Cleanings & Exams

Tartar, tooth decay, and other issues can easily develop and go unnoticed, even if you brush and floss daily.

Regular cleanings and exams can eliminate tartar and allow your dentist to catch issues in the earliest stages, when they are most treatable.

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Bacteria in plaque and tartar can cause gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease and other conditions. Routine exams can protect your periodontal and overall health. Many exams also include an oral cancer screening.

Your dental team can pinpoint room for improvement in your daily oral hygiene routine based on the state of your smile. They can coach you in choosing more effective products and using them in the most beneficial ways.

Under most insurance plans, six-month exams cost nothing extra, or only require a co-pay that costs less than a tank of gas. Meanwhile, treating minor decay is far less costly than a root canal or, in extreme cases, dental implants.

What does a cleaning involve?

Gum disease infographic

*According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Two short appointments per year can provide lifelong benefits...

The good news is that regardless of whether you are insured, comprehensive dental exams carry a highly affordable price tag compared to what you can expect to pay for the treatment you will likely need if you neglect to undergo regular checkups. The average out-of-pocket expense for a cleaning and full exam is $198. Meanwhile, gum disease treatments such as scaling and root planing can exceed $1,000, a root canal can cost $700 to $900, and replacing a single tooth with an implant and crown can cost $3,000 for the implant alone.

Without insurance, a cleaning and full exam cost $198 on average.

Your dentist will perform a visual exam using an intraoral camera to assess the state of your teeth and gums.

X-rays will allow your dentist to further examine your teeth, dental roots, and jawbone for any signs of decay, fractures, or infection.

Your dentist may conduct an oral cancer screening by visually examining the soft tissues of your mouth or using a special tool to detect abnormalities.

A dental hygienist will carefully remove any plaque and tartar.

Your teeth will be polished using a gritty paste and a special rotary tool.

Your dentist and hygienist can provide any necessary suggestions for more efficient brushing and flossing.

Is there any alternative to six-month checkups?

Even if you brush and floss daily, never smoke or drink, and subsist on a diet low in sugar, there are still many factors beyond your control when it comes to your oral health. In fact, genetics and hormonal changes alone can spur many oral health issues, including gum disease. Meanwhile, some issues present no initial symptoms whatsoever, especially to the untrained eye. The regular attention of a dentist is the best way to protect your smile and many aspects of your overall health.

Regular dental checkups can save you money and help you avoid many painful oral health issues. It could even save your life. Speak to a dentist about scheduling an exam and cleaning today.