General Dentistry
Exams & Cleanings
Routine exams and professional cleanings that catch small problems early and keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Most visits are uneventful, and that’s the point. A regular exam and cleaning gives us a look at your teeth and gums a couple of times a year, so small problems get found while they’re still small.
What happens in the chair
One of our hygienists starts by removing plaque and tartar from your teeth and along the gumline. Tartar is plaque that has hardened, and once it forms, a toothbrush won’t get it off. After that comes polishing, then a few minutes on your brushing and flossing if there’s something worth adjusting.
Then the exam. We check each tooth, your gums, and how your bite fits together, and we do an oral cancer screening. X-rays happen only when they’ll tell us something we can’t see by looking. Plenty of visits don’t need them.
Why come in when nothing hurts
Early cavities and gum disease usually don’t hurt. By the time a tooth aches, the problem has often grown past the point where a small filling would fix it.
Say it’s been two years since your last cleaning, and your gums bleed a bit when you floss. At the visit we might find some tartar below the gumline and one spot of early decay. A thorough cleaning and a small filling would likely take care of both. Wait another couple of years and that same tooth could need much more work.
That’s why we see children, adults, and longtime patients on the same routine. If we do spot something, you’ll hear about it in plain terms, with the simplest option first. Nobody will rush you into a decision.
Frequently asked questions
- How often should I come in for a cleaning?
- Most people do well with a cleaning and exam every six months, though some benefit from more frequent visits based on their gum health. We'll talk through what makes sense for you rather than applying a one-size-fits-all schedule.
- Do you take dental X-rays at every visit?
- No. We take X-rays only when they'll give us information we don't already have, and we space them based on your history and risk. Our goal is to gather what we need to care for you without doing more than necessary.
- Will a cleaning hurt?
- For most patients a routine cleaning is comfortable. If your gums are tender or sensitive, let us know and we'll go slowly and discuss options to keep you comfortable.
- What if you find a problem during my exam?
- We'll explain what we see in plain language and walk you through your options, starting with the least invasive one. You'll never feel pressured to move faster than you're ready to.