Garden Island Dental
Cleanings and Exams
A Clean, Healthy Smile Starts Here

Routine checkups are key to maintaining a lifelong healthy smile.

a group of toothbrushes in a glass

Dental Cleanings and Exams in Lihue

Kauai woman smiling in dental chairPrevention truly is the best medicine, especially when it comes to your oral health. At Garden Island Dental, this means routine dental checkups and cleanings every six months, as well as diligent brushing and flossing at home.

Judgment-Free Dental Care

Are you concerned because it’s been years since your last dental visit? Dr. Chris Godla and our team believe everyone deserves access to quality preventive care. Whether you're six months overdue or six years behind on your dental care, we’ll provide the warm, judgment-free welcome and professional attention every patient deserves.

The Mouth-Body Connection

A lack of preventive care impacts more than your oral health. Research consistently shows strong connections between gum disease and serious health conditions, including heart disease and stroke, diabetes, respiratory infections, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Power of Preventive Care

Dental prevention goes beyond simply checking for cavities. It's a comprehensive approach that evaluates your overall oral health status and provides the education and tools you need to maintain dental wellness at home.
Protect Overall Health
Regular preventive care catches problems early and maintains the mouth-body connection, supporting dental wellness and overall systemic health for years to come.
Save on Dental Costs
Routine preventive care costs significantly less than treating advanced dental problems, helping you avoid expensive or complex procedures.
Fewer Dental Emergencies
Consistent preventive visits help prevent dental emergencies that require time off work, keeping your daily schedule more predictable.
  • Dr. Chris Godla

    Education and Experience

    Dr. Chris Godla brings over a decade of dental experience to our team, combining a strong academic foundation with a genuine passion for patient care. After earning his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame in 2009, he pursued his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the University of Pittsburgh in 2013, followed by advanced training through an AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) program at Lutheran Medical Center in 2014.

    Dr. Godla began his dental career in 2013 at a public health center in Keaau, Hawaii, ...

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Your Comprehensive Dental Examination

dentist using intraoral cameraWhen you visit your dentist in Lihue, HI, for a checkup, you can expect the following steps:

  • Visual Inspection — Dr. Godla carefully examines each tooth, looking for signs of decay, cracks, or wear patterns that might need attention.
  • Gum Health Assessment — We evaluate your gums for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or periodontal disease that could affect your oral and overall health.
  • Oral Cancer Screening — Dr. Godla checks your tongue, throat, and soft tissues for any unusual changes or abnormalities.
  • Bite Analysis — We assess how your teeth come together, looking for alignment issues or jaw problems that might cause discomfort or damage.
  • Overall Health Discussion — We review any changes in your medical history, medications, or health conditions that might impact your dental care.

If Dr. Godla discovers any issues during your examination, you can expect complete transparency about your treatment options. He takes the time to explain what he's found, describe the benefits of different treatment approaches, and provide honest recommendations tailored to your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gum or periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the gums and supporting bone and tissue. The disease is highly prevalent, but the symptoms can be so mild that many people don’t realize they have it. That is why routine cleanings with a hygienist are crucial for detecting the disease early and taking action to prevent it from progressing.

Stages of Gum Disease

  • Gingivitis — During the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis, you may notice symptoms like inflamed gums or bleeding when you brush and floss. At this stage, the condition is completely reversible with a thorough professional teeth cleaning and improved at-home hygiene.
  • Mild to Moderate Periodontitis — Without gingivitis treatment, bacteria begin destroying the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Treatment involves deep cleaning procedures called scaling and root planing to remove bacteria and toxins.
  • Advanced Periodontitis — Significant bone and tissue loss occurs, potentially leading to tooth loss. Treatment may require surgical intervention to restore health and function.

It’s essential to note that, while gingivitis is reversible, periodontitis is not and will require ongoing maintenance to control; this provides even more motivation to stick to those routine cleanings.

Schedule a Teeth Cleaning in Lihue, HI

Today is the perfect day to schedule your next dental cleaning at Garden Island Dental. If we identify a problem, we can initiate treatment to prevent it from progressing and maintain your mouth's health and well-being.

Cleanings and Exams Technology

patient having Intraoral Camera used during dental procedure

Intraoral Camera

Our tiny intraoral camera acts like a magnifying glass, capturing high-resolution images of individual teeth and hard-to-see areas of your mouth. During cleanings, exams, and cosmetic consultations, this pen-sized device helps you see exactly what Dr. Godla sees. The clear, enlarged images make it easier to understand your dental health and treatment recommendations, transforming your appointment into a more collaborative and educational experience.

Professional Teeth Cleanings

close up of woman getting dental cleaningNo matter how well you brush and floss, you can't remove tartar (hardened plaque) from all tooth surfaces. Professional cleanings eliminate this buildup along with much of the bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease.

  • Plaque and Tartar Removal — Using specialized instruments to carefully remove hardened deposits from tooth surfaces and below the gumline.
  • Polishing — Smoothing tooth surfaces to remove surface stains and create a clean feel that makes it harder for bacteria to accumulate.
  • Flossing — The hygienist uses floss to thoroughly remove any remaining debris between teeth.

Schedule Your Preventive Care Today

Call us today at (808) 245-3582 to schedule your dental exam and cleaning. Dr. Godla and our caring team look forward to welcoming patients throughout Lihue, Kapaa, Koloa, Kalaheo, Princeville, and Waimea and showing you the difference comprehensive, judgment-free preventive care can make for your health and confidence.

Testimonial

No pain.

Extremely great!! No pain!! Had three extract and NO pain! Was kind and easy. Gave me space i needed to realx. Everyone here is so wonderful!

- Len

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