Dental Cleanings and Exams

During a dental cleaning and exam, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from all tooth surfaces, including areas that brushing and flossing can't reach on their own. Your teeth are then polished to remove surface stains. During the exam portion, your dentist checks your teeth, gums, and oral tissues for cavities, gum disease, and any other areas of concern. Every visit also includes an oral cancer screening.

We typically recommend you schedule a dental cleaning and exam every six months. Twice-yearly visits give your hygienist the chance to remove buildup before it causes damage. It also gives your dentist a regular opportunity to catch changes early. If you have a history of gum disease or a higher cavity risk, you may benefit from more frequent visits. We'll let you know what schedule makes the most sense for your smile.

Dental cleanings are not painful for most patients. Our team applies a topical anesthetic to your gums before cleaning to minimize any sensitivity or discomfort. We also offer warm blankets and noise-canceling headphones to help you feel relaxed throughout your visit. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let us know ahead of time. We can adjust our approach to make sure your experience is comfortable.

An oral cancer screening is a visual and physical check of your mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues for any signs of abnormal cells or early-stage cancer. An oral cancer screening is included as part of every routine exam at no extra step or cost to you. We make it a standard part of every checkup at Dental West.

During a dental exam, your dentist checks for cavities, early signs of gum disease, cracks or chips in your teeth, worn enamel, and any changes in your oral tissues. Digital imaging can provide a complete view of what's happening beneath the surface. If anything needs attention, we'll explain it clearly and walk you through your options before recommending any next steps.

A routine dental cleaning and exam typically takes about an hour from start to finish. This includes your health history review, any necessary X-rays, the professional cleaning, polishing, and your exam with the dentist. If it's your first visit or if additional imaging is needed, your appointment may run a little longer.

If dental anxiety is keeping you from scheduling your cleaning and exam, you have real options to help. Oral sedation is available at Dental West if you need extra support to feel comfortable. Amenities like warm blankets and noise-canceling headphones also help take the edge off. Let our team know about your anxiety when you call. We can prepare for your visit and make sure you feel at ease from the moment you arrive.

You do not need X-rays at every dental cleaning and exam. How often you need them depends on your age, oral health history, and risk factors for decay or gum disease. At Dental West, we use digital imaging when it's clinically necessary. Digital X-rays give our team a detailed view of your teeth and supporting structures that a visual exam alone can't provide.