Preventive care
Dental Exams and Teeth Cleaning in Huntersville, NC
A checkup, a cleaning and the X-rays you need, explained before we start.
A dental exam and cleaning is a routine visit where a hygienist removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and a dentist checks your teeth, gums and mouth for problems such as cavities, gum disease and signs of oral cancer. It is for adults and children of all ages. At Kreeb Family Dentistry in Huntersville, the visit can include X-rays when you need them, and your dentist suggests how often to come back.
At a glance
- Who it is forAdults and children of all ages
- What happensMedical history review, cleaning by one of our hygienists, exam by a dentist, X-rays if needed
- How oftenSet for you by your dentist; once or twice a year suits some people, others need more
- ComfortTell your hygienist if an area is sensitive; ask about comfort options
- X-raysVery low radiation dose; not needed at every visit
- InsuranceCall us for insurance details
Why do you need a dental exam and cleaning?
Regular exams and cleanings remove buildup you cannot reach at home and catch problems while they are small. Plaque that stays on your teeth hardens into a deposit called tartar. A professional cleaning, called scaling and polishing, removes it.
Routine visits also let your dentist spot problems early, when treatment can be simpler. Cavities, bone loss from gum disease and other problems can show on an X-ray before they can be seen in the mouth.
What happens during a dental exam and cleaning?
A checkup has a few parts. Here is what to expect at our office:
Health history
We ask about your health, any new medicines and any changes since your last visit. Some illnesses and medicines affect your mouth.
Cleaning
One of our hygienists removes plaque and tartar with dental instruments (scaling), then polishes your teeth to remove stains and film.
Gum check
A small, thin instrument called a periodontal probe measures the space between each tooth and the gum. Gum disease can form pockets between the teeth and gums that can become infected, so deeper measurements are a sign to look closer. See gum disease.
X-rays, if needed
Your dentist decides which X-rays you need, based on your health, age and risk (see below).
Dentist exam
Your dentist checks each tooth, your bite, your jaw joints and any fillings or crowns you already have.
Oral cancer screening
We perform an oral cancer screening at every checkup. The dentist looks at your tongue and the soft tissues of your mouth and feels your jaw and neck.
Your plan
We talk about what we found, your diet and home care, and when to come back. If you need treatment, your dentist explains the options first.
How often should you get your teeth cleaned?
How often you need a cleaning depends on your mouth. The American Dental Association says some people need to visit once or twice a year and others need more visits. MedlinePlus notes that many dentists recommend a professional cleaning every 6 months, and every 3 to 4 months may be needed if your gums are unhealthy.
Your dentist sets your schedule based on your gums, your risk of decay and your health. If you have been treated for gum disease, you may need periodontal maintenance visits more often than a routine cleaning.
Do teeth cleanings hurt?
A routine cleaning can feel strange, but it should not be painful. You may feel scraping and pressure. If your gums are inflamed or you have not had a cleaning in a while, some spots may feel tender and bleed a little.
Tell your hygienist if anything is uncomfortable. They can slow down, take breaks or adjust how they clean. If you feel nervous about dental visits, let us know when you book, and ask about comfort options.
Dental X-rays: are they safe, and how often do you need them?
Yes. Dental X-rays use very low doses of radiation, which makes the risk of harmful effects very small, according to the American Dental Association. MedlinePlus also describes the radiation exposure from dental X-rays as very low. You do not need X-rays at every visit. How often you need them depends on your oral health, age, risk of disease and any symptoms.
X-rays show what an exam alone cannot:
- Cavities, including decay between teeth, before it can be seen in the mouth.
- Bone loss around teeth from gum disease.
- Abscesses (infection at the tip of a root) and impacted teeth.
- Developing teeth in children, including their number, size and position.
Which types of dental X-rays are there?
Three types of dental X-rays do different jobs:
| X-ray type | What it shows | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| Bitewing | The crowns of the upper and lower back teeth together | Finding cavities between teeth |
| Periapical | One or two whole teeth, from crown to root tip | Checking a tooth that hurts, an infection or a root |
| Panoramic | All the teeth and both jaws in one image | Checking wisdom teeth and planning implants |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Do you need a lead apron for dental X-rays?
The American Dental Association now says lead aprons and thyroid collars are no longer needed for patients of any age, including during pregnancy, though some offices still use them because of local rules. If you are or might be pregnant, tell us before any X-ray. MedlinePlus advises that X-rays during pregnancy are taken only when necessary.
What are the risks of skipping cleanings, and the alternatives?
A cleaning and exam are low risk. Your gums may feel tender for a day, and inflamed gums can bleed a little. The bigger risk is waiting too long between visits:
Tartar keeps building
Plaque left on teeth hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums.
Gum disease can be silent
The American Academy of Periodontology notes symptoms may not appear until the advanced stages.
Cavities grow
Decay can show on an X-ray before it can be seen or felt.
There is no home substitute for a professional cleaning. Good home care (brushing twice a day and flossing daily) is what keeps your mouth healthy between visits.
What does a dental exam and cleaning cost?
The cost depends on what your visit includes. The main factors are:
New patient or returning patient
A first visit can include a fuller exam and a complete set of X-rays.
Which X-rays you need
at that visit.
The type of cleaning
A routine cleaning differs from a deep cleaning or periodontal maintenance for gum disease.
Your insurance
Some dental plans cover checkups as preventive care. Plans differ.
Call us for insurance details, and ask about payment options on our insurance and payment page.
Why patients choose Kreeb Family Dentistry for cleanings
Care for the whole family
Our dentists see patients of all ages, so parents and children can come to the same office. See children's dentistry.
An oral cancer screening at every checkup
Prevention first
We talk about home care, diet, and preventive options such as sealants and fluoride where they fit.
Early hours
The office opens at 7:00 AM, Monday to Friday, which can help you fit a visit in before work or school.
Treatment in the same office
If your exam finds a problem, we offer tooth-colored fillings, same-day crowns and gum disease care.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Still wondering about something? Call us and our team will help.
How long does a dental cleaning and exam take?
The length depends on whether you are a new or returning patient and whether you need X-rays. A first visit takes longer because it includes a full exam and a complete set of X-rays. Call the office and we can tell you how much time to plan for your appointment.
Is a deep cleaning the same as a regular cleaning?
No. A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar on the teeth and just under the gum line. A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, reaches further below the gums to treat gum disease, and the area may be numbed. Your dentist recommends it only if your gum measurements and X-rays show a need.
Why do my gums bleed during a cleaning?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, which makes gums red, swollen and quick to bleed. Tell your hygienist. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help, and your dentist will check whether you have gum disease.
Do I need dental X-rays every time I come in?
No. The American Dental Association says you may not need an X-ray at every visit. Your dentist decides based on your oral health, your age, your risk of cavities and gum disease, and any symptoms you have. People at higher risk of cavities or gum disease may need them more often.
Are dental X-rays safe during pregnancy?
Tell us if you are or might be pregnant. The American Dental Association says lead aprons are no longer needed for patients of any health status, including pregnancy. MedlinePlus advises that X-rays during pregnancy are taken only when necessary. Your dentist may postpone routine X-rays until after your baby is born.
What can I do at home between cleanings?
Brush twice a day for at least 2 minutes with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day. Limit sugary snacks and drinks. Keep your regular checkups so tartar is removed before it causes gum problems.
Book your exam and cleaning in Huntersville
If it has been a while since your last checkup, or you are new to the area, book a visit. We will clean your teeth, check your mouth and explain anything we find.