Preventive Dentistry
If you're like many people, you might think brushing and flossing regularly means it’s okay to skip routine dental visits. Or, maybe it's been longer than you'd like to admit since your last appointment, and you're worried about what the dentist might find.
At Gaslight Village Family Dentistry, Dr. Joshua Wansten, we recommend exams and cleanings every six months for most patients. Even if you practice excellent oral hygiene, dental checkups in East Grand Rapids offer benefits that you can’t achieve with brushing and flossing alone.
Thorough Dental Evaluation
Your first visit is a thorough 90-minute evaluation where our skilled hygienist carefully gathers the information needed to understand your oral health situation.
- Complete digital x-rays
- Photos of your teeth
- Oral health and bite evaluation
- Medical history review and current medications
- Discussion of your dental goals and concerns
Dr. Wansten then reviews the findings and discusses treatment recommendations if needed. If you have more complex needs, we’ll book a separate follow-up consultation, giving you plenty of time to explore your options and ask questions.
Benefits of Routine Exams and Teeth Cleanings
Save Money on Dental Costs
Avoid Pain and Emergencies
Less Time in the Dental Chair
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients need dental x-rays once a year during routine dental checkups in East Grand Rapids, though the frequency can vary based on your individual risk factors and oral health history. The goal is to catch problems early while minimizing radiation exposure through careful scheduling and modern technology.
Standard X-Ray Frequency Guidelines
- Routine bitewing x-rays — Annually for most adults
- Full mouth series (panoramic) — Every 3–5 years for comprehensive evaluation
- Children and teens — May need x-rays more frequently due to developing teeth and higher cavity risk
- High-risk patients — Every six months if you have active gum disease or frequent cavities
X-Ray Safety and Modern Technology
Today's digital x-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional film x-rays—up to 90 percent less exposure. At Gaslight Village Family Dentistry, \we use the latest digital imaging technology, which also provides clearer images and immediate results. The amount of radiation from dental x-rays is minimal, comparable to the background radiation you'd receive during a short airplane flight.
Different X-Rays for Different Purposes
Bitewing x-rays detect cavities between teeth, while panoramic x-rays show your jaw structure, wisdom teeth, and overall bone health. We also use our intraoral camera to show you exactly what we're seeing, helping you understand any recommended treatments.
Questions about your x-ray schedule? Call (616) 454-8228 to discuss your individual needs. We serve East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Ada, and the surrounding West Michigan communities.
Understanding Your Dental Needs
Dr. Wansten believes that informed patients make the best decisions about their oral health. Using technology like 3-D digital scanning, digital x-rays, and intraoral cameras, he makes even complex dental issues easy to understand.
If you have concerns we need to address, we don’t dictate what you need. We take a collaborative approach where you're an active partner in your dental care. You'll feel comfortable throughout treatment because you understand exactly what's happening and why.
Professional Teeth Cleaning Process
Because our exams are so thorough, we typically schedule a follow-up appointment for a teeth cleaning. We want to make sure we have plenty of time to devote to your initial hygiene appointment, which will include the following steps:
- Removing plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
- Polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and remove surface stains
- Thorough flossing to clear debris from between teeth
- Gum health evaluation and personalized home care recommendations
If your hygienist discovers signs of gum disease, we’ll recommend prompt treatment to prevent it from progressing.
Our Team
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Dr. Joshua Wansten
Education and Experience
Dr. Wansten earned his Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan in 2004, followed by his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from U of M's School of Dentistry in 2009. He completed his General Practice Residency at Loyola University Chicago in 2010, providing him with advanced training in complex dental procedures. Dr. Wansten joined Gaslight Village Family Dentistry in 2022.
Patient Care Philosophy
Dr. Wansten was drawn to dentistry because it combines his fascination with science with the opportunity to help people. He appreciates the blend of ...
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Testimonial
Stress-Free and Trustworthy Dental Visits.
Everyone is very kind, seem trustworthy, and detailed. When I changed to this dentist it made going ten times less stressful than it used to be.
- Mikaela
Is It Time for Your Next Dental Checkup?
If you’ve skipped a few or many checkups, we never judge. Whether it’s time for your routine six-month cleaning or you haven't seen a dentist in East Grand Rapids for years, we focus on moving forward with solutions and not looking back.
Please call Gaslight Village Family Dentistry at (616) 454-8228 to schedule your dental exam and cleaning with Dr. Wansten and our caring team.
We are pleased to serve East Grand Rapids and all surrounding communities, including
Preventive Dentistry Technology
Intraoral Cameras
This small handheld camera captures detailed, full-color images of individual teeth and areas inside your mouth, displaying them instantly on our chairside monitors. The intraoral camera helps us show you exactly what we see, making it easier to understand treatment recommendations for cavities, gum issues, or cosmetic concerns. Used during exams, cleanings, and consultations, this technology improves communication and helps you make informed decisions about your dental care while building trust through transparency.