Dental Exam & Cleaning: What to Expect at Your Checkup

What Does Dr. Chin Look for During a Dental Exam?

A dental exam is about more than looking for cavities. Dr. Chin evaluates your overall oral health and looks for changes that may need attention.

Your examination may include:

Will I Need Dental X-Rays?

Not necessarily at every visit. Dental X-rays provide information that cannot always be seen during a visual examination, including areas between teeth and structures below the gum line.

How often X-rays are recommended depends on factors such as your dental history, current oral health, age, symptoms and risk for dental problems. For more on dental X-rays, read Dental X-Rays: What They Show, Safety & When They’re Needed.

What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning?

Even with good brushing and flossing at home, plaque can accumulate in areas that are difficult to clean. When plaque hardens into tartar, it cannot be removed with normal brushing.

During a professional cleaning, the dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the teeth, including areas around the gum line that may be difficult to reach at home.

The teeth are also polished to help remove certain surface stains and leave the tooth surfaces feeling smooth and clean.

Why Are Your Gums Checked?

Healthy gums are an important part of keeping your teeth healthy. Gum disease can develop gradually and may not cause obvious discomfort in its earlier stages.

During your visit, we evaluate the gums and supporting tissues for signs of inflammation, bleeding, recession, periodontal pockets or other changes that may need attention. If signs of periodontal disease are present, Dr. Chin and the dental team can explain what they see and discuss whether additional periodontal care is appropriate. For more on deep cleaning, read Scaling & Root Planing: Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease.

Is an Oral Cancer Screening Part of a Dental Exam?

The mouth, lips, tongue, gums and other oral tissues can be examined for unusual changes or areas of concern as part of a comprehensive dental evaluation. If something unusual is identified, Dr. Chin can discuss the finding with you and recommend appropriate follow-up when needed. For more, read Oral Cancer Screening: What Dentists Look For & Why It Matters.

How Often Should I Have a Dental Exam and Cleaning?

There isn’t one schedule that is right for every patient. Many people benefit from routine preventive visits at regular intervals, while someone with gum disease, a history of frequent cavities or other oral health concerns may need to be seen more often.

Dr. Chin and your dental hygienist can recommend a schedule based on your individual oral health and risk factors.

What If It’s Been a Long Time Since My Last Dental Visit?

Come in anyway.

Some patients delay dental care because they’re nervous about what might be found or embarrassed that it has been years since their last appointment. At Cedar Hills Dental Care, the goal is not to judge you for the time that has passed. We want to understand where your dental health is today, answer your questions and help you decide what comes next. For more on returning after years away, read Haven’t Been to the Dentist in Years? What to Expect When You Come Back.