Dental Cleanings & Exams in South Tacoma
What's Included:
- Professional cleaning: Remove plaque, tartar, and stains
- Comprehensive exam: Check teeth, gums, and oral tissues
- Digital X-rays: Detect hidden problems
- Oral cancer screening: Early detection saves lives
- Personalized plan: Address your specific needs
- Serving: South Tacoma, Graham, Roy, Spanaway, Frederickson, Eatonville, and JBLM families
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Your hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Even with excellent home care, some areas are impossible to clean thoroughly with brushing and flossing alone. Professional cleaning reaches these spots, preventing decay and gum disease.
Tartar bonds firmly to teeth and cannot be removed by brushing—only professional scaling eliminates it. Research in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology confirms regular professional cleanings significantly reduce gum disease risk.
Tooth Polishing
After scaling, your hygienist polishes teeth with gritty paste and rotating brush, removing surface stains and creating smooth surfaces that resist plaque accumulation. Polishing makes teeth feel clean and look brighter.
Flossing and Rinsing
Your hygienist flosses between all teeth, demonstrating proper technique and identifying areas needing improved home care. A thorough rinse removes debris, leaving your mouth fresh and clean.
Fluoride Treatment
Many patients benefit from professional fluoride treatment strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities. Fluoride is especially important for children, seniors, and anyone at elevated decay risk.
Comprehensive Dental Examination
Visual Inspection
Your dentist examines each tooth for cavities, cracks, wear, and other problems. They check existing fillings, crowns, and dental work for integrity. Magnification and specialized lighting reveal issues invisible to patients.
Gum Health Assessment
Gum disease progresses silently without obvious symptoms until advanced stages. Your dentist measures pocket depths around each tooth using a periodontal probe. Healthy gums have pockets 1-3mm deep; deeper pockets indicate gum disease requiring treatment.
Digital X-Rays
X-rays reveal problems hidden beneath tooth surfaces and gum lines including cavities between teeth, bone loss from gum disease, infections at tooth roots, impacted teeth, and abnormalities in jaw bone. Digital X-rays use 80% less radiation than traditional film while producing superior images immediately viewable on chairside monitors.
Oral Cancer Screening
Your dentist examines tongue, cheeks, throat, lips, and all oral tissues for suspicious lesions or abnormalities. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early oral cancer detection dramatically improves treatment success. Routine screenings catch problems at most treatable stages.
Bite and TMJ Check
Your dentist assesses how upper and lower teeth meet when you bite, checking for abnormal wear patterns or jaw joint issues. Problems with bite alignment or temporomandibular joints (TMJ) can cause headaches, jaw pain, and tooth damage.
How Often You Need Cleanings
Benefits of Regular Cleanings
Cavity Prevention: Professional cleaning removes plaque harboring bacteria that cause decay. Regular visits catch cavities when small fillings still work effectively.
Gum Disease Prevention: Tartar removal prevents gingivitis and periodontitis. Early gum disease reverses with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Fresh Breath: Removing bacteria eliminates major halitosis causes. Clean teeth and healthy gums mean fresher breath.
Brighter Smile: Polishing removes surface stains from coffee, tea, and food, revealing naturally brighter teeth.
Early Problem Detection: Regular exams catch issues early—saving time, money, and discomfort compared to treating advanced problems.
Overall Health: Oral health connects to overall health. Poor oral hygiene links to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions. Good oral care supports total body wellness.
What to Expect
Appointment Duration
New patient appointments including comprehensive exam, full X-rays, and cleaning take 60-90 minutes. Routine maintenance appointments for established patients take 45-60 minutes.
Comfort Level
Most patients find cleanings comfortable. You feel pressure during scaling but no pain. If you have sensitive areas, tell your hygienist—they can adjust technique or use desensitizing agents.
For patients with severe anxiety, we discuss sedation options making treatment manageable.
After Your Cleaning
Your mouth feels fresh and smooth. Some patients experience mild sensitivity to temperature for 24-48 hours—this is normal and resolves quickly. If you received fluoride treatment, avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes allowing maximum benefit.
Between Appointments: Home Care
Special Considerations
Children
We recommend children have their first dental visit by age one or when their first tooth appears. Early visits establish good habits and allow monitoring tooth development. Children need cleanings every six months just like adults.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase gum disease risk. Continue regular cleanings—they're safe and important for both maternal and fetal health.
Dental Work
If you have crowns, bridges, or implants, regular professional cleaning is essential for longevity. Special techniques clean around restorations without damaging them.
Gum Disease
Active gum disease requires more frequent cleanings—typically every 3-4 months—along with specialized deep cleaning procedures called scaling and root planing. Your dentist creates a treatment plan addressing your specific condition.
Insurance Coverage
Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings and exams per year at 100% as preventive care. We verify your benefits, file claims, and maximize coverage. Even without insurance, preventive care is your best value—preventing expensive problems before they develop.
Why Choose Davis Dental Group for Dental Implants in Tacoma?
- Advanced 3D Scanning Technology: Precise imaging for accurate implant planning and placement. Better planning means better results.
- Walk-Ins Welcome: Stop by our Tacoma office anytime for consultations—no appointment needed.
- Same-Day Consultations: We offer same-day appointments when available, so you don't have to wait.
- Free Consultations: Get expert guidance with no obligation. We'll evaluate your situation and discuss your options.
- Comprehensive Care in One Location: From consultation to implant placement to final restoration, everything happens right here. No referrals to multiple specialists.
- Experienced Team: Our dental professionals have extensive experience in implant dentistry and prioritize your comfort throughout treatment.
Related Services
Military-Friendly: United Concordia accepted. We serve JBLM families with flexible scheduling around deployments.Family Dentistry - Comprehensive dental care for all ages including preventive and restorative services.
Dental Fillings - If we detect cavities during your exam, tooth-colored fillings restore teeth quickly and naturally.
Dental Crowns - Severely damaged teeth identified during exams may need crowns for protection and restoration.
Root Canal Treatment - Save infected teeth with modern, comfortable endodontic therapy.
Schedule Your Cleaning Today
Protect your oral health with regular professional cleanings and comprehensive exams. Schedule your appointment at Davis Dental Group in South Tacoma. Preventive care is the best investment in your smile.
Serving South Tacoma, Graham, Roy, Spanaway, Frederickson, Eatonville, and JBLM military families with flexible scheduling and family-friendly care.
Schedule Your Cleaning
Call for Appointment
United Concordia and most major insurance accepted. Most insurance covers two cleanings per year at 100%.