Cleanings & <em>checkups.</em>
Twice-a-year visits sound dull, and they should be. The goal is to keep you out of the chair the other 363 days a year.
Why it matters
Most of what we treat in the cosmetic, restorative, and emergency chapters of this site started small — a tiny cavity, a hairline crack, gum inflammation — and was missed.
Routine visits catch those. A cleaning every six months, plus a careful look-through with the doctor, is the single highest-leverage thing you can do for your teeth.
A typical cleaning, start to finish.
Routine visits are an hour or so. Same hygienist most visits — they get to know your mouth.
-
01
Catch up
What's changed since last time? Any sore spots, new medications, anxiety levels?
5 minutes -
02
X-rays as needed
Low-radiation digital — full set once a year, bitewings every six months for new cavities.
5 minutes -
03
Clean & polish
Hand scaling above and below the gumline, polish, fluoride if you want it.
~ 35 minutes -
04
Doctor exam
A full look-through — cavities, gums, soft tissue, bite. You leave with a clear next step or none.
~ 15 minutes
Everything a routine visit actually needs.
Each option below is available in-house — quoted in writing, no surprises.
Cleaning & polish
Scaling above and below the gumline, polish, fluoride application.
Comprehensive exam
Doctor-led look-through covering cavities, gum health, and oral cancer screening.
Digital X-rays
Low-radiation bitewings or full series, as your last set's timing requires.
Custom care plan
Written next steps — what to watch, what to leave alone, when to come back.
General Dentistry FAQs.
Don't see your question? Send us a note — we'll answer plainly.
- How often do I really need to come in?
- Every six months is the default. Some patients (low cavity risk, no gum issues) do fine on an annual schedule — we'll tell you which group you're in after a couple of visits.
- What if I haven't been in years?
- That's fine. The first visit will be longer than a routine cleaning — closer to 90 minutes — and we'll plan any follow-up needed. We don't lecture.
- Do you do deep cleanings?
- Yes — if there's pocketing or gum inflammation, we do scaling and root planing (usually two visits, one half of the mouth each).
- Is fluoride necessary?
- For adults with low cavity risk, optional. For kids, patients prone to cavities, or those with dry mouth, recommended. Your call.
More from the practice.
All under one roof, all planned together.
Ready to book general dentistry?
We'll confirm by text within one business day. No upsells, no pressure.