Dental Exams & Cleanings
General Dentistry
Dental Cleaning & Exams in West Bloomfield
Dental exams and cleanings (dental prophylaxis) are at the core of what we do. This is the time we get to know more about you. We will learn what is important to you when it comes to your teeth and smile, as well as review your health history in order to best formulate a plan to care for your individual dental needs.
Your dental exam is also a great time to share any goals you have for your smile or any dental problems you have been experiencing since your last visit. We can discuss ways to easily improve your smile, from whitening your teeth and preventing acid erosion of teeth to straightening them with Invisalign®.
What to Expect During a Dental Exam and Cleaning
We will routinely take X-rays of all your teeth to check for diseases of the teeth and jaw, including cavities and gum disease. We will complete a thorough intraoral exam including an oral cancer screening by looking in your mouth and checking the teeth and soft tissue for any abnormalities. If anything is found that needs treatment, Dr. Fienman and the dental team will review the findings and discuss treatment options that can remedy the situation. Our treatment coordinator will review the financial options with you, and a plan of treatment will be set.
During your routine dental cleaning and exam, our team will:
- Remove surface stains to restore your smile to its whiter appearance
- Remove plaque that harbors cavity-causing bacteria
- Remove plaque and tartar in hard-to-clean areas between the teeth at the gumline, which can lead to periodontal disease if left unchecked
- Take X-rays and intraoral photos to establish a baseline of your dental health and identify any issues that may need treatment
- Perform an oral cancer screening
- Check your bite/occlusion for any disharmonies and TMJ dysfunction
Frequently Asked Questions About Exams & Cleanings
How long does a dental cleaning and exam take?
We reserve 60 minutes for dental cleaning and exams on established patients. Children’s visits are usually 30 minutes for cleaning and exams. New patients to the office expect to spend 90 minutes with us for xrays, cleaning and exam. If it has been a while since your last visit or there is more to address, plan for a little extra time. Our team will walk you through everything before we begin so you know what to expect.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned at the dentist?
Most adults should get a dental cleaning and exam every six months. Patients with a history of gum issues or other concerns may benefit from more frequent visits. Dr. Fienman will work with you to better understand the right schedule for your health.
What happens during a dental exam and cleaning?
A dental exam and cleaning at our West Bloomfield practice includes:
- Removal of plaque, tartar, and surface stains
- A thorough check of the teeth, gums, and bite
- An oral cancer screening
- Updated x-rays when needed
- A review of any findings and recommended next steps
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning, called prophylaxis, removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline. A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planning, is focused on removing buildup from below the gumline the cause of gum disease. Our team will walk you through a periodontal risk assessment to help determine what type of cleaning is right for your gum health.
Why are regular dental exams important if my teeth feel fine?
We hear this all the time. All the problems we deal with in dentistry don’t hurt until they are very advanced and need extensive therapy. Regular dental exams catch problems before they cause pain. Cavities, early gum disease, and bite issues often develop silently, and routine visits at our West Bloomfield office allow our team to treat them while they are still small and easy to manage. Patients across Oakland County can schedule online at any time.