Dental Exams & Cleanings in Highland Village

Regular dental checkups and cleanings provide an array of benefits to your oral and overall health. Routine visits allow your dentist to address any concerns in a timely manner, so little problems don’t become big problems, and to minimize any plaque or bacteria accumulation, which could cause complications in the future like cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

The American Dental Association recommends most people visit the dentist every 6 months for a check-up and cleaning. During these visits, a dental hygienist will professionally clean your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar that has accumulated or developed, and a dentist will examine your teeth, mouth, and tongue for any signs of tooth decay, infection, or other health concern. If you have significant problems with your oral health, such as gum disease or severe tooth decay, your dentist may recommend that you come in more frequently so they can monitor and treat your condition.

On average, a dental checkup or cleaning lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. During a checkup or cleaning, a dental hygienist will professionally clean and floss your teeth and the dentist will examine your oral hygiene and assess your risk for oral cancer. The purpose of a dental cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar–which build up and cannot be cleaned with brushing alone–and identify any signs of tooth decay, infection, or other problems like bone loss. The exact length of your appointment will depend on factors like how long it takes the hygienist to clean your teeth, if you are having any x-rays, and if you are receiving any additional treatments such as fluoride.

Dental cleanings are a gentle and non-invasive preventative measure to preserve and maintain gum and tooth health. Usually when one refers to a cleaning it is a prophylaxis dental cleaning, which is intended to prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease from developing. Deep cleaning, on the other hand, is used to treat gum disease by removing bacteria that has formed under infected gum tissue. Dental deep cleaning is also commonly referred to as scaling and root planing. No matter what type of cleaning you receive, all cleanings have the same purpose of removing debris and increasing oral health and overall wellbeing. 

Generally speaking, a dental cleaning, dental exam, and dental checkup all happen at the same time during your bi-annual visit to the dentist. The dental cleaning portion of your visit is when the hygienist removes plaque, tartar, and debris from your teeth and gums, professionally brushes them with a strong toothpaste, and flosses them. The dental exam, or dental checkup,  is when the dentist assesses your oral health by evaluating each tooth, assessing your gum health, and evaluating your risk for oral cancer. 

You and your family can receive all of these services and more at Dental Depot, where we make it easy and convenient to get the affordable care you need for a healthy smile.