What Happens at a Dental Exam and Cleaning

What happens at a dental exam and cleaning?

A regular visit has two main parts: a cleaning and an exam. MedlinePlus says that at a typical dental exam, a dental hygienist will clean your teeth. Then the dentist examines your mouth. At certain visits, X-rays come first.

The practice describes its own routine in similar terms. Its Services page says: “A routine appointment typically consists of professional cleaning and check-up exam.” Its Financial and Insurance page adds: “Most regular appointments consist of a checkup and professional cleaning.”

The table lists the steps in the usual order. The order can vary by office and by visit.

Each section below explains one step in plain words. The glossary also defines the dental exam and the dental cleaning.

What should I bring, and what happens first?

Bring your insurance information, a list of your medicines, and any questions. The practice’s Financial and Insurance page says it is important to fill out new patient paperwork with any insurance information, so the team can prepare benefit materials before treatment. Our new patients page shows where the forms are.

The ADA says the dentist or hygienist will ask about your recent medical history. This helps because some conditions and medicines affect your mouth. Tell the team about:

• Any new diagnosis or surgery
• All medicines, vitamins and supplements
• Pregnancy, or plans to become pregnant
• Heart conditions or an immune system disorder
• Allergies
• Anything in your mouth that worries you

MedlinePlus adds that if you have certain health conditions, you may need to take antibiotics before your exam to prevent infections. It tells you to ask your dentist or health care provider whether you need them, especially if you have heart problems or an immune system disorder. Do not start or stop a medicine on your own. Ask before the visit.

If this is your first visit, the practice says: “If you are a first-time patient, we will ask you to schedule a consultation visit.” During that consultation, the page says, Dr. Jon Copeland or Dr. Stephanie Copeland “will perform a comprehensive exam and review your dental and medical histories.”

Do I need X-rays at every visit?

No. The ADA says you may not need an X-ray at every dental visit. X-rays help the dentist see what a mouth exam cannot show. The ADA says how often depends on your present oral health, your age, your risk for disease and any signs or symptoms.

A new patient may get X-rays so the dentist has a baseline to compare against later. If a previous dentist has images of you, your new dentist may ask for copies instead of ordering new ones. The ADA suggests asking both dentists to help forward your X-rays.

The practice’s technology page says: “These days, we use digital x-rays due to their many benefits.” For a full explanation of types, safety and timing, see our guide to dental X-rays.

What does the cleaning include?

A cleaning removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing leave behind. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. MedlinePlus says brushing and flossing remove plaque but not all of it, and that plaque left in place can turn into tartar, a hard substance that can build up along the gumline and cause red, swollen gums (gingivitis). Only a professional can remove tartar.

MedlinePlus describes the steps:

1. Scaling. The hygienist uses small metal tools to scrape plaque and tartar from your teeth.
2. Polishing. The hygienist polishes your teeth with a device like an electric toothbrush with a rubber tip, using a special paste that is slightly gritty.
3. Flossing. The hygienist flosses your teeth.
4. Fluoride or sealants, when needed. MedlinePlus says fluoride treatments are given to children more often than adults.
5. Home care tips. The hygienist or dentist may show you how to brush and floss.

The practice’s teeth cleaning page says: “During a cleaning, our dentist will remove plaque.” The practice’s own descriptions of services are on its teeth cleaning page.

A cleaning is not the same as a deep cleaning for gum disease. A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, reaches below the gumline and is done when gum disease is found. Our gum disease guide explains the difference. Tell your hygienist if anything feels uncomfortable during a cleaning, so the team can adjust.

What does the dentist check during the exam?

The dentist looks at your whole mouth, not just your teeth. The practice’s family dentistry page says a routine appointment will typically include “a professional cleaning and a detailed examination of your teeth, gums, and other oral tissues.”

Common parts of an exam include:

• Teeth. Looking for cavities, worn or broken teeth, and the state of fillings and crowns.
• Gums. Checking for swelling, bleeding and signs of gum disease. A hygienist may use a special instrument to check your gums.
• Bite and jaw. Checking how teeth meet and how the jaw moves.
• Soft tissues. Looking at the tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, and throat.
• Images. Reviewing any X-rays.
• Dentures, implants and other work. Checking fit and condition.

MedlinePlus says dental exams can identify problems early, and that if a dentist finds a cavity early, it may be easier to treat. The ADA adds that regular visits matter because some diseases and medical conditions have symptoms that appear in the mouth.

What is an oral cancer screening?

It is a visual and hands-on check for early signs of cancer. NIDCR says the dentist or hygienist checks your face, neck, lips, entire mouth and the back of the throat. It adds that the exam takes only a few minutes and can happen at your regular checkup. The ADA says the dentist holds the tongue with gauze to check it and the whole mouth, then feels the jaw and neck.

The practice says it may recommend an oral cancer screening for adults. See its oral cancer screening page for its description. Report any sore, spot or patch that does not go away.

What happens after the exam?

The dentist reviews what was found and talks through your options. MedlinePlus says that after your exam, your dentist will discuss any oral health problems you may have and your treatment options. If you have a cavity or a more serious problem, you will probably need to make another appointment to treat it.

The practice’s Financial and Insurance page says that once a treatment plan is developed, “our front office team will provide you with a detailed list of fees.” It also says the team can provide an estimate of out-of-pocket fees based on your insurance policy. The practice publishes no prices, so ask the office for your own estimate.

Here are good questions to ask before you leave:

The ADA encourages patients to share past dental experiences and concerns, including any anxiety, so the dentist can answer your questions.

How often should I go?

Many adults go every six months, but the right schedule depends on your mouth. MedlinePlus says most adults and children should have a routine dental exam every six months. It says you may need exams more often if you have gum disease, get a lot of cavities, have a family history of oral health problems, take medicines that make your mouth dry, smoke, or are pregnant. A health condition such as diabetes, heart disease, HIV or osteoporosis can also call for more frequent exams.

The ADA is more flexible. It says some people need to visit once or twice a year and others need more visits, because each person has unique needs. Your dentist will talk with you about a schedule that fits.

The practice’s teeth cleaning page says that regular cleanings help keep teeth clean and gums healthy. Our glossary entry on the recall visit or checkup explains the term your dental office may use for a return visit.

What if I am nervous?

Tell the office before the visit. MedlinePlus says that if you or your child feels anxious, tell your dentist before your visit, and that your dentist can discuss ways to help you feel more relaxed.

Simple things can help. Ask the team to explain each step before it happens. Agree on a hand signal that means stop. Book a time of day when you feel calmer. Bring headphones if the office allows them. The practice describes nitrous oxide on its sedation dentistry page, and your dentist will talk with you about what to expect.

What do the hygienist and the dentist each do?

The two roles fit together. MedlinePlus says a dentist is a doctor with special training to care for teeth and gums, and a hygienist is a health care professional trained to clean teeth and teach you how to care for your teeth and gums at home. During a dental exam, you will usually see both.

The glossary describes the term recall visit for the regular return appointment.

How can I get more out of the visit?

Prepare a few minutes ahead and speak up during the visit. These habits help most patients:

1. Brush and floss as usual. You do not need a perfect routine before you go.
2. Write down changes. Note sensitivity, bleeding, a bad taste, a sore, a loose tooth, jaw clicking or dry mouth, and when each started.
3. Bring a medicine list. Medicines can change your mouth, and some affect treatment.
4. Ask what the hygienist sees. The hygienist may point out areas where plaque builds up, and tips can fit your own mouth.
5. Ask about home care. MedlinePlus lists brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and cleaning between your teeth regularly with floss, a special brush or a plastic pick.
6. Ask for the next step in writing. If treatment is advised, request the plan and an estimate.

The ADA lists signs that a visit is worth booking soon, including sensitive teeth, puffy gums that bleed, a sore that is not going away, persistent bad breath, pain or swelling in the mouth, face or neck, and difficulty chewing or swallowing. If you notice one of these, do not wait for your next scheduled checkup.

What if the exam finds a problem?

Finding a problem early gives you more choices. MedlinePlus says that if a cavity is found early, a dentist may be able to remove the damaged part and fill the gap, and that if it is not found early it may worsen. It also says gum disease not treated early can worsen, with inflamed gums, receding gums and bone loss around the teeth.

When the dentist finds something, expect this sequence:

1. The dentist explains what was found, often with the X-ray or a photo.
2. The dentist describes the options, including waiting and watching where that is reasonable.
3. The team gives you a treatment plan and an estimate.
4. You decide what to do and when.

Ask questions until the choices make sense. For gum problems, our gum disease guide explains what comes next. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect from any treatment.

Next step

Learn more about the dental exam the practice describes, then call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment. The office is open Monday to Thursday and closed Friday to Sunday.