If it has been a while since your last appointment, not knowing what to expect can be reason enough to keep putting it off. A dental check-up cleaning is one of the simplest things you can do for your long-term oral health, and it follows a predictable routine. Here is what happens at each stage of a preventive visit at South Meadows Dental & Orthodontics in Reno, how often you should come in, and what the appointment can tell you about the rest of your mouth.
Step 1: The Exam
Your visit starts with a comprehensive dental examination. Your dentist reviews your health history, asks about any changes since your last visit and looks closely at your teeth, gums, tongue and the soft tissues of your mouth, as well as your neck and throat. X-rays are taken when needed to reveal problems that are not visible on the surface, such as decay between teeth or changes in the bone. This is also when your dentist looks for early signs of conditions that can affect your overall health.
Step 2: Checking Your Gums
Next, your gums are measured with a small instrument called a periodontal probe, which checks the depth of the space between each tooth and the gum. Healthy readings are usually between one and three millimeters. Deeper pockets can be an early sign of gum disease, which often develops without pain and is much easier to manage when it is caught early.
Step 3: The Cleaning
The hygienist then removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth using hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler, reaching areas that brushing and flossing at home cannot fully clean. Your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and leave the enamel smooth, and the visit finishes with fluoride treatment. You can read more about our professional cleanings and the technology we use, including digital X-rays and intra-oral cameras.
How Often Should You Come In?
For most people with healthy teeth and gums, a check-up and cleaning every six months is the standard recommendation. Your dentist may suggest a different schedule based on your own risk factors.
When More Frequent Visits Make Sense
You may benefit from coming in more often if you have a history of gum disease or frequent cavities, diabetes, dry mouth from medications, or you use tobacco. Patients in orthodontic treatment often need extra cleanings too, because brackets, wires and attachments create more places for plaque to build up.
Children’s Visits
Starting regular visits early helps children build healthy habits and a positive association with the dentist. The American Dental Association recommends a first visit around the time the first tooth appears or by age one. Our pediatric dentistry team keeps these visits calm and friendly, and protective dental sealants may be recommended to help guard cavity-prone back teeth.
Coming Back After a Long Break
Life gets busy, and many adults go a year or more between visits. If that is you, your first cleaning may take a little longer while the hygienist removes extra buildup. There is no judgment here. The goal is simply to get you back on a routine that works for you.
What a Routine Visit Can Catch Early
A preventive appointment is about more than a clean feeling. It is often where small problems are found while they are still easy to treat.
- Early decay. A small cavity found at a check-up is far simpler to fix than decay that has progressed to needing a crown. When a crown is necessary, the practice offers same-day crowns made in-office with CEREC CAD/CAM technology.
- Grinding or bite problems. Unusual wear on your teeth can point to clenching, grinding or a bite that puts extra stress on certain teeth. Because Dr. Meagan Struby, a board-certified orthodontist, practices in the same office, it is easy to follow up with an adult orthodontics evaluation if needed.
- Cosmetic questions. Freshly polished teeth show your true shade, which makes the end of a cleaning a good time to ask about professional teeth whitening or veneers. Results vary from person to person.
How to Get the Most From Your Appointment
A little preparation makes the visit smoother. Bring your insurance card and a current list of medications, since some medicines affect your gums and saliva. Write down anything you have noticed since your last visit, such as sensitivity, bleeding when you floss or a tooth that feels different when you bite. And if you are due for X-rays or have questions about your child’s first visit, mention it when you book so we can plan enough time.
Between appointments, your daily habits do most of the work. Brushing twice a day, cleaning between your teeth every day and limiting sugary snacks and drinks all help your next check-up go quickly. Our guide to building a daily dental hygiene routine walks through the basics.
Common Questions About Check-Ups and Cleanings
How long does the appointment take?
It depends on whether you need X-rays and how much buildup there is. Our team can give you a time estimate when you schedule, and it is a good idea to allow a little extra time if it has been a while since your last cleaning.
Does insurance cover check-ups and cleanings?
Many dental plans cover preventive visits, often twice a year, but benefits vary widely. Check with your insurance company before your appointment, and our front desk team is happy to help you understand your coverage when you call the office.
What if I feel nervous about the dentist?
You are not alone. Let us know when you book, and we can allow extra time. Your provider will explain each step before starting, and you can ask questions or request a break at any point.
Can regular cleanings prevent gum disease?
They are one of the best ways to lower your risk. Cleanings remove tartar that brushing cannot, and the gum measurements at each visit help catch early gingivitis before it progresses. If gum disease is already present, your dentist may recommend a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing.
Meet the Team That Will See You
Dr. Brian Struby earned his undergraduate and dental degrees at Creighton University, where he received the Academy of General Dentistry Dental Student of the Year Award, and he continues his training as a member of the Frank Spear Faculty Club. He practices alongside Dr. Meagan Struby, a board-certified orthodontist, so families can keep general, cosmetic and orthodontic care in one place. Learn more about Dr. Brian Struby and Dr. Meagan Struby.
Book Your Next Cleaning
Whether you are right on schedule or overdue, the next step is the same. Schedule your check-up and cleaning online or call the office, and we will find a time that works for you. We welcome patients from Reno, South Meadows, Sparks and McCarran.
