Exam & Cleaning
Dental Exam is a dental screening procedure that involves a dentist examining your teeth and gums to identify any oral health issues.
A dental exam and cleaning combines a dentist’s check for cavities, gum disease, and oral health issues with a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar buildup missed by brushing alone. Most patients need this every six months. Oxford Smiles Dental in Marlborough includes X-rays and an oral cancer screening with routine visits.
Dental Exam can include procedures
- X-rays (to check for hidden cavities or cavities under old dental work)
- Periodontal exam (screens for diseases of the gums and jaws)
- TMJ exam (analyzing jaw joints)
- Throat and mouth examination (screening for oral cancer)
- Occlusal exam (inspection of the bite)
Dental Exam, a dentist will look in your mouth and analyze the teeth, gums, and joints to help prevent the development of painful and expensive oral health issues.
Dental Exams help to detect conditions and issues:
- Cavities
- Loose/broken fillings
- TMJ issues
- Signs of gum disease
- Oral cancer screening
Dental cleaning is a dentist’s preventative procedure to achieve or maintain optimum oral health and hygiene. During a dental cleaning, the dentist aims to remove any deposits, unwanted particles, tartar buildup, and excess plaque from your teeth, especially if they can’t be removed from regular brushing.
Dental Cleaning can include procedures
- Your dentist scraping the plaque physically using a metal scaler or ultrasonic equipment
- Using a water and suction tool to remove leftovers
- Using special toothpaste and floss to polish the teeth
Dental Cleaning procedure, you can expect our dentist to recommend effective ways to maintain oral hygiene. Most people opt to schedule dental cleaning services every six months. However, while this works for most people, others may need to come in for a dental cleaning every three months.
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We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only within Marlborough
but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
We Accept Most Insurance Plans
We strive to make dental care affordable and accessible for all our patients. That's why we accept most major insurances, and will work with you to help you understand your plan and maximize your benefits. If you have questions about insurance, or anything at all, give us a call to speak with one of our friendly insurance experts. Don't see your insurance listed? Give us a call on (508) 290-8714, and we'll walk you through all your options!
No Insurance? No Problem.
Flexible financing & membership plans available
We offer quality membership plans along with flexible financing options through LendingClub, Sunbit, CareCredit, and Cherry. Quality dental care is an investment in your health and happiness, and we believe the cost of treatment should never stand in the way of your ideal smile. That's why we partner with trusted healthcare lenders, allowing you to create personalized payment plans that fit your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
A comprehensive exam includes: a full mouth series of X-rays, clinical examination of all teeth and supporting bone, periodontal probing to measure gum pocket depths, oral cancer screening, evaluation of existing restorations, and a treatment planning discussion with Dr. Mehta - followed by professional cleaning.
A routine cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from above and at the gumline - appropriate for patients with healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes below the gumline to treat active gum disease. Dr. Mehta's exam determines which is appropriate for you.
Yes. Dental X-rays and clinical exams detect decay, bone loss, and gum disease that produce no symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Professional removal of tartar (which cannot be removed by brushing alone) prevents gum disease, and early detection of any problem saves significant time, money, and tooth structure.
The team uses gentle techniques, child-friendly language, and patience. Cleanings for children are often shorter and less intensive than adult cleanings. If anxiety is significant, a parent may be present chairside. Nitrous oxide is available for children who need additional help relaxing.
After cleaning, a professional fluoride varnish or gel application is offered. This highly concentrated fluoride treatment strengthens enamel and reduces cavity risk for both children and adults. It takes 30–45 seconds to apply and patients are asked to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward.
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We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only within Marlborough but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
- Marlborough
- Auburn
- Maynard
- Bolton
- Hudson
- Framingham
- Westborough
- Shrewsbury
- Northborough
- Southborough
- Hopkinton
- Ashland