Madderra Dental Spa

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Comprehensive Dental Exams in San Francisco

Proactive, meticulous, and comfortable dental check-ups designed to protect your smile for a lifetime.

Book Your Consultation Call: (415) 552-9200
Comprehensive dental examination

Beyond the Check-Up: A Foundation for Lifelong Health

A comprehensive dental exam at Madderra Dental Spa is more than just a routine check-up; it's the cornerstone of our entire preventive philosophy. It is a detailed, holistic evaluation of your complete oral health system. We believe that proactive, meticulous care is the most effective way to prevent complex dental issues, ensuring your smile remains healthy, functional, and beautiful for years to come. Our exams are designed to be a comfortable, informative experience that empowers you with a full understanding of your oral health.

During your visit, we go beyond simply looking for cavities. We conduct a thorough assessment of your gums, jaw joints (TMJ), bite alignment, and soft tissues. This comprehensive approach allows us to identify the subtle, early signs of potential problems—from gum disease to oral cancer—long before they cause discomfort or require extensive treatment. It's about seeing the big picture and creating a personalized roadmap for your dental wellness.

We blend 34+ years of clinical expertise with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology in a serene, spa-like setting. This unique combination ensures your exam is not only precise and accurate but also a genuinely relaxing and positive experience. We're not just examining your teeth; we're building a partnership with you for a lifetime of optimal health.

The Madderra Approach to Preventive Exams

With over three decades of experience, Dr. Madderra has refined a conservative, patient-first approach to diagnostics. We believe in thorough investigation and clear communication, leveraging technology not to replace clinical judgment, but to enhance it.

Holistic Evaluation

We don't just count teeth. We assess your entire oral system—gums, bone, bite, and jaw joints—to understand the complete picture of your health and identify underlying risk factors.

Advanced Diagnostics

We utilize low-radiation digital X-rays and high-definition intraoral cameras. This allows for early, precise detection while enabling you to see and understand exactly what we're observing.

Conservative Philosophy

Our goal is to preserve healthy tooth structure. We recommend treatment only when necessary and focus on the most minimally invasive solutions to protect your long-term health.

Your Comprehensive Exam: Step-by-Step

1

Health History & Goal Discussion

We begin by sitting down with you to review your medical and dental history. More importantly, we listen. We want to understand your concerns, past experiences, and future goals for your smile.

2

Digital X-Rays & Imaging

If needed, we take a series of low-radiation digital X-rays. These images provide critical information about the health of your jawbone and areas between teeth that aren't visible to the naked eye.

3

Periodontal (Gum) Evaluation

We gently measure the small spaces between your teeth and gums, known as periodontal pockets. This is a crucial step in assessing for gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

4

Tooth-by-Tooth Inspection & Intraoral Tour

Dr. Madderra or Dr. Holmann will meticulously examine each tooth for signs of decay, wear, or cracks. Using an intraoral camera, we'll give you a tour of your mouth, showing you what we see on a screen.

5

Oral Cancer Screening & TMJ Check

We perform a tactile and visual screening of all your soft tissues for any abnormalities. We also assess the function of your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) for signs of stress or dysfunction.

6

Review & Collaborative Plan

We conclude by reviewing all our findings with you. We'll discuss your current health status, answer all your questions, and collaboratively create a prioritized, personalized plan for your ongoing care.

Patient Experiences

"Professional whitening that actually works! My teeth are several shades brighter without sensitivity. The results lasted much longer than I expected."

Amanda T.

Teeth Whitening

September 2025

"The in-office whitening was quick and effective. My teeth are noticeably brighter, and I experienced zero sensitivity. Perfect for a special event!"

Karen B.

Teeth Whitening

August 2024

"Professional whitening that delivers real results. The staff explained all my options and helped me choose the best treatment for my goals. Very pleased."

William H.

Teeth Whitening

July 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

For most patients, we recommend a comprehensive dental exam once a year. This allows us to maintain a detailed baseline of your oral health and catch potential issues like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer at their earliest, most treatable stages. Patients with specific concerns or higher risk factors may be advised to come in more frequently.
No, they are distinct but complementary procedures. A dental cleaning (prophylaxis) focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the teeth. A comprehensive exam is a diagnostic evaluation where Dr. Madderra or Dr. Holmann assesses the health of your entire oral system—teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues. We almost always perform them together for a complete preventive care visit.
Not always. We follow a conservative approach to radiography. A full set of X-rays is typically taken every 3-5 years to establish a baseline. We then take 'check-up' X-rays (bitewings) annually or biennially to monitor for new cavities between teeth. The frequency is always based on your individual risk assessment, not a rigid schedule.
Not at all. The oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, and non-invasive part of your exam. It involves a visual and tactile examination of your lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat. It's a critically important step that takes only a minute but can be life-saving.
Our exams are distinguished by their thoroughness and our spa-like environment. We allocate ample time to go beyond a simple 'tooth check.' We use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, conduct a detailed assessment of your jaw function (TMJ), and take the time to discuss our findings with you in a clear, unhurried manner. It's a holistic evaluation, not just a quick look.
Absolutely. Many significant dental problems, such as early-stage cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer, often have no symptoms in their initial phases. Regular exams allow us to detect these issues before they become painful, complex, and more expensive to treat. Preventive care is the cornerstone of a lifetime of healthy smiles.
For a new patient, we typically schedule about 90 minutes for a comprehensive exam and initial cleaning. This gives us sufficient time to be incredibly thorough, take any necessary diagnostic records, understand your health history, listen to your goals, and create a personalized care plan without ever feeling rushed.
We utilize state-of-the-art technology for maximum precision and comfort. This includes low-radiation digital X-rays for instant, clear images, and intraoral cameras that allow you to see exactly what we see inside your mouth. This technology aids in accurate diagnosis and helps you become a more informed partner in your own dental health.

Related Services

Cleanings

Maintain optimal oral hygiene with our gentle yet thorough professional cleanings.

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Digital X-Rays

Utilizing advanced, low-radiation technology for precise and early diagnosis.

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Gum Disease Treatment

Proactive, effective therapies to manage and treat periodontal disease.

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Invest in Your Long-Term Health Today

A comprehensive exam is the single most important step you can take for your oral and overall wellness. Schedule your visit at our San Francisco dental spa and experience the peace of mind that comes with proactive, exceptional care.

Call (415) 552-9200