Christopher B. Wong, DDSPalo Alto Dentistry

Prevention first

Preventive dentistry in Palo Alto

Thorough, comfortable checkups that catch issues early, when they’re easiest to treat, planned by Dr. Christopher B. Wong around your own cavity and gum risk.

Request a visit(650) 326-6319
382 five-star Google reviewsPPO benefits checked first
A clinician treating a patient in a glass-walled treatment room off the garden courtyard
Planned around your riskSix-month visits for most; every 3–4 months when gums or cavities need it.

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Christopher B. Wong · Updated

How often
Every 6 months for most; 3–4 for some
Includes
Cleaning, exam, gum and oral cancer screening
X-rays
Digital, at intervals matched to your risk
Insurance
PPO benefits checked before your visit

Is this right for you?

Prevention that fits your mouth

  • You’re due for a checkup, or it’s been years and you want a fresh start
  • You’ve had frequent cavities, dry mouth, or gum problems
  • Your gums bleed, or a tooth is sensitive to cold
  • You grind or clench, or play contact sports
  • You’re planning whitening, veneers, or Invisalign

In plain language

What is preventive dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is the simplest way to protect your teeth, avoid surprise emergencies, and keep your smile healthy long-term. Each visit combines a professional cleaning with a detailed exam, so we can catch small problems before they become painful or expensive.

Digital X-rays let us see between teeth and under existing restorations. Taken at the right intervals, they let us treat a small cavity with a conservative filling rather than waiting until a crown or root canal is needed.

What’s included

What preventive care includes

Each visit pairs a professional cleaning with a detailed exam. The extras depend on your risk, not a template.

  • Cleanings and exams

    Plaque and hardened tartar removed, especially around the gumline, plus a detailed exam at the same visit.
    About cleanings and exams

  • Digital X-rays

    See between teeth and under existing fillings, with far less radiation than older film. Taken only when they’re due.

  • Gum and oral cancer screening

    Part of every comprehensive exam, along with checks for bite wear and early signs of infection or stress fractures.

  • Fluoride and sealants

    Recommended when your risk calls for them. Sealants protect the deep grooves on chewing surfaces that brushes miss.
    Sealants and fluoride for kids

  • Custom guards

    Night guards for grinding and clenching, and custom sports mouthguards for active kids and adults.
    Do you need a night guard?

  • A schedule that fits your risk

    Six-month visits suit most people; gum disease, frequent cavities, or implants may call for every 3–4 months.

Your visit, step by step

A checkup, start to finish

  1. 1

    Your history and goals

    We review your health history, any concerns, and your goals, including cosmetic plans like whitening or Invisalign.
  2. 2

    A professional cleaning

    Your hygienist removes plaque and the hardened tartar home brushing can’t reach, especially around the gumline.
  3. 3

    Exam, screenings, and X-rays when due

    Dr. Wong checks for cavities, gum inflammation, bite wear, and early signs of infection or stress fractures, and screens for oral cancer.
  4. 4

    Your prevention plan

    Home-care coaching, fluoride or sealants if they’d help, and the right interval for your next visit.

A personalized prevention plan

No two mouths are the same. We tailor your schedule to your risk factors: dry mouth, diet, past cavities, orthodontic history, and gum health. Some patients need standard six-month visits; others do best with shorter intervals to keep inflammation and bacteria controlled.

Working toward cosmetic goals? Healthy gums and enamel help whitening, veneers, and Invisalign results look better and last longer.

Comfort and technology

  • A judgment-free restart

    Haven’t been in years? You’re not alone. We start with a comfortable exam and focus on what matters most.

  • Digital imaging

    Significantly less radiation than film, taken at intervals that match your age and risk.

  • Gentle cleanings

    Sensitive teeth or inflamed gums? We go gently and can add topical numbing.

  • Careful infection control

    Current CDC and ADA guidelines, rigorous sterilization, and medical-grade air filtration.

Cost, insurance & payment

Preventive care cost and insurance

Exams, cleanings, and X-rays are preventive care, which most PPO plans cover. We check your benefits first, so there are no surprises.

What affects your cost

  • Whether X-rays are due at this visit
  • A routine cleaning or a deep cleaning
  • Extras like fluoride, sealants, or a custom guard
  • Your plan’s preventive benefits and visit frequency

  • Have PPO insurance?

    We’re out-of-network, but most PPO plans still pay a share of your care here. Preventive visits are often a plan’s best-covered category. Send us your plan and we’ll check your benefits and explain your portion before treatment.

  • No dental insurance?

    Ask about our in-house dental plan, which offers savings on preventive care and treatment.

  • Ways to pay

    We accept Visa, MasterCard, and FSA/HSA funds.

Request a visitHow out-of-network coverage works

Patient reviews

Clear advice, no pressure

Reviews about visits and advice at our office.

All 382 Google reviews

  • “Easy to park. The staff is very helpful. Helen is the best hygienist I’ve ever had.”

    Lawan JacksonOn visiting the office

  • “Dr. Wong's office is great! He is thorough, gentle, and always explains things clearly.”

    Jason JonesOn Dr. Wong

  • “Dr. Wong was great! He was patient, thorough, and didn't push unnecessary treatment.”

    Brian OswaltOn treatment advice

Your care team

Who you’ll see

Dr. Christopher B. Wong

Dr. Christopher B. Wong

Dentist & practice owner

Dr. Wong does your exam and explains what he sees in plain language. Our registered dental hygienists handle cleanings and home-care coaching.

  • UOP Dugoni School of Dentistry, 2018
  • ADA, CDA, and SCCDS member
Meet Dr. Wong
  • Angelisa, Registered Dental Hygienist

    Angelisa

    Registered Dental Hygienist

    Caring for patients here since 2008

  • Helen, Registered Dental Hygienist

    Helen

    Registered Dental Hygienist

    More than 15 years of dental hygiene

  • Kaye, Registered Dental Hygienist

    Kaye

    Registered Dental Hygienist

    Honors graduate, Carrington College

  • Meet the whole team

Questions

Preventive dentistry FAQs

Visit frequency, X-ray safety, and getting back on track.

How often should I get a checkup and cleaning?

Most patients do well with preventive visits every six months. If you have gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or implants, we may recommend visits every 3–4 months to keep things stable.

What’s included in a preventive appointment?

A typical visit includes a professional cleaning, a detailed dental exam, gum health screening, and digital X‑rays when appropriate. We look for early signs of decay, infection, wear, or bite issues so treatment stays simple.

Are digital X‑rays safe?

Yes. Digital imaging uses significantly less radiation than older film systems. We only take X‑rays at intervals that match your age and risk profile.

Can preventive care really prevent bigger problems?

Preventive care can’t remove risk entirely, but it dramatically lowers it. Cleanings remove hardened tartar that brushing can’t, and exams help us catch problems early—before they become painful or require more extensive treatment.

What if I haven’t seen a dentist in years?

You’re not alone. We’ll start with a comfortable, judgment‑free exam and prioritize what matters most for your health. Getting back to routine preventive care is the best first step.

Keep exploring

Related services

More ways to maintain and restore your smile.

Patients visit our Cambridge Avenue office from Menlo Park, Stanford, Mountain View and Los Altos; see all the areas we serve.

From the blog

Preventive Dentistry guides

All articles

Your next visit

Due for a checkup?

Request a visit online in about a minute, or call the front desk. We’ll check your benefits first and plan a schedule that fits your risk.

Request an appointmentCall (650) 326-6319