A Chevy Chase, MD dental team, supports your healthiest, attractive smile with regular exams and cleanings
Maintaining your healthy, brilliant smile is a shared responsibility between Health 360 Dental and our valued patients from Chevy Chase and Bethesda, MD, and the greater D.C. area. Drs Erick Hosaka and Valerie Cassis partner with patients and their families to provide personalized care to each person’s needs, lifestyle, and goals, and that evolves with them.
The dental exam and professional cleanings
Underlying problems may exist, even if you think your mouth looks and feels fine. Only your dentist will know for sure if you have early-stage gum disease or tooth decay. Early-stage oral conditions are often “silent” (no symptoms) or produce such subtle symptoms that it’s easy not to think much of them.
At Health 360 Dental, we use our advanced training and diagnostic aids, like intraoral cameras and safe x-rays or scans, to detect problems early when they’re easiest to be treated successfully. During these dental check-ups, scheduled at least every six months, Drs Hosaka or Cassis will also check your “bite” (how your upper and lower teeth come together when you bite down) and for abnormalities that could warrant a biopsy or further investigation. Oral cancers, too, have a high “cure” rate when treated promptly and before it spreads to other parts of the face or organs.
Additionally, our skilled hygienists use special instruments and gentle care to remove plaque build-up (tartar), bacteria, and surface stains during these appointments. Tartar is stubborn; you cannot remove it with a toothbrush or floss. And no person, no matter how diligent, can remove all plaque from teeth, at the gum line, or other surfaces such as the tongue. If harmful bacteria are not removed, it combines with starches and sugars to produce acids that erode at the teeth and acids that inflame and destroy gum tissue.
Other services to keep you healthy.
If you have gum disease, your dentist may suggest a “deep cleaning” as an alternative to the standard professional clean to resolve inflammation. This procedure is known as “scaling and root planing,” and involves removing bacteria from underneath the gum line and smoothing out the root surfaces of the teeth. These rough surfaces tend to collect harmful bacteria.
Our team will discuss oral care products and cleaning techniques relevant to your situation; for instance, if you have difficulty cleaning underneath bridges or other dental work, we may recommend floss threaders or interdental brushes. Additionally, we offer a range of preventive services that can be designed or administered during these routine check-ups:
- Safe fluoride treatment to build up the protective armor of your teeth (enamel)
- Dental sealants to protect molars, which tend to be vulnerable to decay due to their location at the back of the mouth and their pitted and fissured surfaces
- Oral appliances, such as mouthguards to protect the teeth, jaws, and other tissues from sports-related dental injuries, and nightguards or splints to protect the teeth from damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) and to ease the stress placed on jaw joints (TMJs)
Proactive care is easier on your body (and budget!) than restorative or reactive dentistry that treats existing problems rather than prevents them. Contact us at (301) 657-2225 to schedule your check-up!
Dental Exams and Cleaning FAQs
1. What is included in a typical dental exam and cleaning at Health 360 Dental?
A dental exam and cleaning at Health 360 Dental focuses on evaluating the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw while identifying early signs of oral concerns. Our team examines for decay, gum issues, bite alignment, and other changes that may affect long-term oral health. Professional cleaning removes built-up plaque and hardened deposits, followed by polishing to leave teeth smooth and refreshed. Patients in Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC, appreciate the detail-oriented, preventive approach used at each visit.
2. How much does a dental exam and cleaning cost at Health 360 Dental?
Pricing for dental exams and cleanings depends on several factors, including whether imaging is needed and the condition of your gums and teeth. Some patients require only routine preventive care, while others may need more extensive cleaning. Health 360 Dental provides transparent estimates so there are no surprises. Patients in the Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC, areas are encouraged to contact the office directly for individualized pricing information based on their needs.
3. Does Health 360 Dental accept my insurance for exams and cleanings?
Health 360 Dental works with a wide range of dental insurance providers and helps patients understand how their benefits apply. Preventive services like exams and cleanings are commonly included in many plans. The team assists with benefit verification and claim submission, helping simplify the process. Patients in Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC, often appreciate having insurance details reviewed in advance so they can plan confidently for their visit.
4. What are the benefits of regular dental exams and cleanings?
Routine dental visits help protect your smile by identifying concerns early and reducing the likelihood of advanced dental problems. Cleanings remove buildup that daily brushing cannot reach, helping lower the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Exams allow for monitoring changes over time. At Health 360 Dental, preventive care is designed to support not just oral health, but overall wellness for patients throughout Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC.
5. How often should I schedule dental exams and cleanings at Health 360 Dental?
The timing of dental visits varies based on individual oral health needs rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule. While many patients are seen on a regular preventive cycle, others may benefit from more frequent monitoring due to gum conditions or medical factors. Dr. Hosaka evaluates each patient individually and recommends a care schedule that best supports long-term oral health for those living in and around Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC.
6. What should I expect during my first visit to Health 360 Dental in Chevy Chase, MD?
First-time visits include a detailed review of your dental and medical history, followed by a thorough oral evaluation. Diagnostic imaging may be taken, and a cleaning is often completed if appropriate. Time is set aside to discuss concerns, goals, and recommendations. Many patients from Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC, note that the welcoming atmosphere and clear explanations help them feel comfortable and informed from the start.
7. How can I schedule an appointment for a dental exam and cleaning at Health 360 Dental?
Appointments can be requested by calling (301) 657-2225 or submitting a request through the Health 360 Dental website. The scheduling team helps coordinate visit times, insurance questions, and preparation details. Patients in Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC, find the process straightforward and accommodating, making it easy to stay on track with preventive dental care.
8. Are dental exams and cleanings important even if my teeth feel fine?
Yes, many oral health concerns develop gradually and without discomfort. Conditions like early decay or gum inflammation may not cause noticeable symptoms right away. Exams and cleanings allow us to identify subtle changes before they progress. Patients in Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC, who attend regular visits often avoid unexpected dental issues by addressing concerns early.
9. Can dental exams and cleanings help with bad breath?
Persistent bad breath is often linked to bacterial buildup beneath the gumline or between teeth. Professional cleanings reduce these odor-causing bacteria, while exams help identify contributing factors such as gum disease or dry mouth. Patients at Health 360 Dental in Chevy Chase frequently notice fresher breath and improved comfort after maintaining consistent preventive care visits.
10. Are dental exams and cleanings safe for patients with medical conditions?
Preventive dental care is especially important for individuals managing medical conditions, as oral health can impact overall wellness. Exams and cleanings are adapted to each patient’s health history to ensure safety and comfort. We review medications and conditions carefully before treatment. Patients in Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC, value this personalized approach, which supports both dental and systemic health.
11. How long does a dental exam and cleaning appointment usually take?
Appointment length varies depending on whether imaging, comprehensive evaluations, or additional cleaning time is needed. Most visits are completed within a typical appointment window that allows thorough care without feeling rushed. New patient visits may take longer to allow for full assessments. Health 360 Dental prioritizes efficiency while ensuring Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC, patients receive attentive, unhurried care.
12. How can I find a dentist near me in Chevy Chase, MD, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC, for exams and cleanings?
Health 360 Dental is centrally located in Chevy Chase, MD, making it convenient for residents seeking preventive dental care nearby. The practice welcomes patients from surrounding neighborhoods and focuses on comprehensive, patient-centered dentistry. For those searching online for a dentist near them, scheduling a visit with Dr. Erick Hosaka is an excellent place to begin.
Dr. Erick Hosaka, DDS, MBA, FAGD
Dr. Erick Hosaka is a fourth-generation dentist with over 28 years of experience in Chevy Chase. He holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University and is a Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Hosaka's commitment to excellence has earned him recognition as a Top Dentist by Washingtonian Magazine and Bethesda Magazine. He is known for his expertise and patient-centered care. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his daughter and watching the Ravens.
Dr. Valerie Cassis, DMD
Dr. Valerie Cassis is a compassionate and skilled dentist who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Dental Medicine. She further honed her expertise through a General Practice Residency at Abington Memorial Hospital near Philadelphia. Now proudly serving the Bethesda community, Dr. Cassis is dedicated to providing personalized care to her patients. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, crocheting, drawing, and spending time with her beloved cat, Amelia.
Dr. Andrea Valencia, DDS,
Dr. Andrea Valencia, DDS, is a dedicated and accomplished dentist with a strong foundation in cosmetic dentistry and facial esthetics. A native of Bethesda, MD, she earned her dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in 2022. She completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the University of Texas in Houston. Dr. Valencia began her career in Denver before returning to the Washington Metropolitan area. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, she is committed to providing exceptional care.
