Dental Checkups & Cleanings – West Caldwell, NJ
Keep Your Smile Clean and Healthy
Many oral health problems like cracks, cavities, and gum disease can be imperceptibly small when they begin, but they will eventually develop into painful and destructive infections if they are left unaddressed. Thankfully, regular dental checkups at Magid Dental Care can help you prevent these issues or address them while they are still in their early stages. Here’s a quick look at how dental checkups and cleanings work at our West Caldwell practice, but please feel free to contact our office if you’d like to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Magid Dental Care for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Prevent Painful Oral Infections
- Enjoy a Thorough Oral Cleaning
- Dental Insurance Welcomed
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
While it might seem like a good idea to wait to see the dentist until you notice you have an oral health problem, this can allow infections to fester until they cause permanent damage. Regular dental checkups and cleanings allow Dr. Magid to monitor your oral health, address problems in their early stages, and help you better understand how to keep your mouth healthy. This can save a patient from much suffering as well as the expense of paying for emergency dental care. To make things even better, most dental insurance policies cover dental checkups and cleanings by 100%, which makes them a great way to save money while preserving your oral health.
A Better, More Comfortable Dental Cleaning
The Woodpecker PT-B delivers a more advanced cleaning by gently removing harmful biofilm, plaque, stains, and early tartar above and below the gumline. Compared to traditional cleaning methods, it provides a more thorough, efficient, and comfortable experience while helping reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and implant complications.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
During your checkup, Dr. Magid will carefully examine your teeth, gums, bite alignment, and existing dental work to check for signs of damage and infection, and he will also be sure to examine your soft tissues for symptoms of oral cancer. Most patients will also require annual X-rays to check for issues with the dental roots and the jaw joints. If we detect any problems, we’ll be able to develop an appropriate treatment plan or refer you to a suitable specialist as necessary. Our team will also review your medical history and list of medications and update them as needed, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about your treatment and your oral hygiene.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Even if you brush and floss several times a day, there are parts of your mouth that cannot be reached with at-home hygiene methods. During your dental cleaning, our team will carefully remove plaque, tartar, and food debris from your teeth to reduce your risk of dental infections, gum disease, and bad breath. Then, we’ll floss your teeth and polish them to remove minor surface stains. We may also recommend a topical fluoride treatment to help reinforce your enamel and kill nasty oral bacteria.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long does a dental exam take?
Dental checkups and cleanings are a simple and effective way to help prevent common concerns, such as cavities and gum disease. But you might avoid scheduling them if you’re convinced your visit will take too long.
But in many cases, our team can complete routine exams in as few as 10 to 15 minutes, though the exact timing can vary from person to person based on their individual circumstances. For instance, it might take longer if it’s been a while since your last appointment and we find any areas of concern to address.
How long does a professional dental cleaning take?
The second part of your appointment, the professional cleaning, often takes about 30 minutes, though it can depend on your current dental condition. Those with more stubborn plaque or tartar buildup are more likely to have longer appointments because it takes more time to remove long-term deposits from your enamel.
If you require a deep gum cleaning known as scaling and root planing, we will likely need to schedule a second appointment to smooth the enamel over your roots to prevent buildup from reforming on the surfaces of your teeth.
How often should I get dental X-rays?
There are different types of dental X-rays, each with its own unique purposes and recommendations, which are outlined in more detail below:
- Bitewing X-rays are usually taken at least once annually to help detect hidden cavities that require treatment.
- Periapical X-rays help with identifying issues in the roots and planning a customized treatment plan to address them and might only be taken as needed for diagnoses.
- Panoramic X-rays are used to reveal potential developmental or spacing concerns, such as orthodontic issues or wisdom teeth evaluation, and might only be taken every 3 to 5 years.
How much does a dental checkup and cleaning cost in West Caldwell, NJ?
Most patients in the area can expect to spend between $150 and $400 for a routine dental exam and cleaning, but the total can vary based on your unique situation. For example, if you have dental insurance that covers routine visits, up to 100% of your appointment could be covered so you don’t owe anything out of pocket. Meanwhile, you might pay more if our team finds issues, like tooth decay or periodontal problems, that require treatment.
If you’re concerned about affording services, in addition to accepting dental insurance, our team also offers an in-house savings plan that includes exams and cleanings. You are also welcome to apply for a flexible payment plan through CareCredit, which allows you to divide your total invoice into more manageable installments if you’re approved.