Comprehensive dental exams & cleanings in Petaluma, CA

With today’s hectic schedules, it can be easy to delay your routine trip to the dentist, especially if you are not suffering from pain or other obvious dental issues. However, it is vital for your oral health to visit the dentist for comprehensive dental exams & cleanings. The American Dental Association recommends that patients of all ages visit their dentist regularly, at intervals decided upon with their dentist based on their specific oral health needs. At North Bay Smiles, we provide routine oral hygiene visits for patients in the Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Santa Rosa, Novato, and surrounding CA communities that are designed around their specific oral health needs.

Comprehensive dental exams

A comprehensive dental exam enables Dr. Yvonne Szyperski to detect any oral health issues early on when they are less costly and easier to treat. She also uses this time to monitor any previously identified issues and ensure they have not progressed, and talks with you about any symptoms or concerns you may have. During your comprehensive exam, we:

  • Perform a visual inspection of your teeth, gums, other soft tissues, and restorations to ensure that they all look healthy and there are no signs of decay or disease
  • Take x-rays to visualize the portions of your teeth and bone that are not visible to the naked eye
  • Perform oral cancer screening, evaluating the face, lips, neck, tongue, throat, and gums for any potential signs of oral cancer

Professional teeth cleaning

Diligent oral hygiene is the best way to prevent cavities, gum disease, bone loss, and a variety of other oral health problems. Great oral hygiene starts at home with brushing twice per day and flossing daily, but professional teeth cleanings are equally important in fending off disease. During your cleaning, one of our dental hygienists will:

  • Gently remove any built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth; once tartar has formed, it cannot be removed by brushing alone and provides a breeding ground for disease-causing bacteria to multiply, so tartar removal at the dentist is essential for a healthy smile
  • Polish your teeth with a gritty toothpaste to remove surface stains from teeth and provide a smooth, shiny surface that bacteria and plaque are less likely to cling to
  • After scaling and polishing your teeth, we will floss your teeth to remove any leftover debris for a clean and fresh smile

Dental Exams & Cleanings FAQs

What should I expect during a dental check-up?

A dental check-up typically includes a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth to screen for issues like:

  • Tooth decay 
  • Gum disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Bruxism (chronic teeth grinding)
  • Faulty dental work

Your dentist will also review your oral hygiene habits and medical history, take X-rays if needed, and recommend treatment or preventive care as appropriate. The procedure is painless and non-invasive, but the benefits last many years. 

Are dental cleanings painful?

Even if you brush and floss your teeth diligently at home, you still need the help of a dentist with dental cleaning. We have special tools and skills that allow us to access areas of your mouth you can’t access with your toothbrush. 

Dental cleanings are usually not painful, though you may feel slight pressure or sensitivity, especially if you have gum inflammation or tartar buildup. We use gentle techniques and can adjust our approach to optimize your comfort. If you’re nervous, let us know—we offer sedation dentistry to enhance your comfort.

Should I still visit my dentist if I don’t have pain?

Many dental problems—like cavities, gum disease, or early-stage oral cancer—don’t initially cause pain. Regular check-ups allow your dentist to catch issues early, when they’re easier (and less costly) to treat. Think of dental visits as preventive maintenance for your smile and overall health. It’s the same as regular oil changes for your vehicle. You don’t wait for your car to break down before you service it. The same principle applies to your teeth.

How long does a dental exam take?

Although every patient is unique, a typical dental exam and cleaning appointment takes 60-90 minutes. It may take longer if it’s your first visit or if X-rays or additional procedures are needed. Remember, your dental check-up in North Bay Smiles isn’t just a cursory look at your gums and teeth. It’s comprehensive to ensure we leave nothing to chance. 

How often should I schedule my dental cleaning and exam?

We recommend visiting a dentist every six months. However, this is just a baseline. We may recommend more frequent visits if you have a history of gum disease, cavities, or other ongoing issues. The timeline for your dental visits depends on your oral health and preferences. 

Will insurance cover my dental check-up?

Most dental insurance plans fully cover preventive services, including exams and cleanings. Our team is happy to help you verify your benefits and explain what’s covered before your appointment. Don’t have insurance? Explore our in-house dental savings plan that covers preventive care with a one-off payment. Contact our office today and learn about the pricing and benefits of our membership plan. 

Does my local dentist in Petaluma, CA, offer dental exams and cleanings?

With this simple step, we welcome patients of all ages to protect their oral health. Call (707) 306-8001 for high-quality dental care at North Bay Smiles.

To schedule a dental exam & cleaning for you or a member of your family, call North Bay Smiles in Petaluma, CA today! Our office can be reached at (707) 306-8001.