Dental exams and cleanings
The appointment that prevents most of the expensive ones. New patients get an exam, cleaning and x-rays for $212, in the absence of periodontal gum disease.
What happens during a dental cleaning and exam?
A hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth and along the gum line, then polishes them. A dentist then examines your teeth, existing fillings, gums and bite, reviews your x-rays, and screens for oral cancer. The whole appointment usually takes about an hour.
Brushing and flossing handle plaque, which is soft. They cannot remove tartar, which is plaque that has hardened onto the tooth. Once tartar forms it takes instruments to get it off, and it is the thing that irritates gums into bleeding and receding.
| Stage | What it does |
|---|---|
| Digital x-rays | Show decay between teeth and below the gum line, where nothing is visible |
| Scaling | Removes hardened tartar from the tooth surface and along the gum margin |
| Polishing | Smooths the surface so plaque takes longer to build up again |
| Examination | Teeth, fillings, gums, bite, plus an oral cancer screening |
| Plan | What needs attention now, what can wait, and the cost of each |
How often do I need a cleaning?
Most people do well with a cleaning and exam every six months. If you have gum disease, get cavities often, or have a medical condition that affects your gums, your dentist may recommend three or four month intervals.
Six months is a default rather than a law. We will tell you what your own mouth actually needs, which is sometimes less often than people expect and occasionally more.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
For most people, no. It feels like scraping and vibration rather than pain. If your gums are inflamed or your teeth are sensitive it can be uncomfortable, and telling the hygienist lets her adjust technique and pace.
Sensitivity during a cleaning is usually a signal, not just an inconvenience. Gums that bleed and hurt when cleaned are typically gums that are already inflamed, and that tends to improve once the tartar causing it is gone.
What is the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning treats a healthy mouth and works above the gum line. A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, treats gum disease by cleaning below the gum line along the tooth root. It takes longer and is usually done across more than one appointment.
This is why the $212 new patient offer specifies the absence of periodontal gum disease. If we find it, we stop and explain what we found before doing anything further, rather than quoting one price and billing another.
Signs your gums need attention
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Gums that look red or puffy rather than firm and pink
- Persistent bad breath that brushing does not fix
- Gums pulling back so teeth look longer than they did
- Any tooth that feels loose
Gum disease is common and, caught early, very treatable. Left alone it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, which is a strong argument for not ignoring bleeding.
An hour in the chair, made easier
Every treatment room at Avenue Dentistry has a window looking out at El Toro and a TV overhead, so there is somewhere to look other than the ceiling.
Small things, and they matter more than people expect during a longer appointment. If anything is uncomfortable, say so. Our hygienists slow down rather than push on.
Cleaning and exam questions
How much does a cleaning cost at Avenue Dentistry?
New patients pay $212 for an exam, cleaning and x-rays, in the absence of periodontal gum disease. With insurance, preventive visits are often covered at a high percentage. Call 408-779-2129 with your plan details and we will check what yours covers before you come in.
Do I need x-rays every visit?
No. X-rays are taken at intervals based on your risk of decay and your history, not automatically at every appointment. Digital x-rays use a fraction of the radiation of older film, and we will explain why we are taking them when we do.
My gums bleed when I brush. Should I stop brushing there?
No, and this is a common mistake. Bleeding usually means the gum is inflamed by plaque at the gum line, and brushing that area gently and consistently is part of the fix. If it continues for more than a week or two, book an appointment so we can look at what is causing it.
Can I bring my children to the same appointment slot?
Often, yes. With two dentists on staff we can frequently schedule family members close together. Tell Julie what you need when you call and she will work out what fits.
Book a cleaning and an exam
The appointment that stops small problems becoming crowns and root canals.