Cleanings, exams and preventive care

Routine cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride and sealants for children and adults.

Routine visit

A routine visit includes a cleaning by a hygienist, an exam by the dentist, and X-rays when they are due (bitewings once a year, full series every three to five years). Plan on 60 minutes for adults and 30 to 45 minutes for children.

How often

Every six months for most people. Every three or four months if you have gum disease, diabetes, or heavy tartar buildup. Most insurance plans cover two cleanings per year at 100 percent.

Children

We recommend a first visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth. Early visits are short and focused on getting comfortable. Fluoride varnish is applied at every visit through age 16. Sealants are recommended on permanent molars, usually between ages 6 and 14.

Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)

If you have gum disease, a regular cleaning is not enough. Scaling and root planing cleans below the gumline, usually done in two visits with local anesthetic. This is a separate procedure with a separate fee and is typically covered at 50 to 80 percent by insurance.

Price ranges without insurance

Uninsured patients can join our in-house membership plan. See the Insurance & Pricing page.