Dental Cleanings & Exams in Oak Lawn, IL
Routine dental cleanings & exams are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing more serious dental concerns over time. At Inside The Smile, we provide thorough, gentle preventive care that not only protects your teeth and gums but also supports your overall well-being. Our team proudly serves Oak Lawn and neighboring communities like Evergreen Park, Burbank, and Chicago Ridge.
During each visit, we take the time to educate you about your oral health, answer questions, and offer personalized recommendations — whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your dental cleaning and dental exam are more than just routine — they’re the foundation of lifelong oral wellness. Every appointment includes:
- Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Our dental hygienists use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from all surfaces of your teeth, especially areas that brushing and flossing can’t reach. This step helps prevent decay and gum disease.
- Oral Health Assessment: Dr. Michael B. Smith conducts a full dental exam, evaluating your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and bite. We check for early signs of tooth decay, gum inflammation, enamel wear, and alignment concerns.
- Digital Imaging (as needed): X-rays may be taken to identify hidden cavities, bone loss, or other underlying issues that aren’t visible during a visual exam.
- Oral Cancer Screening: We perform a soft tissue check to detect abnormalities or precancerous changes early.
- Personalized Guidance: Based on your exam results, we’ll recommend preventive measures or follow-up treatments, such as fluoride treatment, sealants, or an updated home hygiene routine.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
For most patients, we recommend a teeth cleaning and exam every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease or other risk factors, Dr. Smith may advise more frequent visits.
Staying on schedule with regular dental cleanings helps:
- Remove plaque buildup that leads to cavities and gingivitis
- Catch small problems before they become larger, costlier issues
- Monitor wear patterns from clenching or grinding (see Bruxism Treatment)
- Keep your smile looking and feeling its best
Cleanings for Children and Adults
From a child’s first dental cleaning to adult maintenance visits, we provide care that meets your entire family’s needs. Our team welcomes patients starting at age 3 and offers gentle, encouraging care for younger patients through our pediatric dentistry services.
For adults, cleanings are a vital part of preventing issues like gum disease and protecting previous dental work like fillings or crowns.
Why Exams Are Just as Important as Cleanings
While the teeth cleaning focuses on removing buildup and polishing your enamel, the dental exam is what helps us detect concerns like:
- Cavities or enamel demineralization
- Early-stage gum disease or recession
- Bite issues that may contribute to TMJ dysfunction
- Worn, cracked, or shifting teeth
- Changes in soft tissue that could signal other health issues
When caught early, these issues are easier and more affordable to treat. Regular exams also give you a chance to bring up any questions or discomfort you’ve noticed between visits.
FAQs
Is a dental cleaning the same as a deep cleaning?
No. A standard dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is preventive and focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a treatment for gum disease and may involve more than one visit.
How long does a teeth cleaning and exam take?
Most appointments take 45–60 minutes, depending on your oral health. New patient visits may take a little longer if X-rays or additional screenings are needed.
Will my insurance cover dental cleanings & exams?
Yes, most insurance plans cover two preventive cleanings and exams per year. We accept a wide range of plans including Cigna, Delta Dental, and United Concordia. If you’re uninsured, we also offer financing options and flexible payment plans.
Are cleanings safe during pregnancy?
Absolutely. In fact, staying on top of teeth cleanings during pregnancy is encouraged due to the increased risk of gum inflammation. Let us know if you're expecting so we can tailor your care accordingly.
Our clinic offers multiple booking options. You can schedule online through our website, call our reception, or email for urgent consultations. We aim to respond within 24 hours.
Still have questions?
Visit our Blog to know more
Book Your Dental Cleaning & Exam in Oak Lawn
Consistent preventive care is the easiest way to protect your smile for life. Whether you’re due for your next cleaning or haven’t seen a dentist in years, Inside The Smile is here to help you feel comfortable, informed, and in control of your oral health.