Welcome to Desert Lake Dental, where we believe that a healthy smile is beautiful. Dental cleanings and exams maintain your oral health and prevent future dental issues. Our clinic for dental exams and cleaning is here to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays bright.
Dental Exam vs. Cleaning
A comprehensive dental exam and a deep dental cleaning are two key components of maintaining oral health, but they serve different purposes. A dental exam involves a thorough check-up of your teeth, gums, and mouth to detect problems early. In contrast, dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar buildup to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Is Cleaning Included in a Dental Exam?
Yes, a standard dental exam includes a professional cleaning. A hygienist will clean your teeth, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and make your teeth smooth and shiny. The deep cleaning dental code is D4341 for four or more teeth per quadrant and D4342 for one to three teeth per quadrant.
What Does a Full Dental Exam Include?
A full dental exam includes a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health. This typically involves:
- Visual assessment of your teeth, gums, and mouth
- Digital X-rays to detect issues not visible to the naked eye
- Oral cancer screening
- Examination of your bite and jaw alignment
- Discussion of your dental history and any concerns you may have
Who is a Good Candidate for Dental Cleaning and Exam?
Everyone is a good candidate for a cleaning and exam! Good candidates for teeth cleaning and exam include:
- Children and adults looking to maintain their oral health
- People with a history of dental issues
- People seeking dental problem prevention
- Anyone who wants to keep their smile in top shape
When to Have a Dental Cleaning and Exam?
- Every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings
- As recommended by your dentist for specific dental health needs
- Immediately if you experience any dental pain or issues between regular visits
- Before and after major dental procedures to ensure optimal oral health
Types of Dental Examination
Various types of dental examinations include:
- Routine Check-ups: You can do them every six months to monitor oral health and maintain dental hygiene.
- Comprehensive Exams are thorough evaluations of your entire mouth that assess overall dental health and create treatment plans.
- Emergency Exams: They are for sudden dental issues or pain and provide quick relief and prevent complications.
- Specialized Exams: They involve detailed assessments and targeted treatments. They are for specific concerns like orthodontic needs, periodontal disease, or oral cancer screenings.
Types of Dental Cleaning
Types of dental cleaning include:
- Prophylaxis (Routine Cleaning): This is a regular cleaning that you can do every six months to remove plaque and tartar and keep up your oral health.
- Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): It is a cleaning aiming to remove plaque and tartar from below your gum line and prevents and treats gum disease.
- Periodontal Maintenance: It is performed regularly to manage and maintain periodontal health. It is an ongoing cleaning and care for patients with gum disease.
Dental Examination Procedure
Let’s see what is involved in a dental exam. During a dental examination:
- We review your dental history.
- Our dentists perform a visual inspection of your mouth.
- We take digital X-rays if needed.
- We conduct an oral cancer screening.
- Our experts check your bite and jaw alignment.
- We discuss any findings and recommend treatment with you if necessary.
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Dental Deep Cleaning Procedure
A dental deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) involves several steps:
- We remove tartar and plaque from below your gum line.
- Our experts smoothen the tooth roots to prevent further buildup.
- We sometimes apply an antibiotic treatment to eliminate bacteria.
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning and Exam Take?
A typical dental cleaning and exam usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. This process includes a thorough cleaning, an inspection of your teeth, and possibly X-rays. However, deep cleanings can take longer. They often range from 1 to 2 hours per session. Sometimes, deep cleanings are performed over multiple visits to ensure thorough treatment and comfort.
Dental Cleaning Before and After
Before a cleaning, you might have:
- Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth
- Possible stains or teeth discoloration
- Minor food particles and debris in your mouth
- The potential for bad breath
- Gingivitis or early signs of gum disease
After a cleaning, you will have:
- Removed plaque and tartar
- Cleaner and brighter teeth
- Fresher and cleaner mouth feel
- Significant reduction or elimination of bad breath
- Healthier gums with reduced inflammation
Dental Exam Before and After
Before a dental exam, you might have:
- Uncertainty about your oral health status
- Potential hidden cavities or decay
- Possible unnoticed gum disease
- Lack of a current dental health plan
- Anxiety or concern about dental issues
After a dental exam, you will have:
- Clear knowledge of your oral health status
- Identified cavities or decay
- Detected and managed gum diseases
- Personalized treatment plan and recommendations
- Peace of mind and reduced anxiety about dental health
How Much Does a Cleaning and Dental Exam Cost?
The average cost of dental exams and cleaning can vary:
Cost of Dental Cleaning
The cost can differ based on where you live and the specific dental practice. Typically, you can expect to pay within a moderate range. For detailed pricing, please contact our office.
Dental Exam Cost
A dental exam also has a variable cost. It can depend on the complexity of the exam and any additional X-rays or screenings required. However, the cost generally falls within a moderate range. For more precise pricing information, please reach out to us directly or give our office a call at 623-388-5888.
How Much is a Dental Cleaning and Exam Without Insurance?
The cost of dental exams and cleaning without insurance can also vary:
Dental Cleaning Without Insurance
The cost of dental x-rays and cleaning without insurance can vary. Generally, it falls within a moderate range. For exact pricing, please contact us or call our office.
Dental Exam Cost Without Insurance
It also varies depending on the complexity of the exam and any additional procedures needed. Typically, it falls within a moderate range. For more pricing details, contact us directly or give our office a call.
Are Dental Cleanings Painful?
Cleanings are generally not painful. Most patients might experience only minimal pain, which can typically be rated as 1 to 2 on a scale of 1 to 10. Dentists typically use professional dental cleaning tools and gentle techniques and, if needed, can apply a topical anesthetic to sensitive areas to minimize pain and ensure your comfort during the procedure. If you have sensitive teeth, let your dentist know, and they will take extra care to make your visit pleasant and pain-free.
Dental Cleaning and Exam Benefits
Dental cleanings and exams have numerous benefits:
- Cleanings prevent cavities and gum disease and help you maintain your oral health.
- Routine exams help with early detection and treatment of dental problems before they worsen.
- Professional cleanings enhance your oral hygiene, which results in fresher breath and healthier teeth.
- Good oral care can positively impact your overall health and well-being and reduce risks of other health issues.
Dental Cleaning and Exam Near Me in Avondale, Arizona
If you’re looking for the best dental exam and cleaning in Avondale, Arizona, Desert Lake Dental is here for you. Forget about home dental cleaning kits; Our experienced team is dedicated to providing top-quality, affordable dental cleaning to keep your smile healthy and bright. Contact us today to schedule your dental exam and cleaning.
FAQs
Are dental cleanings necessary?
Yes, cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing dental problems.
Are dental cleanings tax deductible?
Yes, cleanings can be tax deductible as a medical expense.
Are dental cleanings supposed to hurt?
No, cleanings are generally not supposed to hurt. They may cause slight discomfort, but our team strives to make the process as comfortable as possible.
How much is dental cleaning without insurance?
The cost varies but typically falls within a moderate range. Contact us for specific pricing.
Is an oral exam the same as a cleaning?
No, an oral exam involves a thorough check-up, while a cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar.
Why are oral exams better?
Oral exams are essential because they help detect potential dental issues early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
