It is recommended to get a dental exam once every six months. During the exam, your dentist will check for decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Your dentist may also take X-rays to detect any underlying problems or diseases that cannot be seen with just a visual examination.

During a dental cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, and may also floss in between each tooth. The patient's teeth may then be polished to help remove surface stains. Lastly, the hygienist will apply fluoride to help prevent cavities.

Regular brushing and flossing can help to remove plaque, but they will not be able to remove all of the tartar buildup on your teeth. This is why it is important to have a professional dental cleaning every six months. Your dentist or hygienist has special tools that are designed to safely and effectively remove even the toughest buildups of tartar and plaque. Additionally, a professional dental cleaning can help to prevent cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. 

Filling typically refers to fillings which are used to repair small areas of decay in teeth. Crowns are used to cover a large area of decay or damage to the tooth. Fillings can often be done in one appointment, while crowns can take multiple appointments. Crowns also typically require more extensive preparation prior to placement, and they may involve the use of dental cement for secure placement.

Most dental exams are not painful, as they usually just involve a visual examination of your teeth and gums. If your dentist needs to take X-rays, rest assured that this is also not a painful process, and is essentially just taking special photos of your teeth. 

Any other procedures that require deeper inspection or treatment will be discussed and our team would talk about options for providing you with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort.