Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Middletown, DE
Prevent Oral Issues and Help Protect Your Smile
Many people mistakenly assume their mouths must be perfectly healthy if they haven’t noticed obvious issues, but that’s not always the case. Bacteria in your mouth can contribute to hidden problems in places that are difficult to see or clean on your own at home, causing disease or decay that you might not notice until it’s already progressed.
Thankfully, our team can prevent oral issues and help protect your smile with routine dental checkups and cleanings. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect from this standard service!
Why Choose Dental Associates of Delaware for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Team of Dentists with Decades of Experience
- Welcome Patients of All Ages
- Prevent Common Dental Concerns
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
Common dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, don’t usually get better on their own and typically require professional intervention to improve. Not only that, but they tend to start out small and might not even exhibit noticeable symptoms until they begin to progress.
Scheduling a standard checkup and cleaning every 6 months allows our team to monitor your condition and catch and treat any areas of concern, such as thinning enamel or inflamed gums, before they become more severe. This can help protect your oral health and your wallet, as preventive appointments typically cost less than more complex repairs or restorations.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
The first part of your visit usually consists of your examination. Our team will carefully assess your teeth, gums, bite alignment, and any existing dental work to ensure everything is functioning as intended and hasn’t developed any issues. We may also screen the soft tissues of your mouth for any signs of oral cancer to catch and treat it with enough time to improve your prognosis.
If we find any problems, we’ll provide a customized treatment plan and walk you through the details for your approval before administering them.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Once your examination is complete, our hygienist will carefully brush and floss each tooth to remove stubborn plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause damage, decay, and disease. Then, we’ll gently polish your teeth with a specialized brush to remove any remaining residue and more recently developed surface stains, so we can send you home with a beautifully clean smile that practically sparkles!
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long do routine dental exams usually take?
Typically, this takes place during the first part of your visit, and it doesn’t usually take too long. For example, it might only take about 10 to 15 minutes for our team to visually examine your teeth, gums, alignment, and existing dental work to verify whether they’re in good condition.
However, if it’s been a while since your last visit and we find any areas of concern to address or you have a mouth full of restorations that must be inspected, this portion may take longer.
How long does a dental cleaning last?
Once our team wraps up your examination, our hygienist will use special dental instruments to carefully brush and floss your teeth to ensure no germs, plaque, or other residue is left behind. This can take about 30 minutes, though the total timeframe can depend significantly on your circumstances.
For example, if you have more stubborn tartar buildup because you’ve been avoiding visiting the dentist, it may take longer. Seeing our team every 6 months helps us monitor your condition and prevent problems from developing, which also helps keep your future appointments brief.
How much does a standard preventive visit typically cost in Delaware?
Most patients in Delaware can expect to spend between $150 and $350 for a standard examination and professional dental cleaning. But the total amount due can vary significantly from person to person, as it’s affected by different factors unique to your situation.
For example, if you carry dental insurance, up to 100% of your appointment might be covered, meaning you won’t owe a dime out-of-pocket if you’ve already met your deductible. However, if there are problem areas, such as thinning or decayed enamel or swollen, bleeding gums requiring treatment, then you’ll also be responsible for paying for the services required to address them.
How often should I get dental X-rays?
Dental imaging allows us to see beneath the surface of your teeth and gums to identify any potential problems before they have a chance to progress, but you’re not alone if you’re unsure of how frequently X-rays are necessary.
There are three main types of dental X-rays, each with its own suggested timetable as outlined in more detail below:
- These images might only be recommended every 3 to 5 years and are intended to help spot developmental concerns, like growing wisdom teeth, or orthodontic issues.
- These X-rays are often taken as needed to help pinpoint issues in the roots to assist with pre-treatment planning or post-treatment assessment and recovery follow-up.
- These standard X-rays are usually taken once or twice a year to detect cavities or other common oral issues for treatment.