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General & Preventive

New Patient Comprehensive Exam in Mundelein, IL — Your Whole-Mouth Health, From Day One

The short version

A new patient exam at Markiewicz Dental in Mundelein, IL includes a comprehensive oral examination, full-mouth digital X-rays, a gum health evaluation, and an oral cancer screening — followed by a personalized care plan explained in plain language. Most new patients also have their professional cleaning at the same appointment.

Curious what the cleaning itself involves? See our dental cleanings page.

New Patient Exam

What Happens During a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

One of our dentists examines every tooth, your gum tissue, your bite, your jaw joints, and the soft tissues of your mouth. We’re looking for decay, cracks, wear patterns, signs of gum disease, and bite issues — anything that needs attention now, or will if it’s left alone.

Full-Mouth Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays reveal what the naked eye can’t see: decay hiding between teeth, bone levels beneath the gumline, tooth roots, and developing problems that have no symptoms yet. They use significantly less radiation than traditional film and produce instant, high-resolution images we review with you chairside — you’ll see exactly what we see.

Periodontal (Gum) Evaluation

We measure the pocket depth around each tooth — quick, painless, and one of the most telling health checks in dentistry. Healthy gums measure 1–3 millimeters; deeper pockets can signal early gum disease. Caught early, gum disease is dramatically easier to treat.

Oral Cancer Screening

Every new patient exam includes a screening of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat for unusual tissue changes. Oral cancer is highly treatable when found early, which makes this two-minute check one of the most important things we do.

Your Personalized Care Plan

After the exam, your dentist sits down with you and walks through everything — clearly, in plain language, without pressure. If treatment is recommended, we’ll explain what it is, why it matters, and what happens if you wait. You’ll leave with a complete picture of your oral health and a prioritized plan that fits your timeline and budget.

What Should I Bring to My First Dental Visit?

Bring your dental benefits card and photo ID, a list of current medications, any prior dental records or X-rays you have, and any concerns or goals you’d like to discuss. You can also complete new patient paperwork online before you arrive — just ask when you call to schedule.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a new patient exam take?

Plan for about 60–90 minutes for the comprehensive exam, X-rays, and cleaning together. It’s longer than a routine checkup because we’re building the complete picture we’ll work from for years.

What if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?

You’re exactly who this visit is designed for — and you won’t get a lecture. A long gap just means the exam matters more, so we can see where things stand and build a plan from there. Many of our patients came back after years away; the hardest part is booking the first appointment.

Will you go over the X-rays with me?

Yes — chairside, on the screen, the same day. You’ll see exactly what we see, and we’ll explain what it means in plain language before any treatment is recommended.

Patient reviews

From people who had this done here.

I have been a patient here for over twenty years and I would not go anywhere else. Everyone knows my name the moment I walk in, and the care has always been thorough and completely honest.
Donna W.Verified Google review
Dr. Markiewicz walked me through my implant plan on a 3D scan so I understood exactly what would happen. The surgery was far easier than I expected and the tooth looks completely natural.
Catherine P.Verified Google review
I used to dread the dentist. This office changed that. They explained every step, checked in constantly, and never once made me feel rushed or judged about the work I had put off.
Juli N.Verified Google review

Ready to become a patient? We’d love to meet you. Call Markiewicz Dental at (847) 566-2811 or request an appointment online. We’re accepting new patients from Mundelein, Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Gurnee, and all of Lake County, IL.