Dental Exams and Cleanings

Routine dental exams and cleanings reduce the risk of common oral conditions like cavities and gum disease. At Cole Street Dental in Enumclaw, Washington, experienced general, family, and cosmetic dentists Sean Monaghan, DMD, Gina Petrarca, DDS, and the team offer dental exams and cleanings to people of all ages. Call Cole Street Dental today to schedule a dental exam and cleaning for yourself or your child, or book your visit online.

What are dental exams and cleanings?

Dental exams and cleanings keep your mouth healthy. Even if you brush and floss regularly, there’s no substitute for regular checkups.

The Cole Street Dental team provides a comfortable and welcoming experience. If you or your child have dental anxiety, there are options to help you stay relaxed during your visit.

What happens during dental exams and cleanings?

The Cole Street Dental team tailors dental exams and cleanings to each patient’s health history and goals. Even so, most checkups include:

Oral exam
Your provider looks at your teeth, gums, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth, checking for cavities, gum disease, or other abnormalities. Then, they use gloved hands to feel under your tongue and the gums at the back of your mouth. If your provider notices anything out of the ordinary, they might order additional testing, like a biopsy.

Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays use advanced imaging technology to capture photos of your tooth roots, jaw, and alveolar bone (the bone that anchors your upper teeth). X-rays help your dentist diagnose issues invisible to the eye, like pulp damage or deep decay.

Teeth cleaning
During a teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist or dental technician uses specialized dental tools to remove plaque –– a buildup of food, saliva, and bacteria –– from underneath your gums and the surfaces of your teeth.

Then, your hygienist polishes and flosses your teeth. They use gritty toothpaste to remove any plaque the initial cleaning missed.

Preventive treatments
If you have teeth that are susceptible to decay, the Cole Street Dental team might recommend a preventive treatment like sealants or fluoride. Sealants are plastic coverings that protect your teeth from harmful bacteria, while fluoride helps reduce your risk of cavities.

Treatment recommendations
If your Cole Street Dental provider finds any issues, like cavities or gum disease, they discuss the various treatment options with you and develop a personalized care plan.

Most dental exams and cleanings take 60-90 minutes.

Do dental exams and cleanings offer health benefits?

Scheduling dental exams and cleanings at Cole Street Dental offers various health benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of oral health issues
• Improved whole-body health
• Fresh breath
• A beautiful smile

Routine checkups and cleanings help identify issues before they worsen. Ultimately, that can save you money in the long run. 

Call Cole Street Dental today to schedule a dental exam and cleaning for yourself or your child, or book a visit online.