Routine Exams & Hygiene
Recommended for most patients:
Professional exams and cleaning every 6 months to maintain healthy teeth and gums
Routine dental exams and professional cleanings are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your oral health. At Torresdale Dental Associates, we recommend that patients visit our office every six months for a professional teeth cleaning and comprehensive dental examination. These regular visits allow us to remove plaque and tartar that can’t be eliminated with brushing and flossing alone while monitoring your teeth and gums for any signs of developing problems.
Whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning or visiting us in our Northeast Philadelphia office for the first time, our goal is to provide thorough, gentle care in a comfortable environment. By identifying concerns early, we can often prevent more extensive treatment down the road and help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
Benefits of routine dental exams & cleanings
Regular preventive care offers benefits that extend far beyond just having clean teeth. Routine exams and hygiene visits can help:
- Keep your gums healthy and minimize bleeding
- Reduce persistent bad breath
- Prevent cavities before they become larger problems
- Reduce plaque and tartar buildup
- Support your overall oral health and long-term wellness
Preventive care is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term oral health. When you come in for regular cleaning, our providers are more able to identify potential dental concerns early and avoid more complex dental treatment whenever possible. Plus, you’ll be able to feel the difference a clean smile makes!
When should I schedule a dental exam?
Even if you’re up to date on your brushing and flossing, and your teeth feel fine, you should still come in for your routine visit every six months if you can! These exams are an important part of maintaining good, long-term oral health.
You may be especially due for an examination if you’ve noticed:
- Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Tooth sensitivity or discomfort
- Signs of plaque buildup
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
Of course, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms, regular exams every six months are still recommended for most patients.
What happens on a hygiene visit?
If you’re visiting our office for the first time, we’ll begin with a comprehensive examination, including a gum health evaluation. This allows us to determine whether you’re a candidate for a routine cleaning, or whether a deeper cleaning is needed to treat gum disease.
Routine Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
A routine cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline and is usually completed in one brief visit.
Dental professionals typically recommend this every six months for patients with healthy gums.
Deep Cleaning
(Scaling & Root Planing)
If signs of gum disease are present, we may recommend a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Unlike a regular cleaning, this treatment removes bacteria and buildup from below the gumline to help restore gum health.
Deep cleanings are generally completed over two appointments, followed by periodontal maintenance cleanings every three months to help keep your gums healthy and prevent disease from returning.
Most hygiene appointments last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive a cleaning during my first visit?
Sometimes. Before beginning a cleaning, we’ll perform a thorough examination of your gums to determine whether a routine cleaning is appropriate.
If we find that you would benefit from a deep cleaning instead, we’ll complete a comprehensive gum evaluation and schedule a follow-up appointment for the deep cleaning.
Do dental cleanings hurt?
Most routine cleanings are relatively pain-free. Some patients with sensitive teeth or inflamed gums may experience mild discomfort, but our team works carefully to make every visit as gentle and comfortable as possible.
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
For most patients, we recommend professional cleanings and dental exams every six months. Patients who require periodontal maintenance after a deep cleaning are typically seen every three months.
Does insurance cover dental cleanings?
Many PPO dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings every six months as part of preventive care. If a deep cleaning is recommended, our team will review your insurance benefits and help determine your available coverage before treatment begins.
For more financial questions regarding plans or our options for patients without insurance, please visit our financial information page or contact our office.
Why choose Torresdale Dental Associates for routine dental care in Northeast Philadelphia?
At the end of the day, preventive care is about building a long-term relationship with a dental team you trust, as well as cleaning your teeth. This way, if oral health problems arise in the future, you’ll have a dedicated team of dental professionals to consult.
Patients choose Torresdale Dental Associates because we believe in providing thorough, personalized care without rushing or cutting corners. Our registered dental hygienist, Lauren Sheridan, RDH, is known for her gentle approach and attention to detail, helping patients feel comfortable while receiving the high-quality preventive care they deserve.
Our team consistently takes the time to:
- Evaluate the individual needs of every patient
- Explain our recommendations in detail that any patient can understand
- Help patients to maintain a healthy smile through personalized preventative care
If you have questions about your insurance benefits or our financial options, we’re happy to help you understand your coverage before treatment begins.
Ready to schedule your next cleaning?
Related Services
Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry is dedicated to repairing damaged teeth and replacing missing ones so you can smile confidently, speak clearly, and enjoy the full function and comfort of a healthy mouth.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on helping you establish and maintain the natural beauty of your smile.
Emergency Care
Toothaches, broken teeth, and other urgent dental problems can happen unexpectedly. When dental emergencies occur, we try to offer same-day appointments and same-day treatment when possible.