Steel Valley Smiles

General & Family Dentistry

Checkups & Digital X-Rays.

Regular checkups with digital X-rays are the foundation of a healthy mouth. Digital imaging exposes up to 90% less radiation than traditional film and gives Dr. D'Alesio a sharp, immediate view of every tooth and bone structure. We review every finding with you on the screen so nothing is left unexplained.

A checkup isn't just about finding problems — it's how we stay ahead of them together. We take the time to show you what we see, in plain English, so you're never left guessing.

Typically every 6 months

Visit frequency

Up to 90% less than film

X-ray radiation

Shown chairside in real time

Images

45–60 min with cleaning

Time in chair

What actually happens at a checkup

We start with a full set of digital X-rays — a quick scan that shows your teeth, roots, and the bone underneath. Then Dr. D'Alesio goes through every tooth and your gum tissue. The images come up on the screen right next to you, so we can show you exactly what we're looking at. No reading off a chart that means nothing to you — we walk through it together.

How the appointment goes

1

Digital X-rays

A quick scan captures your whole mouth — teeth, roots, and the supporting bone — with a fraction of the radiation of older film technology. We review every image with you.

2

Full mouth exam

Dr. D'Alesio checks each tooth and your gum tissue, looking for early signs of decay, bite issues, or any soft-tissue changes. The earlier we catch something, the simpler the fix usually is.

3

Plain-English review

We walk you through your findings on the screen, explain anything we noticed, and talk through your options. If nothing needs attention, we tell you that too.

Why regular checkups matter more than people think

Most dental issues — decay, early gum disease, small cracks — don't cause pain until they've progressed. A checkup every six months is how we catch them when they're still small and easy to address. Many patients who skip exams for a few years are surprised to learn that what could have been a simple filling turned into something more involved. We're not saying that to alarm you — just to explain why we're consistent about it.

What we're checking at every visit

Every tooth surface — looking for decay, cracks, or worn enamel
Gum tissue — measuring pocket depths to track gum health over time
Bite and jaw — checking for signs of grinding or clenching
Soft tissue — a quick oral cancer screening included at each visit
Existing restorations — making sure fillings and crowns are holding up

Common Questions

How often do I really need to come in?

Most people do well with a visit every six months. If you have a history of gum disease or tend toward cavities, we might suggest coming in more often — not to add appointments for their own sake, but because more frequent monitoring genuinely keeps things simpler over time. We'll tell you what makes sense for your situation.

Do I need X-rays every time?

Not necessarily. The frequency depends on your history and what we find. Most patients get a full set every couple of years and smaller check X-rays at in-between visits. We don't take X-rays for the sake of it — only when they give us useful information.

What if I haven't been in a few years?

That's more common than you'd think, and we don't make a thing of it. We're glad you're here now. We just do a thorough exam, show you what's going on, and put together a realistic plan from where things are today.

Will the exam hurt?

For most people, no. If your gums are a little tender or inflamed, the probing can be mildly uncomfortable — but it's quick. We'll let you know before we start and check in as we go.

Ready to see where your teeth actually stand?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. D'Alesio. No pressure, no commitment — just clear answers.