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Oral Exams – North Houston

Comprehensive exams on Airline Drive — serving Greenspoint (77060), Aldine (77037 · 77038) and North Houston.

Written & reviewed by Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH  ·  DDS — University of Colorado Denver (2013)  ·  MPH — University of Oklahoma  ·  Licensed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners  ·  Medicaid Provider  ·  Last reviewed 2026
General information only — not a substitute for professional dental advice. Call 832-779-5522 for a personal evaluation. Content reviewed against ADA guidelines and CDC oral health data.
General Information Only: The content on this page is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment needs vary. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH to receive a personalized assessment. In a dental emergency, call 832-779-5522 or visit your nearest emergency room.

Many people skip regular oral exams because they're worried about getting hit with expensive treatment recommendations they can't afford. Others avoid them because they're embarrassed about the current state of their teeth or gums.

Dr. Maddipati explains costs upfront before recommending any treatment and shows you exactly what she sees on your X-rays. She explains what needs attention now versus what can be monitored over time.

Regular oral exams are the cornerstone of preventive dental care. Our skilled team carefully assesses your teeth, gums, tongue, and oral tissues for any indications of disease.

What We Check During an Oral Exam

  • All teeth for decay or damage
  • Gum health and signs of periodontal disease
  • Oral cancer screening on lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat
  • Existing dental work (fillings, crowns, bridges)
  • X-rays to detect issues not visible to the naked eye
  • Changes to your medical history and medications

How Often?

The American Dental Association recommends oral exams every six months. Patients with gum disease, a history of cavities, or weakened immune systems may benefit from more frequent visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most people need exams every six months, but Dr. Maddipati might recommend more or less frequent visits based on your gum health and cavity risk.
Yes, we accept Medicaid and CHIP for routine exams and cleanings. Many PPO insurance plans include preventive exam coverage when in-network — verify your specific plan.
The exam takes about 15-20 minutes. Dr. Maddipati checks each tooth, measures gum pockets, and takes X-rays if needed. The exam is non-invasive — Dr. Maddipati will explain each step.
Yes, we have free parking right in front of our office at 11834 Airline Drive. Easy access and you won't have to walk far.

Ready To Get Started?

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What We Check During an Oral Exam — Complete Overview

A comprehensive oral exam at Mi Smile covers seven areas. Dr. Maddipati explains each step as she goes — you are never left guessing about what she's doing or why.

1. Your Teeth

Each tooth is checked for signs of decay, cracks, chips, and wear. X-rays let us see between teeth and below the gum line — areas that a visual exam alone cannot reach.

2. Gums & Supporting Bone

The depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums is measured. Healthy pockets measure 1–3mm. Deeper measurements signal early gum disease that can be treated before it progresses.

3. Bite & Jaw

How your upper and lower teeth come together is evaluated. Uneven bite can cause tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches over time — early identification prevents larger problems.

4. Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Maddipati examines your tongue, cheeks, lips, palate, and throat for any unusual patches, lumps, or color changes. The ADA's Living Guideline on Early Detection of Oral Cancer (published in JADA, March 2026) recommends a comprehensive clinical oral exam for all adult patients. Early detection significantly improves outcomes.

5. Existing Restorations

Fillings, crowns, veneers, and bridges are checked to confirm they are still intact, well-fitting, and not showing signs of wear or leakage.

6. X-Rays (When Indicated)

Frequency is based on your individual risk level and dental history. Dr. Maddipati follows ADA recommendations on appropriate X-ray intervals — you won't receive unnecessary radiation.

7. Health History Update

Medications, new medical diagnoses, and lifestyle changes can affect your oral health. We ask about these at every visit because what's happening in your body can be reflected in your mouth.

What Happens If Something Is Found?

If Dr. Maddipati finds anything during your exam, she will show you exactly what she sees on the X-ray screen, explain what it means in plain language, and tell you whether it needs attention now or can be monitored over time. You will receive a written treatment plan with estimated costs before anything is scheduled. Nothing is done without your understanding and agreement.

ADA Living Guideline on Oral Cancer Detection — JADA, March 2026 (Urquhart et al., vol. 157 iss. 3)

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Proudly Serving Houston and Surrounding Communities

Mi Smile Family Dental is conveniently located on Airline Drive in North Houston, and we are proud to welcome patients from our core service neighborhoods: Greenspoint (77060), Aldine (77037, 77038) along the Airline Drive corridor, Greenspoint North (77067) along I-45 north, and Greater Inwood / Hidden Valley (77088) near Hwy 290.

We also warmly welcome patients from North Houston near Spring (77073), North Houston District (77014), the FM 1960 / Champions area (77090, 77066), Aldine Far North (77039, 77032), Northside / Independence Heights (77076), Greater Inwood West (77086), Acres Home (77091), and Northeast Houston / Eastex-Jensen (77093). Wherever you are coming from, you are always welcome here.

What Our Patients Are Saying

 4.9 · 70+ Google Reviews · Mi Smile Family Dental

“Dr Maddipati was awesome, she explain everything clear, and always making sure that I was telling comfortable; her team also was so kind. I definitely will be back.”

Teresa M. · Google · 2 years ago

“Dr. Maddipati is an exceptionally caring, compassionate, and talented dentist. Highly recommend!”

Dan B. · Google Local Guide · 2 years ago

“I love the staff and the dentist they are so nice, I used to come here since I was a kid now I have a kid of my own and I love it so patient with babies. With insurance or without they try to work with you I love it. My baby got a balloon and a free baby toothbrush. Come here with your babies !!”

Karen · Google · 9 months ago

“100% best experience at a dentist office EVER! After a horrible visit at the hospital dealing with a major infection, I walked into Mi Smile with no hope. Boy, did the staff change my day and my life! Best prices, even without insurance! Will be bring my whole family back! Thank yall so much”

Shelby R. · Google · a year ago

These are actual reviews from our Google Business Profile. Last names have been shortened to initials to protect patient privacy. English reviews appear as the patients wrote them.  Read all reviews on Google 

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