Accepting New Patients
Dental Exams & X-Rays in Houston, TX
Has it been a while since your last checkup? Our dental exams in Houston, TX, start with listening, not lecturing, so you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. At Lava Dental, our gentle, thorough approach helps you catch small problems early and leave with a clear, judgment-free plan for a healthier smile.
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What Are Dental Exams and X-Rays?
A dental exam is a thorough check of your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. During your visit, your dentist looks for cavities, gum disease, signs of wear, and early indicators of more serious concerns, often before you ever experience symptoms. Dental X-rays go where the eye can't. These digital images reveal what's happening between your teeth, below the gumline, and inside the bone, helping your dentist spot decay and infection while it's still small and simple to treat. Together, exams and X-rays give you a complete, accurate picture of your oral health.
The Benefits of Dental Exams
Early Detection
Routine exams catch cavities, gum disease, and other issues early, while they're still small, simpler to treat, and far less expensive to fix.
Lower Costs
Spotting problems at the exam stage means smaller, faster treatments later, helping you avoid the bigger procedures and bills that come with waiting.
Personalized Plans
Your exam gives Dr. Tatari a full picture of your mouth, so every recommendation fits your goals, timeline, and budget.
Lasting Confidence
Knowing exactly where your oral health stands takes the guesswork out of every visit and lets you smile, eat, and speak with ease.
What Happens at a Dental Exam?
- 01
Warm Welcome
You're greeted by name and made comfortable from the moment you arrive, with no rushing and no pressure.
- 02
Listening Exam
Your dentist sits down first to hear your goals, concerns, and any worries, so your visit is built around you.
- 03
Images & Screening
Our team captures digital X-rays and intraoral photos and screens your gums, giving us a complete, accurate baseline.
- 04
Clinical Exam
Dr. Tatari reviews your images, examines your teeth and gums, and explains everything in plain language.
- 05
Clear Checkout
Before you leave, we walk through your options, costs, and financing, then schedule your next visit at your pace.
When Do You Need a Dental Exam in Houston, TX?
Notice any of these? Schedule a visit. Early care is easier care.
Tooth Pain
Aching, throbbing, or sharp pain is your body's signal that something needs attention, and an exam pinpoints the cause before it worsens.
Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed, swell, or feel tender when you brush can be an early sign of gum disease that's easiest to reverse when caught early.
Overdue Visit
If it's been more than six months, or even years, since your last checkup, an exam is the simplest way to get back on track, judgment-free.
Ongoing Sensitivity
Lingering sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods often points to worn enamel or a developing cavity, which is worth checking sooner rather than later.
Why Choose Us for Dental Exams in Houston, TX?
Patient-Centered Care
We listen before we recommend, tailoring every plan to your goals, timeline, and budget. Patients regularly tell us we explain everything clearly and never rush their appointment.
Experienced Team
Dr. Tatari bring nearly two decades of experience and advanced training to every exam, leading a skilled team that delivers predictable, high-quality care you can count on.
Gentle Comfort
Nervous patients are our specialty. From a calm, comfortable environment to sedation options, we put your nerves at ease, just as so many patients say we did for them.
Transparent Pricing
Clear estimates, insurance support, and flexible financing through CareCredit and Sunbit keep care stress-free, so you always know your options before anything begins.
Overall thorough exam and friendly staff. Was explained coverage and benefits half way through visit and before starting any costly procedures. The doc and my dental assistant were very nice too, really cared about the health and future of my dental care going forward and planning when my next follow up's would be. Good parking.
I just love Nova Dental and the service is world class. From the front to the back the are so nice. Venessa greets you with a smile and always ask how I am doing. Stephanie explains exactly what my insurance covers and help me schedule to get all my services done so I have 0 or minimum out of pocket. Ryan and Jackie the dental staff make sure I am comfort and let me know every step that the doctor will be doing. Taking X-ray, anesthesia, just all has been so good. Dr. Balai is truly the best. I had deep cleaning, crown put on and extraction. I didn't have any issues. I recommend Nova Dental for all your dental needs. I am looking forward to the New Year to complete my dental needs.
I've been looking for a Dentist for awhile and came across Nova dental, so I gave it a shot . I came out from there very satisfied with my 6 month check up, the staff is absolutely amazing believe me. Vanessa the receptionist so kind help me with any questions I needed to know, Arsham who is in charge of talking to your insurance helped me understand details of what my insurance covered and what I need to pay out of pocket. Last , Dr Kim very professional he took care of my teeth very well amazing Dentist. For my Hispanic people they speak Spanish! This will be my primary Dental office from now on.
Me and my family love Nova Dental and we will be back for their check ups happily
I had an amazing experience at Lava Dental! From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly kind, patient, and welcoming. They took the time to answer all of my questions and never made me feel rushed. I brought all of my children, and two of my children have special needs, so it means a lot to me when a dental office takes the time to understand their individual needs and makes them feel comfortable. Lava Dental did exactly that! They were patient, gentle, caring, and very detailed with each of my children. They treated every child with kindness and made sure they understood what was happening. I truly appreciate the time, patience, and compassion the entire team showed my family. They made what can sometimes be a stressful experience feel comfortable and positive. Thank you, Lava Dental, for taking such great care of my children and making us feel welcomed and valued. We truly appreciate you! ❤️🦷
I had a terrible tooth pain that was unbearable. I called many places and found Lava Dental on my browser. It was late in the day and they fit me in for a same day appointment. The staff were super friendly and listened to my concerns. I was seen immediately and explained in detail on what I had and the solutions. Dr. Ebrahimi was super gentle and fast. She's a true master of her profession. I was in and out quickly. I had a wisdom tooth removed; it was quick and, most importantly, painless. I want to thank Sylvia, Orlando, and Dr. Ebrahimi for their prompt assistance and warm hospitality. They were able to quickly provide a painless resolution to my problem. I would highly recommend this dental office.
Dr. Milad Balaei is truly one of the best dentists I've ever experienced. From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed and comfortable. He is incredibly professional, patient, and detail-oriented, making sure everything is done perfectly and pain-free. He takes the time to explain every step, which builds so much trust and confidence. The results are always amazing, and you can tell he genuinely cares about his patients. If you're looking for a skilled, honest, and caring dentist, I highly recommend Dr. Balaei
So far, my experience with Lava Dental has been great. I arrived feeling nervous and anxious about my teeth, but the staff was incredibly welcoming and friendly, which immediately put me at ease. I had an extraction done, and the process was quick and far less unpleasant than I expected.
(Translated by Google) Yocelyn is good at reception, provides good service and is friendly at the clinic, which is also clean. (Original) Yocelyn es buena en recepción, buen servicio y amabilidad en la clínica, además de limpia
I was nervous about getting a root canal and Dr Yap made it the easiest experience ever! No pain, easy instructions and i even got to watch a movie while getting the work done, lol. If i could give ten stars i would
It was my first time there today The staff was very helpful explained everything. Helped me figure out financing for the work I need to get done. Office very nice clean and comfortable.
Y'all are the kindest dentist y'all have the nicest workers and I always complain about the other dentals but y'all are the best one yet I really hope more people come to visit 👍🩷🩵
(Translated by Google) Everything is great, thank you, the employees are very professional. (Original) Todo bien gracias empleados son muy profesionales
Amazing Doctor took care of my fillings and extraction in less than 45 min - Friendly staff - front desk Sylvia & Jocelyn were very helpful.
Thank You to Sylvia & Jocelyn for being a good help they are awesome here at Lava Dental they treat everybody with care & respect…
The visit was awesome.My kids liked it and had no issues. Everyone was super nice and efficient. Glad we chose Lava Dental!!!
Love this place been bringing all my 4 children here there very fast , caring I do recommend never had any issues here ,
Dr Anita, is so understanding. Great person super soft with kids. We love coming here. Thanks everyone in the office.
The Doctor's here are amazing. The receptionist are also amazing. For our first time being here my children love it.
Good experience with kids and very feiendly! Sylvia was very nice and patient with my kids, thank you!!
- Jefferson Cadavez. 5 out of 5 stars. “Overall thorough exam and friendly staff. Was explained coverage and benefits half way through visit and before starting any costly procedures. The doc and my dental assistant were very nice too, really cared about the health and future of my dental care going forward and planning when my next follow up's would be. Good parking.”
- Georgia Tarleton. 5 out of 5 stars. “I just love Nova Dental and the service is world class. From the front to the back the are so nice. Venessa greets you with a smile and always ask how I am doing. Stephanie explains exactly what my insurance covers and help me schedule to get all my services done so I have 0 or minimum out of pocket. Ryan and Jackie the dental staff make sure I am comfort and let me know every step that the doctor will be doing. Taking X-ray, anesthesia, just all has been so good. Dr. Balai is truly the best. I had deep cleaning, crown put on and extraction. I didn't have any issues. I recommend Nova Dental for all your dental needs. I am looking forward to the New Year to complete my dental needs.”
- Kamie Flores. 5 out of 5 stars. “I've been looking for a Dentist for awhile and came across Nova dental, so I gave it a shot . I came out from there very satisfied with my 6 month check up, the staff is absolutely amazing believe me. Vanessa the receptionist so kind help me with any questions I needed to know, Arsham who is in charge of talking to your insurance helped me understand details of what my insurance covered and what I need to pay out of pocket. Last , Dr Kim very professional he took care of my teeth very well amazing Dentist. For my Hispanic people they speak Spanish! This will be my primary Dental office from now on.”
- Jay & Kay Investigation. 5 out of 5 stars. “Me and my family love Nova Dental and we will be back for their check ups happily”
- keisha j. 5 out of 5 stars. “I had an amazing experience at Lava Dental! From the moment we arrived, the staff was incredibly kind, patient, and welcoming. They took the time to answer all of my questions and never made me feel rushed. I brought all of my children, and two of my children have special needs, so it means a lot to me when a dental office takes the time to understand their individual needs and makes them feel comfortable. Lava Dental did exactly that! They were patient, gentle, caring, and very detailed with each of my children. They treated every child with kindness and made sure they understood what was happening. I truly appreciate the time, patience, and compassion the entire team showed my family. They made what can sometimes be a stressful experience feel comfortable and positive. Thank you, Lava Dental, for taking such great care of my children and making us feel welcomed and valued. We truly appreciate you! ❤️🦷”
- carmona12. 5 out of 5 stars. “I had a terrible tooth pain that was unbearable. I called many places and found Lava Dental on my browser. It was late in the day and they fit me in for a same day appointment. The staff were super friendly and listened to my concerns. I was seen immediately and explained in detail on what I had and the solutions. Dr. Ebrahimi was super gentle and fast. She's a true master of her profession. I was in and out quickly. I had a wisdom tooth removed; it was quick and, most importantly, painless. I want to thank Sylvia, Orlando, and Dr. Ebrahimi for their prompt assistance and warm hospitality. They were able to quickly provide a painless resolution to my problem. I would highly recommend this dental office.”
- Faezeh Salari. 5 out of 5 stars. “Dr. Milad Balaei is truly one of the best dentists I've ever experienced. From the moment you walk in, you feel welcomed and comfortable. He is incredibly professional, patient, and detail-oriented, making sure everything is done perfectly and pain-free. He takes the time to explain every step, which builds so much trust and confidence. The results are always amazing, and you can tell he genuinely cares about his patients. If you're looking for a skilled, honest, and caring dentist, I highly recommend Dr. Balaei”
- Rosario Chessher. 5 out of 5 stars. “So far, my experience with Lava Dental has been great. I arrived feeling nervous and anxious about my teeth, but the staff was incredibly welcoming and friendly, which immediately put me at ease. I had an extraction done, and the process was quick and far less unpleasant than I expected.”
- Janice Acosta. 5 out of 5 stars. “(Translated by Google) Yocelyn is good at reception, provides good service and is friendly at the clinic, which is also clean. (Original) Yocelyn es buena en recepción, buen servicio y amabilidad en la clínica, además de limpia”
- Taylor Tobias. 5 out of 5 stars. “I was nervous about getting a root canal and Dr Yap made it the easiest experience ever! No pain, easy instructions and i even got to watch a movie while getting the work done, lol. If i could give ten stars i would”
- Lori Cornell. 5 out of 5 stars. “It was my first time there today The staff was very helpful explained everything. Helped me figure out financing for the work I need to get done. Office very nice clean and comfortable.”
- Katie. 5 out of 5 stars. “Y'all are the kindest dentist y'all have the nicest workers and I always complain about the other dentals but y'all are the best one yet I really hope more people come to visit 👍🩷🩵”
- Karina González. 5 out of 5 stars. “(Translated by Google) Everything is great, thank you, the employees are very professional. (Original) Todo bien gracias empleados son muy profesionales”
- Daniel Sohrabi. 5 out of 5 stars. “Amazing Doctor took care of my fillings and extraction in less than 45 min - Friendly staff - front desk Sylvia & Jocelyn were very helpful.”
- Shelby Gordon. 5 out of 5 stars. “Thank You to Sylvia & Jocelyn for being a good help they are awesome here at Lava Dental they treat everybody with care & respect…”
- Forest Joe. 5 out of 5 stars. “The visit was awesome.My kids liked it and had no issues. Everyone was super nice and efficient. Glad we chose Lava Dental!!!”
- Veronica Jasso. 5 out of 5 stars. “Love this place been bringing all my 4 children here there very fast , caring I do recommend never had any issues here ,”
- JoBee Chavez. 5 out of 5 stars. “Dr Anita, is so understanding. Great person super soft with kids. We love coming here. Thanks everyone in the office.”
- Candy Vzqz. 5 out of 5 stars. “The Doctor's here are amazing. The receptionist are also amazing. For our first time being here my children love it.”
- Rosalyn Coleman. 5 out of 5 stars. “Good experience with kids and very feiendly! Sylvia was very nice and patient with my kids, thank you!!”
Dental Exams and X-Rays FAQ
- How soon can I get a dental exam in Houston, TX?
- Most new patients can be seen within the same week, and we do our best to fit in urgent concerns even sooner. Call us at (281) 741-7400 or book online to find the next available time.
- How much does a dental exam cost?
- New patients can take advantage of our $79 Comprehensive Exam + X-Rays special, which includes a comprehensive exam and full digital X-rays. You'll leave with a personalized treatment plan and honest pricing for anything that needs attention.
- Does Lava Dental take my insurance?
- We're in-network, and we welcome out-of-network plans with available benefits. We also accept Medicaid, and our team is happy to verify your coverage before your visit.
- How often should I get a dental exam?
- For most patients, a dental exam in Houston, TX, and cleaning every six months is enough to keep small issues from becoming big ones. If you have gum disease, a history of decay, or other risk factors, Dr. Tatari of Dr. Tatari may recommend visiting more often.
- Are Dental X-Rays Safe?
- Yes. Our digital X-rays use a small fraction of the radiation of traditional film and capture only the images you actually need. They let us catch problems hidden between and beneath your teeth long before they become visible or painful.
Schedule Your Dental Exams & X-Rays Consultation in Houston Today!
Thorough exams and low-radiation digital X-rays that catch problems early — when they're easiest to treat.
Experience safe, professional dental exams & x-rays in Houston, TX, at Lava Dental. Dr. Tatari and our team are ready to care for your smile, enhance your natural beauty, and deliver the personalized dental exams & x-rays experience you deserve.
Request a time using the form, or prefer to talk it through? Call us at (281) 741-7400.
- Early Detection
- Lower Costs
- Personalized Plans
Request Your Appointment
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Why Lava Dental
Join thousands of satisfied patients who trust us with their smiles.
- 20+
- Years Serving Houston
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- Happy Patients
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- 100%
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We're Here to Help
- No Insurance? No problem! Call (281) 741-7400 for more information.
- Financing Options: We offer a wide range of dental financing options.
- We serve patients from the following counties: Houston
- We serve patients from the following cities: Houston, Acres Homes, Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Independence Heights.
- Have Questions? Please feel free to contact us at (281) 741-7400.