Cleanings & Exams
in Scottsdale
At Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics, we believe a healthy smile is the foundation of a person's overall well-being. We offer a range of preventive services, including comprehensive dental exams and cleanings, to halt the development or progression of dental disease. We strive to ensure your smile stays healthy and bright for years to come.
The short answer
A cleaning and exam visit usually takes about an hour. A hygienist removes plaque and tartar with an ultrasonic scaler, polishes and flosses, and the dentist checks your teeth, gums, bite and old dental work. Most patients come every six months; people with gum disease may need to come more often.
Preventative Dentistry
How Often Should You Visit the Dentist?
Most dental professionals recommend scheduling your dental exams and cleanings twice a year to keep dental disease at bay. If, however, you have gum disease or have risk factors for dental disease, we may recommend more frequent visits to help you maintain a healthy smile.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Cleanings?
Regular dental exams and cleanings are key to uncovering any oral health concerns as they develop before they progress and require extensive treatments. Prevention is always better than treatment, and routine cleanings do just that. Removing plaque and tartar buildup helps lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and a host of other oral health concerns.
What Can You Expect During Your Visit?
While each dental visit is an exclusive, personalized experience, here is what you may expect.
Dental X-Rays
We may recommend digital dental X-rays to evaluate concerns we can't see with the naked eye. X-ray imaging can reveal early signs of decay, bone loss, cysts, and more.
Comprehensive Exams
A thorough evaluation of your gums, teeth, bite (occlusion), and any dental restorations. Detecting any problems early ensures prompt treatment and prevents the need for extensive procedures.
Oral Cancer Screenings
An oral cancer screening is a vital component of every dental exam, revealing early signs of abnormal tissue. Treating oral cancer in its earliest stages ensures the best possible outcomes.
Dental Cleanings
We use ultrasonic scalers to gently blast away plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line, ensuring a thorough and comfortable cleaning experience.
Laser Therapy
We offer laser therapy alongside dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach areas that our ultrasonic scaler can miss, and to eliminate harmful bacteria.
Fluoride Treatment
We may recommend fluoride application after cleaning to remineralize your tooth enamel and lower the risk of cavities. Fluoride has been shown to reverse early decay, preventing it from progressing.
Patient Education
We offer tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques, smile-healthy nutrition, remedies for tooth sensitivity, and ways to safeguard your smile.
Dental Exams & Cleanings — FAQ
What happens during a dental exam?
A dental exam includes a thorough evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. Your dentist may also use digital X-rays and intraoral imaging to check for issues that aren't visible during a visual exam.
What is included in a professional dental cleaning?
A professional cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing can't reach. It typically includes scaling, polishing, and flossing to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
How often should I get a dental exam and cleaning?
Most patients benefit from dental exams and cleanings every six months. Patients with gum disease or higher cavity risk may need more frequent visits based on their dentist's recommendation.
Are dental X-rays necessary at every visit?
No. Dental X-rays are only taken when clinically necessary to monitor changes or detect hidden problems like cavities or bone loss. Digital X-rays use low radiation and help ensure accurate diagnosis.
Do dental cleanings hurt?
Dental cleanings are usually comfortable, but some patients may experience mild sensitivity, especially if there is gum inflammation. Your dental team can adjust techniques to ensure a comfortable experience.
Related treatments
Written by the Scottsdale Dental Aesthetics team. Treatment is provided by Dr. Omar Karaboulad, DMD and Dr. Richard Alverson, DDS.
Last updated . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Call (480) 991-3244 to ask about your own situation.
Coming from Paradise Valley, North Scottsdale or nearby? See distances and directions.