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General

The visit that prevents the others

Routine cleanings and exams are the simplest way to protect your smile — and to catch problems while they are still small.

Routine dental cleanings are one of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy smile and prevent common oral health problems before they become more serious.

Our preventive approach focuses on removing plaque and tartar, monitoring your oral health, and helping you avoid issues such as cavities and gum disease. Regular examinations, professional cleanings, digital imaging and preventive treatments allow us to detect concerns early, often before symptoms appear.

A patient in the dental chair during a professional scaling procedure
  • Plaque & tartar
    removed professionally, above and below the gumline
  • Digital X-rays
    quicker imaging with reduced radiation exposure
  • Oral cancer exam
    screening included, so early signs are not missed
  • A recall plan
    an interval set to your own oral health, not a default

Signs to watch for

Is it time for your next cleaning?

  • Bleeding gums when you brush or floss

    One of the most common early signs, and one of the easiest to dismiss.

  • Persistent bad breath

    Breath that does not improve with brushing can point to bacteria below the gumline.

  • Visible plaque or tartar along the gumline

    Hardened tartar cannot be brushed away at home — it has to be removed professionally.

  • Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold

    Worth having looked at before it becomes painful.

  • Swollen, red or tender gums

    Healthy gums are firm and pale pink, and they do not hurt.

  • More than six months since your last visit

    The longer the gap, the more there usually is to do.

Your appointment

What a preventive visit includes

  • Comprehensive dental examination

    We evaluate your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health while checking for early signs of decay, gum disease and other concerns.

  • Professional teeth cleaning

    Our hygienists carefully remove plaque, tartar and surface stains before polishing your teeth for a cleaner, healthier smile.

  • Advanced digital imaging

    When needed, digital or panoramic X-rays provide detailed images that help us diagnose conditions not visible during a clinical examination.

  • A personalised prevention plan

    Before you leave, we recommend home care techniques, preventive treatments and an ideal recall schedule based on your oral health.

Related care

Where to go next

Common questions

Questions about cleanings and exams

Six months is the usual interval, but it is not a rule for everyone. Before you leave we recommend a recall schedule based on your own oral health — some patients benefit from being seen more often.

A routine cleaning should not be painful, though tender or inflamed gums can make it uncomfortable. Tell us if you are sensitive and we will work around it.

Standard dental X-rays allow us to detect issues below the surface, helping us create effective treatment plans tailored to your needs. Our digital X-rays offer quicker imaging with reduced radiation exposure.

Professional cleanings remove plaque and hardened tartar, help prevent cavities, lower the risk of gum disease, freshen breath, remove surface stains, and let us detect concerns early — which reduces the need for more complex treatment later.

New patients

New patients are welcome

Your first visit begins with a thorough examination to assess your dental health and discuss your concerns and goals.

  • 11717 Bernardo Plaza Ct Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92128
  • Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
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