Oral Exams & Dental X-rays in Carlsbad, CA
Parents Ask
What happens at my child’s dental checkup?
Dr. Afsoon Fazeli examines your child’s teeth, gums, bite, and development at our Carlsbad office. X-rays are taken only when needed, and the visit may include a gentle cleaning and fluoride treatment. We’ll explain what we find and answer your questions before you leave. Call (760) 438-1279 to book.

Positive Experience for Every Smile
Gentle Dental Checkups for Kids
Give your child a happy, healthy smile! Schedule their dental checkup today.
What are Oral Exams & Dental X-rays?
Oral exams and dental X-rays are like health checkups for your child’s smile. Our friendly dentist carefully inspects your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth during an oral exam to ensure everything is developing properly. Dental X-rays let us see what’s happening beneath the surface, giving us a complete picture of your child’s oral health.
The Importance of Oral Exams & Dental X-rays
Regular oral exams and dental X-rays are crucial in maintaining your child’s dental health. Here’s why they’re so important:
- Early detection of cavities and gum problems
- Monitoring the growth and development of teeth and jaws
- Identifying potential orthodontic needs early
- Preventing minor issues from becoming big problems
- Building positive dental experiences for your child
- Establishing a foundation for lifelong oral health
- Educating parents and children about proper oral care
What to Expect During Oral Exams & Dental X-rays
During a pediatric dental checkup at our Carlsbad office, Dr. Fazeli will examine your child’s teeth, gums, bite, and dental development. X-rays are taken only when needed, and the visit may also include a gentle cleaning and fluoride treatment. We’ll explain what we find and answer your questions before you leave.
Here’s what you and your child can expect:
- Warm Welcome: We’ll greet you and your child with smiles, making you feel at home in our colorful, inviting office.
- Gentle Examination: Your experienced dentist will carefully examine your child’s teeth, gums, and mouth and explain everything in easy-to-understand terms.
- X-Ray Time: We’ll take quick, painless X-rays using our state-of-the-art digital equipment if needed. It’s just like taking a picture of your teeth!
- Review and Discussion: We’ll share our findings with you and your child and answer any questions you might have.
- Cleaning and Polishing: We’ll gently clean and polish those pearly whites, leaving them sparkly clean.
- Positive Reinforcement: We’ll praise your child for their bravery and maybe even offer a small reward for their cooperation.
Types of Dental X-rays
At Discovery Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use different types of X-rays depending on your child’s specific needs:
- Bitewing X-rays: These show how the crowns of your child’s teeth fit together and help us spot cavities between teeth.
- Panoramic X-rays: These give us a complete view of your child’s mouth, perfect for checking overall development and spotting any hidden issues.
- Periapical X-rays: These focus on individual teeth from root to crown, helping us identify any problems below the gum line.
When Are Oral Exams & Dental X-rays Required?
Regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining your child’s oral health. Here’s when we typically recommend oral exams and dental X-rays:
- First visit: We encourage parents to bring their child for their first dental visit by their first birthday or shortly after the first tooth appears.
- Regular check-ups: We recommend visits every six months for most children to ensure proper dental development and catch any issues early.
- X-rays: The frequency of X-rays depends on your child’s individual needs, but we typically take them once a year to monitor growth and development.
Remember, every child is unique, so we’ll work with you to create a personalized care plan that’s just right for your little one.
How Much Do Pediatric Dental Exams and X-Rays Cost?
At Discovery Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics in Carlsbad, a routine pediatric exam and cleaning typically costs $120 to $145. Necessary X-rays are usually included with the visit. When billed separately, bitewing X-rays cost $65 and a full-mouth series costs $200.
The type and number of X-rays your child needs will depend on their age, dental development, cavity risk, and any concerns found during the examination. We’ll review the recommended images and expected cost with you before proceeding.
We accept most dental insurance plans and are happy to file claims for your family. Because coverage for exams and X-rays varies, our team can help you understand your benefits and estimated out-of-pocket cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dental X-rays safe for children?
Yes, absolutely! We use digital X-rays with very low radiation levels, and we always wear protective gear to ensure your child’s safety.
How can I prepare my child for their first dental visit?
Talk positively about the visit, read books about going to the dentist, and feel free to bring a comfort item along. We’ll do our part to make it a fun experience!
What if my child is nervous about dental visits?
We’re experts at making dental visits enjoyable! We use child-friendly language, have a gentle approach, and create a fun atmosphere to help ease any anxiety.
What causes tooth sensitivity in children in Carlsbad?
Tooth sensitivity in children can result from enamel wear, cavities, or new tooth eruption. At Discovery Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics in Carlsbad, we can identify the cause and recommend gentle treatments to reduce discomfort.
How much does a pediatric exam and cleaning cost in Carlsbad?
A routine exam and cleaning visit at Discovery Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics typically runs between $120 and $145 without insurance. Mention the coupon on our website, and that drops to $99. We accept most PPO plans, Medi-Cal, and HSA and FSA cards. If your family doesn’t have dental insurance, our Membership Club is a great option with no waiting periods and straightforward, affordable care. Give us a call at (760) 438-1279, and we’ll walk you through your options before you come in.
Why Choose Discovery Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics for Oral Exams & Dental X-rays in Carlsbad?
At Discovery Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re passionate about creating positive dental experiences for children. Here’s why parents trust us with their children’s smiles:
- Dr. Fazeli is an expert dentist in Carlsbad who focuses on pediatric care.
- We use state-of-the-art, kid-friendly equipment for comfortable exams and X-rays.
- Our team creates a fun, relaxed atmosphere that turns dental visits into adventures.
- We take time to educate both parents and children about maintaining healthy smiles.
- We offer personalized care plans tailored to each child’s unique needs.
Schedule Your Child’s Smile Check-Up Today!
Don’t hesitate to kickstart your child’s journey to a lifetime of healthy smiles! Contact Discovery Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics to schedule your child’s oral exam and dental X-ray appointment with our skilled Carlsbad pediatric dentist. We can’t wait to meet you and your little ones and embark on this important adventure together. Contact us today; together, we’ll ensure those smiles stay healthy!

The Discovery Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics Experience
- Have your child’s oral structures thoroughly examined
- Ensure that any issues are detected & treated quickly
- Relax knowing your child will receive compassionate care from our team
- Prioritize their oral health!
Hear From Our Patients
Dr. Fazeli and her entire staff are compassionate, attentive, and excellent at their job. I have a ton of kids and they are always very accommodating about fitting us into their schedule when we have a dental concern. Dr. Fazeli has been incredibly patient and kind with a few of my younger kids who are challenging patients and always makes me feel at ease with everything she is doing. I would 10/10 recommend anyone take their kids to this practice. As a parent I am incredibly impressed with their professionalism and warm hearts, and my kids love going for the surprise and stickers. Wouldn’t go anywhere else, I just wish she did adult teeth, too!!
I’ve had such a wonderful experience bringing my children to Discovery Children’s Dentistry. The entire staff is incredibly kind, patient, and welcoming, which makes such a difference when bringing kids to the dentist. They go above and beyond to make my children feel comfortable and at ease during every visit. Dr. Fazeli is very kind, gentle, knowledgeable, and take the time to explain everything clearly. My kids actually look forward to their appointments, which says a lot! I’m so grateful to have found a pediatric dental office we can trust. Highly recommend to any parent looking for excellent dental care for their children.
We live in kauai and I needed a pediatric expert to view an xray for a second opinion (I was willing to fly for treatment if needed and was feeling very concerned about the treatment plan). After 7 calls, no other dentists would even look at the image. Discovery dental was so kind in offering her expert advice on the x-ray. She even looked at the other x-rays and mentioned a cavity to look out for. I was so impressed with her bedside manner, time provided, and guidance. The office comes well recommended by others and they would certainly be my go-to if i was based in Encinitas. I plan to go there on our trips back and forth.
Your Child’s Dentist. Your Family’s Orthodontist.
Ready for Your Visit?
Book online in a couple of minutes, send us a message or give us a call. We’ll find a time that works for your family.
6221 Metropolitan St, Suite 202
Carlsbad, CA 92009 · Directions
Good to Know Before You Come In
New Patient Specials
$99 kids’ new patient visit and a free orthodontic consultation. See specials
Insurance & Financing
We accept most dental insurance, file claims for you and offer CareCredit. Payment options
No Insurance?
Our Membership Club covers cleanings and exams, with savings on other care. Membership Club
Your First Visit
What to expect at a first dental visit or orthodontic visit.
Patient Forms
Save time by filling out new patient forms online. Get the forms
Areas We Serve
Carlsbad, Encinitas, Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista, San Diego and nearby communities in San Diego County.
CA License 18945. View license information
Helpful links: WebMD (Oral Checkup) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)
