Exams & Cleanings

A regular checkup is the single most useful thing you can do for your teeth. It pairs a careful exam by Dr. Laine or Dr. Scott with a professional cleaning, and it is part of our preventive care for every age, from a child’s first visit to grandparents with crowns and implants.

What happens during your exam

During your regular exam, we will:

• Check for any problems that you may not see or feel
• Look for cavities or any other signs of tooth decay
• Inspect your teeth and gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease
• Check existing fillings, crowns and other restorations for wear
• Apply topical fluoride to help prevent caries (cavities)
• Perform a thorough teeth cleaning

Depending on your history, your exam may also include dental X-rays. They show decay between teeth, problems below the gum line and changes in the bone that cannot be seen in the mouth. How often you need them depends on your risk, so not every visit includes them.

Your professional cleaning

Each regular exam includes a detailed teeth cleaning, in which we clean, polish, and rinse your teeth to remove any tartar and plaque that have built up on the tooth’s surface. Tartar is hardened plaque that brushing and flossing at home cannot remove, which is why a professional cleaning matters even for people who brush well.

The cleaning has two parts. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and just below the gum line. Polishing smooths the teeth so plaque has a harder time sticking. If your gums show signs of infection, a routine cleaning may not be enough, and we may recommend a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing.

How long it takes and how it feels

Your regular exam will take about 45 minutes. Most people find a cleaning comfortable. If your gums are tender or your teeth are sensitive, tell us at the start and we will adjust. Mild sensitivity or sore gums afterward are normal and usually fade within a few days.

Why every six months

Your teeth may feel fine, but problems can exist without your knowing. Gum disease, for example, is often virtually pain-free in its early stages, and a small cavity found at a checkup can usually be repaired with a simple filling instead of a crown or root canal later.

Six months is a good schedule for most people. If you have gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, diabetes or a weakened immune system, we may suggest more frequent visits.

Getting the most from your visit

• Bring a list of any medications you take, and let us know about changes to your health
• Tell us about sensitivity, bleeding gums, a broken filling or a sore spot, even if it seems minor
• Ask about sealants for children’s molars and a mouthguard if anyone in the family plays sports

New to our office? See what to expect at your first visit. Preventive visits are covered by most dental insurance plans, and our financial information page explains how billing works. Regular exams are offered by appointment only. Request an appointment to schedule your next dental exam and teeth cleaning.