Teeth Cleanings and Exams in Lake Mary
A healthy smile starts with regular checkups. At Dentist of Lake Mary, your cleaning and exam visit is where we catch small problems before they turn into big ones, and where you get practical advice for keeping your teeth and gums healthy between visits. Whether it has been six months or six years since your last cleaning, our team will make you feel welcome, and we will never lecture you.
What Happens at a Cleaning and Exam Visit
Most routine visits follow the same simple pattern, so you always know what to expect:
- A quick health update. We review any changes to your health or medications, and ask whether anything has been bothering you, such as sensitivity, bleeding gums or a tooth that feels different.
- Professional cleaning. Our hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from above and just below the gumline. Tartar can’t be brushed away at home, and it is one of the main causes of gum disease.
- Polishing and flossing. We polish away surface stains and floss between every tooth, so your smile feels smooth and fresh when you leave.
- The exam. The dentist checks each tooth for decay, looks at existing fillings and crowns, measures the health of your gums, and checks your bite and jaw.
- A clear plan. If we find something that needs attention, we explain what we saw, show you on your X-rays or photos where we can, and talk through your options. You decide what happens next.
New patients usually need a little more time for a full exam and a complete set of X-rays.
How Often Should You Come In?
For most adults and children, we recommend a cleaning and exam every six months. That schedule gives us a chance to remove tartar before it irritates your gums and to spot cavities while they are still small and simple to treat.
Some patients do better with more frequent visits, every three or four months. This is common if you have a history of gum disease, wear braces or clear aligners, have diabetes, smoke, or tend to build up tartar quickly. If you have been treated for gum disease, our team may recommend periodontal maintenance visits instead of standard cleanings. You can learn more on our gum disease and gingivitis pages.
Digital X-Rays and Oral Cancer Screening
Many dental problems hide where we can’t see them, between teeth, under old fillings or below the gumline. That is why X-rays are part of a complete exam. Our office uses digital X-ray technology, which produces clear images on a screen in seconds and uses less radiation than traditional film. When we need a wider view of your jaw, sinuses or wisdom teeth, we may also take a panoramic (Panorex) image.
How often you need X-rays depends on your age, your risk of decay and your dental history. We don’t take them on a fixed schedule just for the sake of it; we take them when they help us care for you.
Every adult exam also includes an oral cancer screening. The dentist gently checks your lips, tongue, cheeks, throat and neck for any unusual spots, lumps or color changes. It takes only a few minutes and is painless, and finding a problem early makes a real difference.
Cleanings for Kids
We love seeing children, and we try to make their visits fun and relaxed. Kids’ cleanings follow the same basic steps as adult visits, with a gentler pace and plenty of explanation. We’ll check how their teeth are coming in, coach them (and you) on brushing and flossing, and let you know if dental sealants or other preventive care could help protect their back teeth.
The American Dental Association recommends a first dental visit by a child’s first birthday or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Visit our pediatric care page to learn more about how we care for younger patients.
Insurance and Paying for Your Visit
Many dental insurance plans treat routine cleanings, exams and X-rays as preventive care, and many cover them at a high percentage, but every plan is different. We accept most PPO dental insurance plans, and our team will help you understand your benefits before your visit.
If you don’t have dental insurance, ask us about payment plans and our current specials, including a $99 new patient exam and X-rays. Using your preventive benefits regularly is one of the easiest ways to avoid larger bills later.
Tips for Keeping Your Smile Healthy Between Visits
Your cleanings work best when they are paired with good habits at home:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser.
- Limit sugary drinks and snacks, especially sipping or snacking throughout the day.
- If you grind your teeth at night, ask us about a custom night guard.
- Call us if you notice bleeding gums, a broken filling, new sensitivity or tooth pain. Don’t wait for your next checkup.
For more on daily care, read our overview of preventive dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Most people should have a professional cleaning and exam every six months. Patients with a history of gum disease, braces or a tendency to build up tartar may benefit from visits every three or four months. Our team will recommend the schedule that fits your needs.
Do teeth cleanings hurt?
For most patients, a routine cleaning is comfortable. You may feel some scraping or pressure as tartar is removed. If your teeth or gums are sensitive, let our hygienist know so we can adjust our approach and work at a pace that feels right for you.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Our office uses digital X-rays, which use less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We take X-rays only when they help us diagnose problems we can’t see during a visual exam.
When should my child have their first dental visit?
The American Dental Association recommends a child’s first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Early visits help children get comfortable at the dentist and let us check that their teeth are developing well.
Does dental insurance cover cleanings and exams?
Many dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings, exams and X-rays as preventive care, but coverage varies by plan. We accept most PPO plans, our team can help you check your benefits before your visit, and we offer payment plans and a $99 new patient exam and X-rays for patients without insurance.
Ready to Schedule?
Ready for your next cleaning? Call Dentist of Lake Mary at (407) 413-9000 or request an appointment. We’re at 229 Wheelhouse Ln, Lake Mary, FL 32746, open Monday through Thursday 8 AM to 4 PM and Friday 8 AM to 2 PM. After-hours dental emergency? Text us anytime at (407) 413-9000.
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