General Dentistry
Dental Exams & Cleanings in Stockton, CA
A basic dental examination and cleaning are the primary steps in preserving your oral health and preventing decay, and they catch problems while they are still inexpensive to fix.
Officially called dental prophylaxis, a professional cleaning removes what brushing and flossing at home cannot reach. Even with excellent technique, it is effectively impossible to remove hardened deposits from gum pockets yourself.
What happens during a cleaning
During your cleaning we remove accumulated tartar, also called calculus. The hardened deposits of plaque left behind by oral bacteria. Together with plaque itself, this material is one of the primary causes of gum disease. Removing both, regularly and professionally, is essential to your dental health.
The cleaning proceeds in stages:
- Supragingival cleaning. Removing plaque and calculus above the gum line with scaling instruments.
- Subgingival cleaning. Removing calculus from the gum pockets and beneath the gum line.
- Polishing. The final step, which removes stains or plaque missed during scaling and leaves teeth feeling genuinely clean.
Polishing is not merely cosmetic. As a Stockton family dentist, we perform this service for every member of the family, no matter their age.
What the examination covers
Our hygienists perform a complete dental exam alongside the cleaning. It identifies potential problems with your teeth and gums, and includes:
- A check for oral cancer, examining the facial area, tongue, mouth and throat. A dedicated oral cancer screening should be performed at least once a year.
- A check for gum disease, evaluating the gums and bone and searching for excessive pockets, gaps or gum recession, early indicators of periodontal disease.
- An examination of the teeth for decay, using the latest innovations in dentistry.
- Dental X-rays, to find unseen decay, tumors, cysts or bone loss. See dental X-rays and imaging for how we keep exposure low.
- A check on existing restorations such as fillings, crowns and implants, to verify they are still doing their job.
- A plan for the cleaning and any further treatment that follows.
How often you should come in
Twice a year is the standard recommendation, and it is enough for most people. Patients with periodontitis are usually seen every three to four months, because the bacteria that drive the disease recolonize gum pockets faster than a six-month interval allows.
If it has been longer than six months, that is not a reason to avoid booking. It is the reason to book. Read more about why routine cleanings matter, or request an appointment online.
What to expect at your first visit
Much of a first appointment is spent explaining your individual treatment and getting to know you. Dr. Van Sicklen believes the key to quality care is communication and a humanistic approach, which in practice means nothing is recommended before you understand why.
Before you arrive
Completing your new patient forms in advance means more of the appointment is spent on your teeth than on paperwork. If you have dental records or recent X-rays from a previous dentist, bringing them can spare you repeat imaging.
Paying for it
We accept most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, and take cash, check, major credit cards and CareCredit. Our patient information page sets out the details, and the front desk is happy to talk through coverage before you commit to anything.
We see patients from across Stockton and the surrounding communities, and we are currently accepting new patients.
If you are due, or overdue, request an appointment or call (209) 951-3436.
Questions patients ask
- How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
- Twice a year suits most people and is what we recommend as a baseline. Patients with periodontitis are usually seen every three to four months instead, because the bacteria that drive the disease recolonise gum pockets faster than a six-month interval allows.
- Does a dental cleaning hurt?
- For most people it is uncomfortable at worst rather than painful. Sensitivity during cleaning is usually a sign of inflamed gums, which tends to improve once the tartar irritating them is removed. Tell your hygienist if anything is tender and they will adjust.
- It has been years since my last visit. Is it too late?
- No, and a long gap is a reason to book rather than to keep putting it off. We see patients who have avoided the dentist for years and the first appointment is an examination and a conversation about where to start, not a lecture.
- Will my insurance cover cleanings and exams?
- Most dental plans cover routine preventive visits, and we accept most major plans including Delta Dental. Coverage varies by policy, so call the office at (209) 951-3436 and we can help you understand what your plan includes.
Ready to get started?
Much of your first visit is spent explaining your individual treatment and getting to know you, so you can make a decision you feel good about.