What are dental exams and cleanings?
In order to keep your smile beautiful, healthy, and bright, our team at Dlight Dental in Washington DC, Rockville, and Gaithersburg recommends getting dental exams and cleanings twice per year.
A dental exam is a thorough assessment of the teeth, gums, jaw, and tongue to identify and treat any underlying oral health issues that may be impacting your general well-being, such as tooth decay or oral cancer. A dental cleaning uses professional-grade tools to remove built-up tartar on the teeth and prevent gum disease, and we'll also share tips on how to improve your at-home oral hygiene.
To schedule your routine dental exam and cleaning, which are typically performed during the same appointment, contact the office nearest you. Dental exams and cleanings are part of our full preventive dentistry care.
Dental exams and cleanings FAQs
Dental exams and cleanings are preventive treatments, so they are typically covered by dental insurance. Our office will talk to your insurance company to understand your coverage before we calculate any out-of-pocket amount. If you do not have insurance, please talk to our team about the different payments we take and medical financing.
A dental exam is an evaluation of your teeth, gums, and mouth to catch any issues early, while a dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar to keep your teeth and gums healthy. They're usually done together at the same appointment.
For most patients, twice a year is ideal. If you're prone to gum disease or other concerns, we may recommend more frequent visits to keep your smile healthy.
A routine cleaning is comfortable for most patients. If your gums are sensitive or you feel anxious, let us know and we'll make sure you're comfortable throughout.
Who is a candidate for dental exams and cleanings?
Everyone is a candidate for dental exams and cleanings! People of all ages, backgrounds, and oral health conditions can benefit from these appointments. Children are especially encouraged to come in for regular check-ups, as they need to establish good oral health habits at a young age.
Additionally, individuals with pre-existing dental issues should prioritize routine care. This includes adults with gum disease or other conditions that require frequent monitoring and maintenance. At Dlight Dental, we welcome all patients and look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile.
What are the benefits of dental exams and cleanings?
Regular dental exams and cleanings at Dlight Dental in Washington DC, Rockville, and Gaithersburg bring about a myriad of upsides for your general dental health, like:
- Early detection of dental health concerns
- Early care and maintenance
- Chance to carry out dental imaging and additional diagnostic services
- Better dental hygiene
- Customized oral advice
- Less possibility of tooth loss
- Information about proper flossing and brushing strategies
- Fresher breath
- Prolonging the vitality of your teeth
What can I expect from dental exams and cleanings?
Annual exams at our offices start off with an overview of your dental history. We may also speak with you about any oral or cosmetic concerns you have so we can properly address them. During particular yearly check-ins, a set of advanced x-rays might be ordered to give us greater insight into the wellness of your teeth and oral bone structures.
A professional cleaning usually follows the dental exam. To start, we will use an ultrasonic device to break down the bigger pieces of tartar and plaque from your teeth, and a handheld instrument such as a scaler or curette will remove the tinier pieces. Once the teeth are clean, they will be carefully polished to strengthen the enamel and remove stains. If requested, a fluoride treatment may be completed as well.
What to expect after dental exams and cleanings
Following your appointment at Dlight Dental, our team will provide helpful tips on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home. This may include recommendations for specific oral care products or techniques.
We also schedule routine follow-up appointments to ensure the continued health of your smile. Additionally, if any oral health issues are identified during your examination, we can develop a treatment plan that meets your needs. Our goal is to help you achieve optimal oral health and maintain it for years to come.
Keep your teeth and gums healthy
If you would like to preserve the health and appearance of your teeth, one of the best measures you can take is to come in for biannual dental exams and cleanings. Our team of dental exam and cleaning providers across Washington DC, Rockville, and Gaithersburg wants to help you and your family keep future oral issues at bay. We invite you to schedule an appointment at the office nearest you today.
Your smile is in good hands
At Dlight Dental, we're proud to provide personalized, modern dental care for patients across Washington DC, Rockville, and Gaithersburg. Our team is dedicated to creating healthy, confident smiles in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Meet the Team
Testimonials
What our patients say
“I hate that I waited so long to come here! I had a wonderful experience. Everyone from the front desk to the X-ray tech, to the dental hygienist to the dentist are amazing!…”
“Dr. Li carefully evaluated my periodontal condition and explained everything to me in a clear and reassuring way. She recommended deep cleaning as the first step and answered all my questions patiently. She is very professional…”
“Dr. Chen replaced two fillings during my most recent appointment. He was gentle and thorough and explained everything to me. His assistant was great, too. The estimate I received ahead of time was accurate. Great practice. I highly recommend it!”
“Sharlene is fantastic! She has a very calming, soft-spoken manner that made the appointment relaxing. Her professionalism and dedication to doing a thorough cleaning were evident.”
“An exceptional dentist who is truly hardworking and meticulous with every procedure. The level of care and attention to detail is outstanding. Always kind, patient, and reassuring.”
“I had a very good experience getting a filling replaced. The dental assistant was pleasant and friendly and made me feel at ease. The dentist was great! He explained what he was doing.”
“This dental office met all of my requirements. The dentist, assistants and office staff are some of the best I have ever encountered. Dlight Dental offers a complete dental service.”
“I previously saw a different team though was pleasantly surprised when Dr. Schulz did my cleaning. He was gentle, attentive and thorough.”
“My family member required comprehensive dental care and a clear diagnosis. Over the past three years we had visited multiple dentists — Dlight Dental finally gave us answers and a plan we trust.”
We Accept Insurance
Dlight Dental accepts most major PPO insurance plans and will help maximize your benefits. We also offer flexible financing through CareCredit and Proceed Finance to keep high-quality care within reach across our Washington DC, Rockville, and Gaithersburg offices.
Questions about investing in your dental health? Contact the office nearest you — our team is ready to help.
Contact UsThree locations, one standard of care
Each Dlight Dental office offers the same patient-first approach. Choose the location that is most convenient for you.
Washington DC
1212 New York Ave NW, STE 425
Washington, DC 20005
Mon–Thu: 8am–5pm | Fri: 8am–4pm
Visit our Washington DC office →Rockville, MD
9600 Blackwell Rd, Suite 101
Rockville, MD 20850
Mon–Thu: 8am–5pm | Fri: 8am–4pm
Visit our Rockville office →Gaithersburg, MD
6 Montgomery Village Ave, STE 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
Mon–Thu: 8am–5pm | Fri: 8am–4pm
Visit our Gaithersburg office →Your smile, our delight
Feel the difference of specialized, coordinated dental care across Washington DC, Rockville, and Gaithersburg. Flexible insurance and financing options keep your experience stress-free and focused on you.
Get to know the team behind Dlight Dental.