth, examine them closely and look for anything that needs attention. Most visits are routine, and that is the point.
It’s a good time to book if
New here? See what to expect at your first visit. In pain right now? Don’t wait for a routine visit: we offer emergency appointments.
Your Visit
A typical visit, in order. Tell us at any point if something is uncomfortable, and we’ll stop and talk it through.
X-rays show what the eye can’t: decay between teeth, infection at the root and bone loss. We take them when your history and exam call for them.
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar (plaque that has hardened and no toothbrush can shift) from every surface, then polishes away surface stains.
With every cleaning, your hygienist passes a non-cutting dental laser around your teeth and into the gum pockets. It kills most of the bacteria there, which makes the cleaning safer. It is painless. More on our lasers.
Dr. Adli checks each tooth for decay, cracks and worn fillings, and checks your gums for early signs of gum disease, such as bleeding or deepening pockets.
We look over your lips, tongue, cheeks, palate and throat for any sore, patch or lump that needs a closer look. It is painless and part of every check-up.
We tell you what we found in plain language. If anything needs treatment, we explain your options before anything is scheduled, and you leave knowing when to come back.
The Exam
Most dental problems don’t hurt at first. A cavity can grow for months before it aches, and gum disease is often painless until it is advanced. At every check-up we look, tooth by tooth, for:
Every Six Months
Even with careful brushing, tartar builds up again, and only a professional cleaning removes it. Six months is the interval we recommend for most children and adults.
Problems found at a six-month visit are usually smaller and less costly to fix than ones found a year or two later. If you have had gum disease, or have crowns, bridges or implants to look after, we may suggest coming in more often.
We see patients of all ages, and children follow the same six-month routine as adults: a gentle cleaning, an exam, and X-rays only when they’re needed.
We take time to explain each step, so visits feel familiar rather than frightening. Good habits and regular check-ups in childhood make for easier visits as an adult.
Brush twice a day and floss once a day. Go easy on sugary and acidic food and drinks, especially between meals, and avoid tobacco.
If your gums start to bleed, a tooth turns sensitive or you notice a sore that doesn’t heal, don’t wait for your next check-up. Call us on (562) 436-6013.
Who You’ll See
Your cleaning and Laser Bacterial Reduction are done by one of our hygienists. Dr. Camille Adli, who has cared for Long Beach families since 1997, does your exam and talks you through the results.
If your gums need more than a routine cleaning, you are in the right place. Dr. Adli is LANAP® certified, and Dr. Rafiel Rafiee is a board certified periodontist. Meet the dentists.
Insurance & Payment
Questions
Every six months suits most children and adults. If you have a history of gum disease, or tartar builds up quickly for you, we may recommend coming in more often.
Most people find a routine cleaning comfortable. You may feel scraping and pressure, and sensitive spots can twinge. Laser Bacterial Reduction is painless. If you feel anxious or anything hurts, tell us and we’ll slow down and explain each step.
No. We take X-rays when your exam and history call for them. How often depends on your age, the health of your teeth and gums, and the dental work you already have.
It is a painless step during your cleaning. Your hygienist uses a non-cutting dental laser around your teeth and into the gum pockets to kill most of the bacteria there. A cleaning can cause slight bleeding, so reducing bacteria makes it safer. We do it with every cleaning.
Most PPO dental plans include preventive care such as check-ups and cleanings. We accept most PPO plans, including ILWU and Operating Engineers plans. Call us with your plan details and we can help you understand your benefits.
Yes. We see patients of all ages, and children follow the same six-month routine as adults. We keep visits gentle and explain each step, so the dentist feels familiar.