Dentistry is the one medical specialty that requires the patient, doctor, and staff to work closely together to prevent disease. There is no pill you can take to prevent cavities, gum disease, or the loss of teeth. That means that you need to have a full dental exam twice a year, including a digital x-ray as appropriate, which involves minimal radiation and can reveal oral health problems not visible during a simple physical check-up. A semi-annual professional cleaning is also advisable, since our dental hygienists have the tools and techniques to do a much more thorough job than any patient can do for themselves.