Exams & Cleaning

A detailed dental exam and cleaning brightens your teeth while keeping issues like cavities and gum disease away. Frontier Family Dental in Graham, Washington, provides exams and cleanings for patients of all ages under the care of skilled dentist Seung Jae (David), Joung, DMD. Call the office for your next appointment or book online for preventive care today.

What are dental exams and cleanings?

Dental exams and cleanings are a routine part of keeping your mouth healthy. Simply brushing your teeth every day and flossing just isn’t quite enough to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free: You need a detailed dental cleaning to remove bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth too. 

The examination helps you discover dental issues that need treatment during their earliest stages, often before they cause any symptoms. Your dentist can detect problems before you can, and they can then make recommendations for treatment. They can also help you schedule any treatments you need. 

Frontier Family Dental provides all-ages cleanings and exams for every patient starting around the time a child gets their first tooth. 

How often should I get dental exams and cleanings?

Dental exams and cleanings should happen around once every six months. If you have certain health conditions. Frontier Family Dental might suggest more frequent visits. 

Consistent exams and cleanings can:

• Prevent tooth decay
• Freshen your breath
• Prevent gum disease
• Keep your teeth white 
• Help you avoid costly treatments
• Increase the longevity of your teeth

Even if it’s been a long time since your last exam and cleaning, it’s always a good time to prioritize your oral health by scheduling an appointment. 

What should I expect during my dental exams and cleanings?

When you visit Frontier Family Dental for an exam and cleaning, the first portion of your appointment is the examination. Your dentist looks at your teeth and gums for signs of decay, infection, and other problems. You should bring up any symptoms you’ve noticed on your own, such as tooth pain or persistent bad breath. 

Next comes the cleaning. A dental cleaning is much more thorough than the brushing and flossing you do at home, as it can remove hardened bacteria called tartar. A trained hygienist uses several tools to remove the tartar before polishing your teeth with an electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste. They also floss between your teeth and apply fluoride to help prevent cavities. 

Every so often, you’ll get a digital X-ray as part of your dental exam. An X-ray allows your dentist to see the insides of your teeth and every side. It’s a valuable tool for diagnosing issues like cavities and tooth infections, even if you don’t have any symptoms at the time of your visit. 

Book exams and cleanings for the entire family over the phone or online at Frontier Family Dental today.