Dental Exams & Cleanings

Dental Exams & Cleanings

Dental exams at our practice in Mill Valley, California

During your initial visit, your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental exam. During regular check-up exams, your dentist and hygienist will perform the following:

  • Examination of diagnostic X-rays (radiographs): Essential for the detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss, X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.
  • Oral cancer screening: A check of the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
  • Gum disease evaluation: A check of the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.
  • Examination for tooth decay: A check of all tooth surfaces for decay using special dental instruments.
  • Examination of existing restorations: A check of the current fillings, crowns, etc.

Professional dental cleaning

Professional dental cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:

  • Removal of calculus (tartar): Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to its surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed using special dental instruments.
  • Removal of plaque: Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. These bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the beginning of periodontal disease!
  • Teeth polishing: A polishing can be performed to remove any staining or plaque that was not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling.

An innovative approach to dental cleanings and examinations

Dr. Garcia-Rojas has equipped our dental office with the latest in preventive dental technology. This allows us to provide patients with all the benefits modern dentistry has to offer and to administer comprehensive care.

Our office provides and performs the following innovative and preventive treatments and techniques:

  • Panoramic Digital X-Rays that capture precise images of the mouth, teeth, gums, jaws, and surrounding bone.
  • Diagnodent Devices that scan teeth with harmless laser light for early cavity detection.
  • CariVu or Caries Detection Device that can be used for portable dental damage or cavity detection and uses bright light technology.
  • Glycine Powder Air Polish that acts as an effective treatment for cavity control and bacteria removal, periodontal disease management, and non-abrasive dental implant cleaning.
  • Dental Diode Laser that can be used to provide treatment for ulcers, canker sores, and cold sores; uncover erupted teeth; promote periodontal health; and assist with gum contouring.

The value of preventative oral health and partnering with patients on dental hygiene best practices

A strong oral hygiene routine will allow you to better maintain healthy teeth and gums and will encourage a fully-functional and beautiful smile.

Daily brushing and flossing, along with biannual visits, help prevent the development of oral health issues, such as gum disease, that can lead to serious overall health complications.

Contact us for comprehensive care in Mill Valley

The team at the dental office of Dr. Gabriela Garcia-Rojas, DDS, welcomes the chance to help you maintain a great smile.

Contact our office today to schedule your dentistry appointment!

Ready to schedule your appointment? Have questions? We're here!

Gabriela and the team are awesome and make going to the dentist a great experience considering it's not exactly everyone's favorite thing to do. They've elevated the standard of care here in Mill Valley and utilize the latest in technology as well. Being a bit of a gadget person, I was quite impressed with their laser teeth cleaning setup, very cool tech!

Justin K. - Google Review

See what our patients have to say about our dental practice

I can't compliment Gabriela and her staff enough after my first visit to her practice since the advent of COVID. The staff was all highly professional, polite, and respectful with particular attention paid to my safety and comfort. It was a first-rate experience especially when one considers the challenging environment in which we are living at this time.

Anthony V., Yelp Review

Thorough, professional, knowledgeable, and highly skilled staff who use the most modern equipment. Impressive service-oriented approach and teamwork!

Masae K., Google Review

I am thrilled to have Dr. Gabriela Garcia - Rojas as my dentist. She fulfills all my requirements and expectations. Her expertise, consideration for comfort, and security of her patients, her responsible attitude towards treatment of wastes, her utmost respect for others makes her the best around. Her staff is top-notch, always smiling, and giving consideration to the patient. Her devotion to a painless appointment is highly regarded. I refer all my clients and friends to Dr. Garcia Rojas and am confident that I will never be disappointed. We are so fortunate to have her. 

Jean M., Web Review

She's been taking care of our pearly whites for 8 years, and trust me, with our big family we've put her team through every test: from a simple cleaning to composite work, night guards, e-rays, chipped teeth, nervous patients, hard to get into the office patients... She's gone through a wringer if tests and passed them all with flying colors.

I am always in awe at how Dr. Garcia-Rojas is constantly learning about the latest developments in dental care, keeping up with technology, and all while welcoming you with her warm and calming demeanor, always.

Laura D., Facebook Review

I have been going to Dr. Garcia-Rojas for years. She's an incredible dentist who was able to get me over my phobia of the dentist because of how she cares about her patients. Today was my first visit since the COVID-19 outbreak. They have gone to amazing lengths to protect their patients in that office. I felt safe and well cared for and they have really gone the distance above and beyond what the CDC has even recommended. Thank you to Dr. Garica-Rojas and your entire team for the many years of dentistry.

Stacy A., Google Review

Dr. Garcia-Rojas and the team, even in the middle of the COVID pandemic, meet the challenge and make you feel like patient needs, comfort and safety are first. They are the best!

Joe P., Google Review

Gabriela and her staff have done a very thorough job of ensuring a very safe environment. Most effective COVID I’ve seen yet.

Doug R., Google Review

I've been going to Dr. Garcia Rojas for quite some time.  She is professional, of course, but more important to me, she is down to earth and sincere, and explains procedures and listens to questions.

Not only is Dr. Garcia Rojas an excellent dentist, and all of her staff are also pleasant and extremely helpful.  

Dr. Garcia Rojas and her staff make going to the dentist, which is usually not fun, a not so bad after all experience.

I highly recommend Dr. Garcia Rojas.

Lois L., Yelp Review

I have been going to Dr. Garcia-Rojas for about 10 years. She is a highly skilled dentist, always on top of the latest techniques and treatments. Dr. Differing has been a great addition. The doctors and staff are super accommodating and friendly.

Steven P., Google Review

Gabriela and the team are awesome and make going to the dentist a great experience considering it's not exactly everyone's favorite thing to do. They've elevated the standard of care here in Mill Valley and utilize the latest in technology as well. Being a bit of a gadget person, I was quite impressed with their laser teeth cleaning setup, very cool tech!

Justin K., Google Review

It was our first time at this gorgeous high-tech dental facility in the heart of Mill Valley to meet with Dr. Cooper Differding and Dr. Gabriela Garcia-Rojas. It was an experience like neither of us have had at a dental office because of the advanced technology they use. Experienced and friendly staff gave us thorough exams using state of the art procedures and equipment. They left no stone unturned. I was even diagnosed with a life-altering condition and told about a treatment plan! I never knew that snoring, clenching teeth, and acid reflex could all be related...and deadly if not treated; leading to the lack of oxygen to the brain, early dementia, enamel erosion from stomach acids, obesity, and even diabetes! Most enjoyable teeth cleaning ever...with no discomfort! Our experience with these delightful people was not only pleasurable but educational as well.

Lisa C., Google Review

These folks are the real deal. They have the latest tech in dentistry with staff that is really competent and more importantly actually cares about their patient's dental health.

Paul B., Google Review

They are awesome. They’ve been my dentist for years.

Tamara F., Google Review

Excellent professional, friendly, warm service from everyone in the office. I have been going here for over two years and will go nowhere else. All the work I have had done here has been excellent. It has also been thoroughly explained to me, which I really like. I give an immense to the treatment provided by Dr. Garcia-Rojas and her wonderful staff. My wife and mother in law go here now as well.

John W., Google Review

Lisa and I had our first visit with Dr. Differding and the staff back in early February. What an amazing experience!  Strange to say about a visit to the dentist...right? 🙂  

The office is filled with sunlight and it's reflected in the smiles of all the staff members. Beautifully designed suite. State of the art equipment for top-notch professionals. You can't find a more knowledgeable group of technicians.

Everyone treats you with the utmost respect and care. I had the most thorough dental exam in my life. Dr. Cooper Differding is a childhood friend of our boys.  It's been a joy to watch him grow into this fine man and we are so proud that his hard work and years of medical schooling has paid off. Cooper has partnered up with Dr. Gabriela Garcia-Rojas, who is another gem.

Elmer C., Yelp Review

I have been very pleased with Dr. Garcia-Rojas and her office.  Everyone is friendly. I actually look forward to going and getting a cleaning because the hygienist is really helpful, not judgemental, and has brand new cleaning equipment which does not hurt at all. I love the fact that the hygienist looks for any problems and calls the doctor in rather than making another appointment.  Dr. Garcia-Rojas gives a lot of attention to detail in her work such as the crown she did for me.

Marti B., Yelp Review

Another good visit to this terrific practice. A comfortable, fast, thorough cleaning from Claudia. And Shay had laid out clearly what would and wouldn't be covered by the ever confusing world of insurance. Love this group of people and practitioners, and they seem to really like what they do too.

James K., Yelp Review

Sincerely one of the best practices I've ever been to, and I've moved around a bit.  The practice is very well run. Both dentists are extremely knowledgeable, kind, and thorough, and the hygienists are excellent. They recently moved to a new building so everything is updated and clean. Within two visits I started moving my family over too. The support staff is very kind, funny, and competent as well. The whole place is calm and focused. I've had two crowns and an old one fixed, a new bite-plate, cleanings and scaling over the past year or so. Dr. Garcia-Rojas has come in when the office was closed just to make adjustments. I think they all just like what they do. A rare treat these days.

James K., Yelp Review

I've been going to Dr. Garcia-Rojas ever since I was a little kid. She is top-notch. Her attention to detail is impressive. The whole staff is extremely professional and friendly. They are very upfront and honest with their billing. I saw Dr. Differding today for the first time and he is top-notch as well. Throughout the procedure, he would explain every step in a very kind and patient way. He's also a local...pretty cool that he stayed around to practice in his hometown!

Steven A., Yelp Review

Dr. Differding was amazing. He could not have been nicer or more accommodating to my requests. He thoroughly explained everything and answered all questions if a friendly manner. Staff and office were really wonderful as well. Highly recommend.

Cathy L., Yelp Review

After seeing the same dentist for nearly 20 years in SF, I decided to try someone closer to home here in Mill Valley. I chose Dr. Garcia-Rojas' office based on Yelp reviews.  Wow. I can't begin to describe how superb the experience was. The professionalism, care, attention to detail, and thoroughness of this staff was an order of magnitude better than my previous dentist. I came away not only with a set of sparkling clean teeth but a whole new understanding of dental health and what I need to be aware of to maintain my health. The staff works together in harmony, providing an outstanding customer experience. It's rare to find a health care provider these days that takes such care and manages an office so effectively.  First-class experience.

Susan B., Yelp Review

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Email:
Office Address:

10 Willow Street, Suite 6

Mill Valley, CA 94941

Office hours:

Monday:  7 AM - 5 PM

Tuesday:  7 AM - 5 PM

Wednesday: 7 AM - 5:30 PM

Thursday: 7 AM - 5 PM

Friday - Sunday: Closed