General Dentistry

Teeth Cleaning & Exams

Patient receiving a professional teeth cleaning in the dental chair

Overview

The easiest dental visit you'll ever have — and the most valuable

Even the most diligent brushing and flossing leaves a little plaque behind, and within days that soft film hardens into tartar — a rough deposit that no toothbrush can remove. Tartar gives cavity-causing bacteria a permanent foothold and irritates the gums, which is how gum disease quietly gets started. A professional cleaning removes that buildup above and along the gumline, then polishes your teeth smooth so plaque has a harder time sticking around.

The exam is where the real value hides. Dr. Jackie Johns, DMD checks every tooth, every existing filling and crown, your gums, and your bite — with X-rays when needed to spot decay hiding between teeth or below the gumline. Each exam also includes a visual oral cancer screening of your lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat, a quick check that matters because early detection makes such a difference.

Cleanings and exams are for everyone — kids, adults, and seniors alike. Most patients do best on a six-month rhythm: it's roughly how long buildup takes to accumulate, and it means small problems get caught while they're still small and simple to fix. At Complete Dental Care in Atlantis, expect an unhurried visit, plain-English explanations, and zero lectures — just honest guidance on keeping your smile healthy between visits.

Gentle plaque & tartar removal
Comprehensive tooth-by-tooth exam
X-rays when needed
Visual oral cancer screening
Gum health check
Personalized home-care advice

When To See Us

Signs it's time for a cleaning and exam

You don't need a problem to book a checkup — that's the whole point. But if any of these sound familiar, don't put it off.

It's been six months — or you can't remember

Tartar builds steadily whether or not anything hurts, and once it hardens only professional instruments can remove it. If your last visit is a blur, that's your sign — a fresh exam gets you back to a clean baseline.

Bleeding gums or breath that won't freshen

Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, and bad breath that keeps coming back, are early warnings of gum disease — often reversible when caught at this stage. A cleaning and exam is the right first step, and we can add gum disease treatment if needed.

Pain or swelling can't wait for a checkup

A toothache, facial swelling, or a broken tooth isn't a "next cleaning" conversation — it needs attention now. Call our 24/7 emergency line at 561-787-7517 or book an emergency visit.

Common Questions

Teeth cleaning & exam FAQs

How often should I have my teeth cleaned?

Every six months works well for most people — it matches how quickly tartar tends to build up. Some patients, such as those with a history of gum disease, benefit from more frequent visits, while others do fine on a standard schedule. After your exam, Dr. Johns will recommend a cadence based on your mouth, not a one-size-fits-all rule.

Does a dental cleaning hurt?

A routine cleaning shouldn't hurt — you'll feel some scraping and pressure as buildup is removed, and most patients find it comfortable. If it's been a while or your gums are inflamed, some spots may feel tender. Tell us about any sensitivity before we start; we'll adjust our pace and technique, and you can raise a hand at any point if you need a break.

What happens at my first visit?

We start by reviewing your health history and anything that's bothering you. Then comes the comprehensive exam — teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work — with X-rays when needed and a visual oral cancer screening. In most cases your cleaning happens the same visit. Before you leave, we walk you through what we found and explain any recommended treatment clearly, so there are never surprises.

Book an Appointment Call 561-710-2011

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