Why choose us
Benefits of Dental Exam
Catch Problems Early
We look for small issues before they turn into bigger, costlier treatment.
Oral Cancer Evaluation
Your exam can include an oral cancer evaluation as part of a thorough look at your mouth.
Care for All Ages
We see patients from age 2 and up, so your whole family can visit one office.
A Personalized Plan
We explain what we find and recommend next steps tailored to your smile.
Gentle, Comfortable Visits
Our team works to keep every exam calm, unhurried, and comfortable.
Maybe it's been a while since you last saw a dentist, a tooth has started feeling sensitive, or you just moved to the area and need a new dental home. Whatever brought you here, a dental exam is where clear answers begin. At Valley Dental Care in Mayfield, we use each exam to understand what's happening in your mouth today, so you can make confident decisions about your care.
A dental exam is a careful, hands-on evaluation of your teeth, gums, and mouth. When you sit down with Dr. Gregory Liberatore or Dr. Jonathan Montag, we start by listening. We want to know about any discomfort, changes you've noticed, past dental work, and your goals, whether that's keeping things healthy or finally addressing a chipped front tooth.
From there, we look closely at each tooth for signs of decay, cracks, or wear, and we check the condition of existing fillings, crowns, bridges, or dentures. We also evaluate your gums, since gum disease often develops quietly. As part of our care, we provide oral cancer evaluations, so the exam includes attention to the soft tissues of your mouth as well. Our dental hygienist works alongside our dentists, and exams often pair naturally with a professional cleaning.
Exams are for everyone, and we see patients from age 2 and up. For young children, an early exam helps them get comfortable in a dental chair, and parents are welcome to stay in the treatment room. We also treat children with special healthcare needs, and we take the time to make each visit work for your child.
Adults come to us for many reasons. Some simply want to stay on top of their oral health. Others have specific concerns, such as:
- A tooth that hurts when biting or feels sensitive to hot and cold
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Dentures or partials that feel loose or uncomfortable, even if they were made elsewhere
- Questions about implants, veneers, or improving the look of their smile
- A dental emergency, such as a cracked tooth or an injury
If you're nervous, please tell us. Our team takes a personalized, gentle approach, and we'll explain what we're doing as we go so nothing feels like a surprise.
Turning Findings Into a Plan
An exam is only useful if you leave understanding what we found. We walk you through our observations in plain language, explain what's healthy, what needs watching, and what may need treatment, and answer your questions before anything moves forward.
Because we offer a broad range of care under one roof, your next steps can often stay with the team you already know. That might mean a filling for a small cavity, scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance for gum health, or a crown or bridge to restore a damaged tooth. Our on-site dental lab supports restorative work, and we also offer cosmetic options such as composite bonding, in-office teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and smile makeovers if appearance is part of your goals.
After Your Exam: Results and Ongoing Care
There's no recovery time after a routine exam, so you can return to work, school, or your day right away. The real "aftercare" is what you do at home and how you follow through. We'll offer practical guidance tailored to what we saw, such as areas where brushing or flossing could be more thorough, or habits worth adjusting.
The results of an exam build over time. Regular visits let us compare your mouth from one appointment to the next, which helps us notice changes early, when they're often simpler to address. For children, we may discuss preventive options like dental sealants. For patients with implants, we provide implant maintenance to help care for that investment. We'll recommend a schedule that fits your needs.
Paying for Your Exam
We're an out-of-network office, which means we don't take insurance directly. However, we file claims on your behalf so you can use any out-of-network benefits your plan provides. That saves you the paperwork while still letting your coverage work for you.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and we offer financing through CareCredit for those who'd like to spread costs over time, which can be especially helpful if your exam leads to further treatment. If you have questions about payment before your visit, our front office team is glad to talk them through with you.
Families throughout Mayfield, Gloversville, Speculator, Northville, Amsterdam, and Broadalbin trust us for comfortable, thorough care. If it's time for your exam, or your child's first one, we'd love to welcome you. Reach out to our office to schedule your visit, and let's take the next step toward a healthier smile together.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Talk With Us
We review your health history and listen to any concerns you have about your teeth or gums.
- 2
Thorough Examination
Your dentist carefully checks your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, and other changes.
- 3
Plan Your Next Steps
We walk you through our findings and help you schedule any cleaning or care you may need.