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General & Preventive Dentistry

Dental Cleaning and Examinations

Preventive visits that monitor oral health and remove deposits that daily brushing and flossing may not reach.

A close-up view of a dental examination

Monitoring your oral health

Dental examinations help monitor teeth, gums, bite, existing restorations, and changes that may need attention. A visit also creates time to discuss discomfort, sensitivity, appearance, or home-care questions.

If you feel nervous about an examination or cleaning, share your concerns before the appointment. Our dental anxiety guidance explains ways to prepare, ask questions, and discuss pauses during care.

What a preventive visit may include

  • A review of dental and medical history
  • Examination of teeth, gums, and oral tissues
  • Diagnostic imaging when clinically appropriate
  • Removal of plaque, tartar, and surface stain
  • Individual home-care guidance
  • A discussion of findings and recommended next steps

Care based on individual needs

Not everyone needs the same visit schedule or type of cleaning. Gum health, previous treatment, decay risk, medications, and other factors can affect recommendations. If signs of periodontal disease are present, a different type of care may be discussed.

General Dentistry

Personalized preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care to protect your smile, address concerns early, and support lasting oral health at every stage of life.

Periodontal Therapy

Personalized care to remove deposits below the gumline, manage periodontal disease, and support healthier gums over time.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How often should I have an examination and cleaning?

The appropriate interval depends on your oral health, risk factors, treatment history, and professional recommendation rather than one fixed schedule for everyone.

What happens during a professional dental cleaning?

A professional cleaning removes plaque and hardened tartar that brushing and flossing may not reach. The visit may also include polishing to remove surface stain and personalized guidance for caring for your teeth and gums at home.

What does a dental examination include?

An examination may include a review of your dental and medical history and an assessment of your teeth, gums, bite, oral tissues, and existing restorations. Your dentist will discuss findings and any recommended next steps with you.

Will I need dental X-rays at every visit?

Not necessarily. The need and timing for dental X-rays depend on factors such as your current oral health, symptoms, risk factors, treatment history, and available previous images. Imaging is recommended when it can provide clinically useful information.

What is the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A routine cleaning is preventive care focused on removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is periodontal treatment that may be recommended when an examination identifies gum disease below the gumline.

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