Dental Cleanings & Exams
Your smile deserves more than just brushing and flossing. Professional cleanings and comprehensive exams at Italian Smiles keep your teeth sparkling and catch problems before they start.
Why Routine Cleanings Matter
Even the most diligent brushers and flossers miss spots. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar — a stubborn buildup that only a professional can remove. Left unchecked, tartar leads to gum disease, cavities, and eventually tooth loss.
At Italian Smiles, our hygienists use gentle, thorough techniques to clean every surface of your teeth, including below the gumline. After your cleaning, Dr. LaVant or one of our doctors will perform a comprehensive exam — checking for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and any other concerns.
Routine care is the single best investment you can make in your smile. Catching a small cavity today costs far less — in time, money, and discomfort — than treating a root canal or extraction tomorrow.
What You Get at Every Visit
- ✓Catch cavities and oral health problems early — before they become painful or expensive
- ✓Remove hardened tartar that brushing and flossing cannot reach
- ✓Screen for oral cancer and gum disease at every visit
- ✓Get a fluoride treatment or dental sealants if recommended
- ✓Leave with a sparkling clean smile and fresh breath
Common Questions
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning every six months. However, patients with gum disease or a history of heavy tartar buildup may need to come in every three to four months to keep their smile healthy.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
For most patients, a routine cleaning is comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth or inflamed gums, you may feel some mild discomfort. Let us know and we can take extra care or apply a topical numbing gel to keep you comfortable.
What happens during a dental exam?
During your exam, Dr. LaVant or one of our doctors will check each tooth for decay, examine your gums for signs of disease, screen for oral cancer, review your X-rays, and discuss any concerns or treatment recommendations with you.
Do you take X-rays at every visit?
Not necessarily. We take X-rays based on your individual needs and risk factors. New patients typically receive a full set of X-rays, while established patients may only need bitewing X-rays every year or two.
Ready for a Sparkling Clean Smile?
Call Italian Smiles today at 602-857-9945 to schedule your cleaning and exam. We open as early as 7 a.m. and offer an in-house membership plan to help you save.