Last updated:22 Sep,2026
General dentistry at West Hills Smiles brings routine preventive care, diagnosis, and restorative treatment together in one practice. Dr. Mike Salekian provides dental examinations and cleanings alongside services such as periodontal evaluations, oral cancer screenings, digital X-rays, DIAGNOdent cavity detection, and custom protective appliances.
For families looking for a family dentist in West Hills, CA, West Hills Smiles provides comfortable, personalized care for children, adults, and seniors throughout West Hills, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Reseda, and the San Fernando Valley. Whether you need routine preventive care, treatment for gum disease, a custom nightguard, or help with an urgent dental problem, the goal is to identify concerns early and help you maintain a healthy, functional smile.
West Hills Smiles general dentistry focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, patient education, and individualized treatment planning so patients can protect their natural teeth and avoid unnecessary complications.
Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums while identifying potential problems before they become more extensive. At West Hills Smiles, preventive care combines professional dental cleanings and examinations with advanced diagnostic technology and personalized oral-health guidance.
Routine dental cleanings and examinations are an important part of preventive care at West Hills Smiles. Professional cleanings remove plaque, calculus, and other deposits that brushing and flossing alone may not completely eliminate.
During a cleaning, the hygienist can scale and polish the teeth and assess the condition of the gum tissues. Periodontal measurements may also be performed to evaluate the depth of the gingival sulcus and identify potential signs of gum disease.
Regular examinations allow Dr. Salekian to monitor changes in your oral health over time. Detecting problems when they are small can make treatment more conservative and may help prevent more extensive procedures later.
West Hills Smiles uses DIAGNOdent as an additional tool for evaluating areas where early tooth decay may be difficult to identify through visual examination alone.
DIAGNOdent uses harmless laser-light fluorescence to help identify changes within tooth structure. This can provide additional information when early decay is suspected, particularly in areas such as enamel fissures where small lesions may be difficult to identify through a visual examination alone.
The technology is intended to complement, rather than replace, a comprehensive dental examination and appropriate dental imaging. If a suspicious area is identified, Dr. Salekian can evaluate the finding and explain the recommended next step.
Digital X-rays allow your dental team to evaluate structures that cannot be fully assessed through a visual examination. High-resolution digital images can help examine areas between teeth, root structures, bone levels, and other hidden conditions.
Digital imaging also makes it possible to review images quickly during your appointment. This can help your dentist explain findings and discuss recommendations with you.
An oral cancer screening in West Hills, CA, is a quick, painless assessment of oral tissues that patients receive as part of a comprehensive examination.
Dr. Salekian visually and physically examines areas such as the tongue, cheeks, throat, and floor of the mouth for unusual changes or lesions. Early identification of suspicious tissue changes can allow them to be evaluated appropriately.
Different dental conditions require different types of care. Preventive treatment is designed to reduce risk and identify problems early, while restorative and periodontal services address conditions that have already developed.
| Care Category | Purpose | Typical Timing | Coverage / Practice Information | Main Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preventive Care | Cleanings, exams, DIAGNOdent laser detection, and digital X-rays | Based on individual oral-health needs and risk | Preventive services are often covered by PPO plans; $99 New Patient Special available | Helps prevent decay and gum disease |
| Basic Restorative | Composite tooth-colored fillings for decay or minor fractures | As needed | Coverage varies by PPO plan | Preserves natural tooth structure |
| Periodontal Therapy | Scaling and root planing for active gum disease | May require maintenance every 3–4 months | Coverage varies by insurance plan | Helps control infection and protect supporting tissues |
| Protective Appliances | Custom TMJ, bruxism, and sports guards | Custom fitted; replaced as needed | Some PPO plans provide partial coverage | Protects teeth from grinding and athletic trauma |
Insurance benefits vary by plan, and treatment recommendations depend on individual clinical findings.
Periodontal treatment at West Hills Smiles addresses inflammation and disease affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
When plaque and calculus accumulate below the gumline, professional periodontal treatment may be necessary. Scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, removes plaque and calculus from below the gumline and treats affected root surfaces. The goal is to reduce the bacterial burden and inflammation associated with periodontal disease. Depending on the extent of disease and response to treatment, patients may also need ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Signs that may indicate gum disease include:
Because periodontal disease may progress without severe pain, regular dental examinations are important even when your mouth feels comfortable.
A preventive appointment at West Hills Smiles is designed around comfort, communication, and comprehensive evaluation.
Step 1: Check-In and Health History
Your visit begins with a review of your dental and medical history, current concerns, medications, and any changes that may affect your oral health. This information helps the dental team understand what should receive particular attention during the visit.
Step 2: Advanced Diagnostic Imaging & Laser Scan
When clinically appropriate, the dental team performs digital X-rays and DIAGNOdent laser scanning. These technologies provide additional information that can help identify early enamel changes and hidden dental concerns.
Step 3: Gentle Hygienist Cleaning & Periodontal Assessment
Your hygienist performs professional scaling, polishing, and flossing while evaluating gum health. Periodontal measurements may be taken when indicated.
The goal is thorough preventive care while maintaining a comfortable patient experience.
Step 4: Doctor Exam & Collaborative Care Plan
Dr. Mike Salekian reviews the examination and diagnostic findings and discusses appropriate recommendations. Patients can ask questions and learn why a particular treatment may or may not be recommended.
The emphasis is on transparent communication and collaborative decision-making.
West Hills Smiles provides general and preventive dental care with an emphasis on a gentle, patient-first experience. Dr. Mike Salekian is committed to treating patients with personalized attention and helping families establish healthy long-term oral-health habits.
The practice uses a scheduling approach designed to minimize unnecessary waiting and can accommodate family block appointments.
West Hills Smiles also reserves dedicated time for same-day emergency dental visits when available. Patients experiencing severe toothaches, chipped teeth, or broken restorations can contact the office to discuss their situation.
West Hills Smiles combines a modern dental facility with advanced diagnostic technology and a comfortable environment.
For qualifying new patients, the $99 New Patient Special includes an examination, digital X-rays, and a professional dental cleaning. Patients should confirm current promotional terms and eligibility when scheduling.
The right schedule depends on your oral health, cavity risk, gum health, age, and treatment history. Some patients may be advised to return about every six months, while others need a different interval. Patients being treated or monitored for periodontal disease may require more frequent maintenance visits based on their individual findings.
The $99 New Patient Special includes a comprehensive dental examination by Dr. Mike Salekian, digital X-rays, and a professional dental prophylaxis cleaning.
Because promotional terms may change, prospective patients should confirm current eligibility and offer details with West Hills Smiles.
DIAGNOdent is a non-invasive laser-based diagnostic technology that uses fluorescence to help identify changes associated with tooth decay.
At West Hills Smiles, DIAGNOdent can provide additional information when evaluating areas where early decay may be difficult to detect visually.
New dentures may cause some mild soreness or irritation in the first few weeks as your gums get used to them. This is completely normal. IfDental X-rays use a small amount of radiation and are recommended when the expected diagnostic benefit justifies the exposure. Digital imaging allows the dental team to evaluate areas that cannot be fully assessed during a visual examination, including spaces between teeth, tooth roots, and supporting bone. The type and frequency of X-rays should be based on each patient’s age, oral health, history, and current clinical findings. discomfort persists or your dentures feel loose or uncomfortable, simply contact our West Hills office and we will schedule an adjustment appointment. A properly fitted denture should not cause ongoing pain. Over time, as the gums and jawbone settle, relining may be needed to maintain a comfortable fit.
A routine check-up may include digital imaging, DIAGNOdent laser scanning, professional cleaning, periodontal assessment, oral cancer screening, and an examination with Dr. Salekian.
The exact procedures performed depend on your oral-health condition and diagnostic needs.
Preventive dentistry focuses on identifying dental problems while they are still relatively small. Early decay, gingivitis, and other concerns can sometimes be treated before they progress into more complex conditions.
Preventive dentistry can identify certain dental problems before they become more extensive. Regular examinations also give your dentist an opportunity to monitor cavity risk, gum health, existing restorations, and changes that may need attention. Addressing problems earlier can sometimes mean simpler treatment and may help patients avoid complications associated with untreated dental disease.
Potential signs include red, swollen, or tender gums; bleeding during brushing or flossing; persistent bad breath; and gum recession.
Because periodontal disease does not always cause significant pain in its early stages, regular examinations are important. When active disease is identified, scaling and root planing may be recommended.
Custom nightguards are made to fit the individual’s dental anatomy. They create a protective barrier between the teeth and can absorb some of the forces produced by grinding and clenching.
A nightguard may help protect enamel from excessive wear and reduce strain associated with bruxism. Patients with persistent jaw pain or TMJ symptoms should receive a professional evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
Chronic bad breath can be associated with oral bacteria, periodontal pockets, dry mouth, trapped food, or bacteria on the tongue.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include professional cleaning, periodontal treatment, improved oral hygiene, tongue cleaning, and therapeutic rinses.
Yes. West Hills Smiles reserves dedicated appointment time for same-day dental emergencies when available.
Patients experiencing severe toothaches, chipped teeth, or broken restorations can call the practice to discuss their symptoms and determine whether a same-day appointment is appropriate.
Custom sports mouthguards are precision-molded to an individual’s unique bite. This can provide a more secure fit than many generic alternatives.
A properly fitted athletic mouthguard can help protect the teeth and oral soft tissues while remaining securely positioned during sports.
An oral cancer screening is a quick and painless visual and tactile examination of the mouth and surrounding tissues.
Dr. Salekian examines areas including the tongue, cheeks, throat, and floor of the mouth for unusual tissue changes or lesions. The goal is to identify concerning changes early so they can be evaluated appropriately.
Encourage your child to brush twice daily for two minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and to floss daily. Limiting sugary snacks and drinks can also support healthy teeth.
Children should generally have their first dental visit when the first tooth appears or no later than their first birthday. Starting early gives the dentist an opportunity to monitor development and helps families establish preventive habits from the beginning.
To schedule an appointment, call West Hills Smiles at (818) 346-4303 or book online through the practice website.
West Hills Smiles welcomes patients from West Hills, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Reseda, and communities throughout the San Fernando Valley.
West Hills Smiles
7325 Medical Center Dr, Ste 310
West Hills, CA 91307
(818) 346-4303
westhillssmiles.com
Coverage descriptions and treatment recommendations vary according to individual oral health, diagnostic findings, insurance plans, and clinical needs. This guide provides general dental educational information and is not formal medical advice. Consult a licensed dentist for an accurate oral health evaluation.