— DRAKE COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY
Exams & Cleanings
If it's been longer than you'd like since your last cleaning, you're in good company. A lot of folks around Mooresville put off a checkup because the last one felt rushed, cold, or a little too much like a lecture. We get it. A routine exam and cleaning is the easiest way to ease back in — nothing dramatic, no guilt trips, just a calm visit with a team whose whole reason for being here is to make the dentist a little less scary. We see patients from 1 to 101, and we'd love to have you back in the chair whenever you're ready.
What Your Checkup Visit Includes
Here's the honest answer to the question most people are quietly asking: what are they actually going to do to me? A regular checkup with us starts with a professional cleaning, where we remove the plaque and tartar that build up even when you're brushing well at home. From there, we take a good look at your gum health and check the condition of your teeth.
Depending on what you need, your visit can include digital X-rays and an oral cancer screening, which is a quick, painless look that gives real peace of mind. For kids and adults who could use extra protection, we offer fluoride treatments and sealants that help guard against cavities before they start.
We use modern cleaning tools that make the whole thing gentler than the scrape-and-poke visits you might remember. And we tell you what we're seeing as we go, so nothing feels like a mystery. No surprises, no scolding — just a clear picture of where your smile stands today.
Digital X-Rays and 3D Imaging
A visual exam only tells part of the story. Some of the most important things — a cavity forming between teeth, trouble hiding below the gumline, an issue at the root — simply can't be seen with the naked eye. That's where imaging comes in. We use digital X-rays to catch small problems early, while they're still easy and inexpensive to fix.
For more complex situations, we also have CBCT imaging, which gives us a detailed 3D view when a routine X-ray isn't enough. Not every checkup calls for it, but when it matters, we have the tools right here to look closer instead of sending you somewhere else.
A Checkup That Doesn't Feel Scary
Our whole approach is built around one idea: making the dentist's office fun again. That might sound like a stretch if your past visits left you white-knuckling the armrest, but we mean it. Dental care shouldn't be something you dread.
We take the time to explain what we find and walk you through every option, so you're the one making decisions about your own care. You'll never feel pushed toward something you don't understand or didn't ask about. If you're nervous, tell us — we'd rather go slow and keep you comfortable than rush you through.
A lot of the anxiety people carry into a dental chair comes from feeling out of control or talked down to. We do things differently. You'll always know what's happening and why, and you'll always have a say.
If you've been meaning to get back on track, give us a call at (704) 660-3540 and we'll get you scheduled at a time that works for you.
A Familiar Team, Decades of Experience
If you've lived around Mooresville or the greater Lake Norman area for a while, you may already know some of our faces. Our practice moved from Dr. Mark McConnell to Dr. Matt Drake, and one of the things we're proudest of is how smooth that change has been for the people we care for.
The team you knew is largely the same team you'll see today. Many of our staff have decades of experience and have been caring for local families since at least 2007. So if you were a patient here years ago and drifted away, there's a good chance you'll walk in and recognize the person calling your name.
That kind of continuity matters. When the same people know your history and your quirks, your visits get easier and your care gets better. For longtime residents wondering whether it's still the same trusted place — yes, it is.
Preventive Care for the Whole Family
One of the nicest things about a family practice is not having to bounce between offices. We care for patients from 1 to 101, which means your toddler's first visit, your own cleaning, and your parents' care can all happen under one roof.
For the little ones, we offer pediatric dentistry along with sealants and fluoride to protect growing teeth. For adults who grind at night, a custom night guard can save your smile a lot of wear. And because we handle general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry here in Mooresville, most needs can be met without a referral across town.
Families from Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville visit us too, and we're glad to be a lasting dental home for households throughout the Lake Norman region.
Schedule Your Exam in Mooresville
Ready to get back on the calendar? You'll find us at 118 Kendra Dr, Mooresville, NC 28117. Our office is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, which makes it easy to slot a cleaning in before work or errands.
The simplest way to book is to call us at (704) 660-3540, or you can fill out the contact form on our website and we'll reach back out. Whether you're a longtime patient or new to the Lake Norman area, we'd love to see you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I schedule a cleaning and exam?
Most people do well with a checkup and cleaning every six months, which is the standard recommendation for keeping problems small and catching them early. That said, the right frequency depends on your own mouth — some folks need to come in more often, and we'll tell you honestly what makes sense for you.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
As a new patient, we'll gather your health history, take any needed imaging, and review your gum health so we have a full baseline to work from. The easiest way to get started is to call us or fill out the contact form on our website, and we'll set everything up.
Do you have options if I don't have dental insurance?
We work with plenty of patients who don't carry dental insurance, and we're happy to talk through your options. Give us a call and we'll walk you through what's currently available so cost doesn't stand in the way of care.
It's been years since my last visit — is that a problem?
Not at all, and you won't hear a single lecture from us. We see people all the time who've been away for a while, and our only goal is to help you get comfortable and back on track at whatever pace feels right.
Can my kids be seen at the same office?
Absolutely. We offer pediatric dentistry and care for patients of every age, so the whole family can be seen in one place instead of running between offices.
What happens if you find a cavity?
If something turns up during your exam, we can usually take care of it right here — from composite fillings to root canals and other restorative work. That means fewer referrals and less shuffling around when you need treatment.
How do I book around a work schedule?
Our early 8:00 AM start times Tuesday through Friday make it easier to come in before your day gets going, and our shorter Friday hours can work well for end-of-week visits. Just call us at (704) 660-3540 and we'll find a slot that fits.
Do you see patients with dental emergencies?
Yes, we offer emergency dental care for situations that can't wait for a routine appointment. If you're dealing with pain or a dental problem that feels urgent, call our office and let us know what's going on.