Cleaning & Exam

Most people do best with a professional cleaning and exam every six months. That schedule catches plaque before it hardens into tartar and lets us spot cavities or gum changes early. If you have gum disease, smoke, or are prone to buildup, we may suggest coming in more often. We will tell you what fits your mouth after your exam.

The cost depends on whether this is your first visit, how much buildup needs to be removed, and whether X-rays or a deep cleaning are part of the appointment. We check your PPO benefits first and give you a written estimate before we start, so nothing is a surprise. Call (310) 855-2434 and we will look up your plan.

Plan on about an hour for a routine cleaning and exam. That covers removing plaque and tartar, polishing, a full exam by the dentist, and time to talk through anything we find. First visits or appointments that include X-rays can run a little longer. If you have heavy buildup, we may recommend splitting the work across two visits.

A routine cleaning should not hurt. Our hygienists use modern ultrasonic tools that lift plaque and tartar gently, with little to no manual scraping. If your teeth or gums are sensitive, tell us at the start and ask about our topical numbing gel. We would much rather slow down and keep you comfortable than rush through the appointment.

Your dentist checks every tooth for decay, reviews your gums and bite, screens for oral cancer, and looks at digital X-rays when they are needed. Then we walk you through what we found in plain language and lay out any options, from a filling to cosmetic work. Our West Hollywood office keeps that conversation unhurried so you can ask questions.