dentist's instruments with shallow depth of field

Dental Exams
And Cleanings

Preventing Problems Before They Start

The health of your teeth and mouth is very important to the well-being of your entire body, and while routine brushing and flossing at home is necessary to keep your smile looking its best, visiting your dentist for a comprehensive exam and cleaning is essential.

The American Dental Association recommends that you visit your dentist every six months to ensure your teeth stay healthy and your smile stays beautiful.

Children's dentistry. Live funny photo of a laughing child at the dentist's appointment

Dentist in dental office talking with male patient and preparing for treatment

By routinely seeing your dentist for exams and cleanings, you can:

Prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath
Save money by avoiding costly and extensive dental procedures
Keep your teeth white by reducing staining from food and drinks
Shorten the time spent in your dentist’s office
Have a smile that will last a lifetime

Appointment Request

The Exam

During your exam, your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, and other health problems.

Your dentist may also want to take X-rays to see what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.

Whether these X-rays are traditional or digital, the images provided will help your dentist discover dental issues not visible to the naked eye.

Professional Cleanings

Your dental hygienist will begin your cleaning by exploring the surface of your teeth to determine if you have any cavities and to examine the quality of existing fillings.

The dental hygienist will then perform a periodontal exam to make sure your gums adhere tightly to your teeth, and no periodontal disease or bone loss may be occurring.

Next, your hygienist will carefully clean your teeth with a variety of tools to remove any hard mineral buildup (tartar) from your teeth. Then your hygienist will floss your teeth, use a polishing compound, and apply fluoride.

Cleanings usually aren’t painful, but if you have any anxiety about your dental exam, be sure to let your hygienist know. They may offer several sedation options to ensure your comfort. If your dentist or hygienist finds tooth decay or gum disease, they will talk to you about changing your brushing or flossing habits.

In severe cases, they may recommend antibiotics or other dental treatments. If your teeth and gums appear to be healthy, your dentist will probably recommend that you continue your brushing and flossing routine as usual.

Contact us

We look forward to being your partners as you achieve your healthiest, most beautiful smile. Contact Kenwood Dental Group, in Chicago, IL, to schedule a visit for yourself or a loved one today!

Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I schedule a professional dental exam and cleaning?admin2026-05-28T07:11:25+00:00

How often should I schedule a professional dental exam and cleaning?

The American Dental Association recommends a routine visit every six months to successfully prevent plaque buildup, cavities, and bad breath. If you haven’t had a checkup recently, you can easily request a convenient time through our Appointment Request portal.

What is the difference between brushing at home and a professional teeth cleaning?admin2026-05-28T07:11:45+00:00

What is the difference between brushing at home and a professional teeth cleaning?

While daily brushing removes soft plaque, only a dental hygienist can safely scrape away tartar – a hardened mineral buildup that traps bacteria against your teeth. For areas underneath the gumline where a standard cleaning can’t reach, we also provide specialized, deep Gum Disease Treatment to protect against bone loss.

Why does the dentist take digital X-rays during a routine exam?admin2026-05-28T07:12:07+00:00

Why does the dentist take digital X-rays during a routine exam?

Digital X-rays allow us to detect invisible dental issues beneath the surface, such as bone loss, impacted teeth, and deep decay between tooth surfaces. Catching these problems early ensures we can fix them with a quick filling rather than complex Root Canal Therapy.

Will my routine dental exam include an evaluation for other oral health issues?admin2026-05-28T07:12:28+00:00

Will my routine dental exam include an evaluation for other oral health issues?

Yes, every comprehensive exam at our practice includes a meticulous screening for oral cancer, TMJ jaw disorders, and structural bite issues. If we identify minor tooth deterioration or functional alignment problems during your checkup, we can discuss restorative options like custom Dental Crowns to reinforce your smile.

Can a professional cleaning help remove stains and make my smile whiter?admin2026-05-28T07:12:46+00:00

Can a professional cleaning help remove stains and make my smile whiter?

Yes, our hygienists use a specialized polishing compound during your cleaning that successfully lifts surface stains caused by food, coffee, and tobacco. If you are looking for a more dramatic shade transformation after your cleaning, ask our team about our advanced Cosmetic Dentistry smile makeovers.