315-422-0894
About two years ago our family began seeing Dr Mead. Dr Mead merges cutting edge technology and great technique to provide excellent dental care. He is fantastic with our kids. Going to the Dentist is no longer a chore but an enjoyable experience. The staff are very nice, the text reminders about appointments are very helpful and we never have to wait for our appointment they are always on time. Thanks Dr Mead 🙂
- Ken Livingston
What Does This Include?
Dental Exam: A comprehensive oral exam will be performed by Dr. Zimmerman or Dr. Mead at your first visit. This allows us to gather all the necessary information and properly coordinate the treatment an individual patient may need. Routine hygiene exams are performed from then on.
X-ray exam: When appropriate, different types of x-rays are taken to aid us in diagnosing, decay, periodontal disease, infection, orthodontic need, as well as oral pathologies.
Oral cancer screening: At every visit your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums will be checked for any signs of oral cancer. Additionally, we perform annual. Velscope oral cancer screenings, which allows us to see more than just a visual exam can reveal.
Periodontal (gum) disease evaluation: Periodontal pocket measurements are taken at the initial visit and then every year to assess for presence of gum disease, which leads to gum, bone and eventually tooth loss.  Since almost 50% of people over the age of 30 have periodontal disease, according to a 2012 study by the CDC, there is a good chance you require more than a standard cleaning!
Visual Exam of existing restorations and teeth: X-rays only tell part of the story.  Your doctor will carefully check each tooth and any previous dental work that you have had done to make sure everything is exactly how it should be.
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Dental Cleanings
One our three Registered Dental Hygienists will oversee your cleanings and gum car under the supervision of Dr. Zimmerman or Dr. Mead. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
- Hand Scaling
- Ultrasonic Scaling
- Polishing
Plaque build-up is a mixture of biofilm, bacteria, and food debris. The first reaction of the gums to inadequate removal of plaque is inflammation. This is called gingivitis. As gingivitis progresses, periodontal disease ensues. Periodontal disease is inflammation with the loss of gum and bone attachment to the teeth.
Tartar, or calculus, is when plaque becomes mineralized, or hardens, and can then only be removed by a hygienist. No amount of brushing and flossing will remove tartar.
So you can see, different methods of scaling and then a fine polishing of the teeth at least every 6 months is vital in combatting plaque, tartar, gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
1). If I brush and floss daily, do I still need professional dental cleanings?
Yes. Even with great at-home care, plaque can build up in hard-to-reach areas and harden into tartar. Professional cleanings remove this buildup and help prevent cavities and gum disease.
2). Why do my gums bleed during brushing, and will a cleaning help?
Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation caused by plaque buildup. A professional cleaning removes these irritants and allows your gums to heal, improving your overall gum health.
3). How do I know if I need a routine cleaning or a deeper cleaning?
If your gums are healthy, a routine cleaning is usually sufficient. If there are signs of gum disease or significant buildup, your dentist may recommend a deeper cleaning to properly treat the condition.
4). Will a dental cleaning remove stains from my teeth?
Yes. Professional cleanings can remove many surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco, leaving your teeth looking cleaner and brighter.
5). Can skipping regular exams lead to bigger dental problems later?
Yes. Skipping exams can allow small issues—like early decay or gum inflammation—to develop into more serious problems that may require more extensive treatment.
6). How often should I schedule dental exams and cleanings?
Most patients benefit from visits every six months. However, some individuals may need more frequent care depending on their oral health needs and risk factors.
7). Are dental X-rays always part of an exam and cleaning visit?
Not always. X-rays are taken only when necessary to detect issues that aren’t visible during a standard exam, such as cavities between teeth or bone changes.
8). Why do my teeth feel sensitive after a cleaning?
Mild sensitivity can occur after plaque and tartar are removed, especially near the gumline. This is temporary and typically resolves within a few days.
9). Can regular cleanings actually prevent future dental treatments?
Yes. Preventive care helps catch issues early and reduces the likelihood of needing more complex treatments like fillings, root canals, or gum therapy.
10). What happens if I haven’t had a cleaning in several years?
If it’s been a while, there may be significant buildup or gum concerns. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and recommend the appropriate type of cleaning to safely restore your smile.