What are Cleanings and Checkups?

A cleaning and checkup are both parts of a larger preventative care regimen. Taking good care of your teeth at home is important, but you need to make time to visit the dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and exam. The cleaning works to get rid of hardened plaque and calculus that’s impossible to remove on your own. The exam checks for signs of decay or other intra oral-related problems.

Why do you need a Cleaning and Checkup?

You will need a cleaning and exam twice a year as part of your preventative care routine. Cleanings are done by a licensed hygienist, who works to take care of your teeth and remove hardened debris. Our doctor will perform an exam that helps to spot problems before they are allowed to get worse. It’s never too late to make an appointment and be seen by our doctor.

What makes you a candidate for a Cleaning and Checkup?

Everyone who wants to take good care of their teeth will be a good candidate for a checkup and exam. You’ll need to come into the office for both procedures and we can pre-schedule your visits so that they’re more convenient. Children should begin seeing the dentist when their first baby teeth start coming in. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a dentist, it’s never too late to start treatment.

What can you expect during a routine Cleaning and Checkup?

Routine cleanings and checkups involve coming into our office and first being seen by the hygienist. The hygienist works to check your gums for signs of gingivitis and gum disease. The hygienist then works to clean your teeth thoroughly and gets rid of hardened plaque and calculus. Our doctor will come in after the cleaning to perform the exam. The exam is meant to check for signs of decay and other problems like loose restorations and oral cancer. Both a cleaning and checkup take less than an hour in our office.

If you need both a cleaning and a checkup, call our office and one of our helpful staff members will be happy to assist you.