When life gets busy, it’s easy to put off a dental visit—especially if everything feels okay and you don’t have any noticeable issues. But those twice-a-year cleanings and exams do more than just polish your teeth. Check-ups give your dental team a chance to catch issues early, remove buildup you can’t get rid of at home, and keep your mouth healthier over time.

In this blog, we’ll walk through what actually happens during a routine dental visit and why staying on schedule is one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term oral health.

What to Expect During Your Cleaning Your dental appointment typically starts with a thorough cleaning by your dental hygienist. They’ll begin by gently removing plaque and hardened tartar (scaling), then polish your teeth to smooth out the enamel and lift surface stains. After flossing between your teeth and rinsing, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen enamel and prevent decay.

Beyond cleaning, your hygienist also checks in on your daily habits. Based on what they see, they’ll offer personalized tips for brushing and flossing to help you care for your teeth at home.

It’s also worth noting the difference between a standard cleaning and a deep cleaning. A routine cleaning is preventive care for healthy gums. Deep cleanings are more involved and typically recommended if signs of gum disease are present. Staying consistent with regular cleanings helps reduce the need for more advanced treatment later.

What Happens During the Dental Exam

Once your cleaning is complete, your dentist will perform a detailed exam to check on your overall oral health. Even if you’re not experiencing pain or sensitivity, these check-ups allow your dentist to spot small issues early, often before they turn into something more serious. Here’s what the exam typically includes:

Reviewing your medical history and any new concerns – Changes in your health or medications can affect your teeth, gums, and jaw. Your dentist will ask about any changes or symptoms since your last visit.
A visual inspection of your teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues – This helps identify visible signs of decay, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
Digital X-rays (usually once a year) – X-rays reveal issues that aren’t visible to the eye, like cavities between teeth, bone loss, or infections beneath the surface.

Periodontal charting and bite assessment – Your dentist will measure gum depth and look for signs of gum disease, grinding, or misalignment.

An oral cancer screening – A quick but important check of your lips, tongue, and soft tissues for early warning signs. This may include advanced screening with non-invasive tools like OralID™, which highlight abnormalities that may not be visible to the naked eye. These routine exams play a critical role in preventing more complex dental problems down the road.

How Often You Should Go to the Dentist—and Why

For most people, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends a dental exam and cleaning every six months. That schedule gives your care team the chance to monitor changes over time, remove plaque and tartar buildup that can’t be addressed at home, and catch potential issues early.

When cavities, gum disease, or other problems are caught in their early stages, treatment is often quicker, less invasive, and less expensive. If you have a history of periodontal disease, extensive dental work, or a medical condition that affects your oral health, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits to keep things in check.

Ready to Book Your Next Visit?

Regular dental exams and cleanings are one of the simplest ways to stay ahead of potential problems and protect your long-term oral health. At Imperial Dental Center, our friendly, knowledgeable team is here to make your visit comfortable, personalized, and productive. If it’s

been a while since your last check-up, we’re happy to help you get back on track—just give us a call or book online.

If you’re ready for that kind of care, give us a call to schedule your first visit.
We’d be happy to welcome you.

Dr. Dragana Angelova
Imperial Dental Center
“We love to see you smile”