Exams, Cleanings & Gum Care
Healthy Smiles Start with Preventive Care
Regular dental exams and cleanings are the foundation of lifelong oral health. These routine visits allow us to prevent problems before they become more serious, detect concerns early, and keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.
Whether you're visiting us for the first time or returning for your routine checkup, every appointment is personalized to your individual needs. If we identify any concerns, we'll take the time to explain our findings, answer your questions, and recommend treatment options that fit your goals.
What to Expect
NEW PATIENT VISIT
Your first visit is typically 90 minutes and is designed to give us a comprehensive understanding of your oral health.
Your appointment may include:
Comprehensive dental examination
Digital x-rays (as needed)
Intraoral photographs
Oral cancer screening
Professional teeth cleaning (when periodontal disease is not present)
Personalized treatment recommendations
If we find signs of periodontal (gum) disease, we'll explain your findings and discuss whether a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is recommended before completing a routine cleaning.
RETURNING PATIENT VISIT
Routine recall appointments are typically 40–60 minutes and may include:
Comprehensive dental examination
Digital x-rays (typically once per year or when clinically indicated)
Professional teeth cleaning every six months
Periodontal maintenance every three to four months for patients with a history of gum disease
Fluoride varnish, which we recommend at each visit to help strengthen enamel, reduce sensitivity, and help prevent cavities
Every visit is tailored to your individual oral health needs.
Routine Cleanings vs. Deep Cleanings
A routine cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
If bacteria have spread below the gums and caused periodontal disease, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be recommended. This treatment removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the root surfaces beneath the gums to help stop the progression of gum disease and protect the bone supporting your teeth.
Following a deep cleaning, most patients return every 3–4 months for periodontal maintenance to help keep the condition stable and maintain healthy gums.
How Often Should I Visit?
Most patients benefit from a dental exam and professional cleaning every six months.
Patients with periodontal disease generally require more frequent visits every three to four months to maintain healthy gums and prevent future bone loss.
We'll recommend a schedule that's personalized to your oral health, risk factors, and overall treatment goals.
Why Are Routine Dental Visits Important?
Many dental problems develop gradually and often don't cause pain until they've become more advanced. Regular examinations allow us to identify concerns early, when treatment is typically simpler, more conservative, and less costly.
During your visits, we'll evaluate for:
Cavities
Gum disease
Tooth wear from grinding or clenching
Chipped or cracked teeth
Bite problems
Signs of infection
Oral cancer
Early detection gives us the best opportunity to preserve your natural teeth and help you avoid more extensive treatment in the future.
Our Preventive Philosophy
We believe the best dentistry is the dentistry you never need.
Our focus is on helping you maintain a healthy smile through preventive care, early diagnosis, and patient education. By identifying concerns before they become larger problems, we can often recommend more conservative treatment, preserve more of your natural tooth structure, and help you enjoy a healthy smile for years to come.
Ready for your next checkup? Schedule your visit online or contact us.