During a professional dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will remove plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth over time. Using special tools, they will carefully scrape away plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line. Throughout the process, your mouth may be rinsed periodically to remove loosened debris.Next, the hygienist will floss between your teeth to clean areas that brushing alone can't reach. If you don’t floss regularly, this step might feel slightly uncomfortable at first—but with consistent daily flossing, that discomfort typically fades over time.To finish the cleaning, your teeth will be polished to remove any remaining surface stains and help prevent future plaque buildup. This is done using a spinning brush and a gritty polishing paste, which works like a stronger version of toothpaste. Finally, you’ll be asked to rinse and gargle with mouthwash, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

During a dental exam, the dentist will begin by reviewing your dental and medical history. You may be asked about any current medications, health conditions, allergies, dental concerns, or anxieties. It's important to be open and honest so our dental team can tailor your care for comfort and safety.Next, the dental professional will perform a thorough visual inspection of your mouth using a small mirror. They’ll check for signs of swelling, sores, lesions, gum recession, and tooth decay. One key focus during this exam is identifying dental pockets—the spaces between the gums and teeth. These pockets can be early indicators of gum disease and, if left untreated, may lead to more serious oral health issues.If any concerns are found, your dentist may recommend a customized at-home oral care routine and continued monitoring to help protect your smile and overall oral health.

As part of your routine dental checkup, new patients—or those who haven’t had X-rays in a while—will typically need dental X-rays. These images play a crucial role in detecting issues that aren't visible during a standard exam, such as problems with the tooth roots, bone structure, and areas beneath the gum line.During the X-ray, you’ll be asked to gently bite down on a small piece of plastic positioned between your teeth. A specialized X-ray machine is then placed near your cheek to capture detailed images of your mouth. Once the X-rays are taken, your dentist will carefully review them to look for signs of decay, infection, bone loss, or other hidden concerns.If you're in Chicago, including neighborhoods like Hermosa, Logan Square, or Oak Park, our dental team uses digital X-ray technology to ensure a safe, quick, and comfortable experience for every patient.

Our dental team strongly recommends that patients schedule dental checkups and cleanings at least every six months. Regular visits allow us to closely monitor your smile for early signs of issues such as cavities, tooth decay, and gum recession. Delaying appointments can give plaque more time to build up, increasing the risk of these problems. During your checkups, we also provide personalized advice on how to maintain a healthy smile and prevent future dental concerns.Maintaining good oral health starts with consistent care at home. To keep your smile in top shape between visits, our Chicago dental professionals may recommend these essential at-home oral hygiene practices:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily to remove plaque from between teeth
• Using an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria and freshen breath
• Avoiding smoking and other habits that can harm your oral health

If you live in Hermosa, Logan Square, Oak Park, or nearby Chicago neighborhoods, our dental office is here to support you with expert preventive care and education every step of the way.