Dental Cleanings and Exams
Get A Clean, Bright Smile
Enjoy a Healthy Grin With Dental Cleanings & Exams in Garden City
A professional cleaning and exam freshens your smile and keeps small problems from turning into bigger, more costly ones. Staying consistent with your visits is one of the simplest things you can do for your long-term oral health. It benefits your overall health, too!
During dental cleanings and exams in Garden City, we remove buildup that brushing and flossing can't reach and check for cavities and gum disease. Your dentist also screens for oral cancer once a year using a VELscope. Digital X-rays and an intraoral camera give us a detailed look at your oral health, so we can provide early treatment if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings and Exams
How often should I get a dental cleaning and exam?
The American Dental Association recommends getting a dental cleaning and exam at least every six months. If you have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or other ongoing oral health concerns, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. Staying consistent with your appointments is one of the most effective ways to keep your smile healthy long term.
What happens during a professional dental cleaning?
During a professional cleaning, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and along the gumline that regular brushing and flossing cannot fully address. Your teeth are then polished to remove surface stains and leave your smile feeling fresh and clean. The entire process is gentle and typically takes about an hour.
What does a dental exam include?
A dental exam includes a thorough check for cavities, gum disease, and any other concerns affecting your oral health. Digital X-rays and an intraoral camera are used to get a detailed look at areas that aren't visible to the naked eye. Once a year, a VELscope oral cancer screening is also performed as part of your hygiene appointment.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Digital X-rays expose you to significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays, making them a very low-risk part of your routine dental care. They provide valuable information about what is happening inside and between your teeth and beneath the gumline that a visual exam alone can't capture.
What is the difference between plaque and tartar?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth throughout the day and can be removed with regular brushing and flossing. When plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be removed at home and requires a professional cleaning to address. Tartar buildup is a leading contributor to gum disease and tooth decay.
What happens if I skip my dental cleanings and exams?
Skipping regular cleanings and exams allows plaque and tartar to build up, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Small issues that could have been caught and treated early may progress into more involved and costly problems over time. Staying consistent with your visits is the most effective way to avoid bigger dental concerns.
Can a dental cleaning help with bad breath?
Professional cleanings remove the bacteria and buildup that are among the most common causes of persistent bad breath. If bad breath continues after a cleaning, your dentist can help identify whether an underlying concern like gum disease or dry mouth may be contributing to the issue and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Will a dental cleaning hurt?
For most people, a dental cleaning is comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth or significant buildup, you may experience some mild discomfort during the cleaning process. Letting your hygienist know about any sensitivity beforehand allows them to adjust their approach to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout your appointment.
