Preventive & Family Care
Thorough hygiene visits and comprehensive exams that catch small problems early, when they are easiest and least expensive to treat.
A consistent cleaning and exam is the single best investment you can make in your long-term dental health. At Ray Nunnery, DDS in Walnut Creek, every preventive visit pairs a gentle professional cleaning with a careful, unhurried examination so nothing gets missed.
Our registered dental hygienists remove the plaque and hardened tartar that a toothbrush cannot reach, polish your teeth, and review your home care with you in plain language. We take digital x-rays only when they are needed, and we screen for cavities, gum disease, worn or cracked teeth, bite problems, and oral cancer.
Most families do well with a cleaning and exam every six months, though some patients benefit from more frequent hygiene visits. We have cared for some of the same families for over thirty years, from toddlers to great grandparents, and we tailor the schedule to your real needs rather than a one-size-fits-all rule.
If we do find something, you will hear about it early, see it on screen, and get a clear explanation of your options before any decision is made. Conservative, preventive care is the heart of this practice.
Plan on about an hour for a cleaning and exam. After a review of your history and concerns, your hygienist cleans and polishes, the dentist completes the exam, and we walk you through anything we found with images on screen. You leave with a clear plan and no surprises.
Review of your health history and any concerns you have
Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, then polishing
Comprehensive exam and any needed digital x-rays
A plain-language summary and a plan for home care and next steps
Everyone, at every age. Whether you are a new family looking for a dental home in Walnut Creek or you have not seen a dentist in years, a cleaning and comprehensive exam is the right first step. We are especially comfortable with nervous patients and with children.
Preventive care has been the foundation of this practice since 1989. Our hygienists have been with us for years, so you tend to see the same friendly faces over time, and that continuity means we notice changes in your mouth early. We are conservative by philosophy: we would rather watch and prevent than drill and fill.
Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive visits per year at or near 100 percent. We are happy to file your claim and help you understand your benefits before treatment.
Every six months works for most patients, but some benefit from a three or four month schedule if they are prone to gum issues. We will recommend the interval that fits your mouth, not a generic rule.
They should not. Our hygienists are known for a gentle touch. If your gums are tender or sensitive, tell us and we will adjust.
No. We take digital x-rays only when they are clinically useful, typically on a spaced schedule rather than every visit.
New patients are always welcome. Request an appointment online or call our Walnut Creek office and our friendly team will take care of the rest.
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