Dental Checkups & Cleanings – St. Augustine FL
Keep Your Smile Fresh and Healthy
Staying ahead of dental problems is easier than you think with dental checkups and cleanings in St. Augustine. Our team works diligently to provide comfortable, thorough, and prevention-focused care that will leave your smile feeling clean and healthy. By visiting us every six months, you’ll keep your smile bright, lower the risk of dental emergencies later, and enjoy peace of mind. Ready to protect your smile? Read more below to learn why these services are a cornerstone of great oral health.
Why Choose Salt Run Family Dentistry for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Fun, Family-Friendly Atmosphere
- Highly Experienced Dental Team
- Advanced Dental Technology for Comfort
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
You should make dental visits a part of your routine for the same reasons you should take your car in for maintenance—stress, cost, and protection.
Checkups allow our team to detect cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer early, when treatment is most effective and less expensive.
On the other side of the coin, professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing can’t. This prevents future decay and gum issues, keeping your smile safe.
Another reason many people don’t realize is that oral health issues can also affect the rest of your body. Research shows links between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.
By seeing our team at least twice a year, you’ll not only protect your teeth, but also safeguard against health issues down the road.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
Your dental checkup at Salt Run Family Dentistry starts with a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and bite. Using digital X-rays and other advanced tools, Dr. Leth or Dunn checks for issues under the surface like small cavities or bone loss. They’ll also evaluate your jaw function and screen for oral cancer to ensure no stone is unturned.
Checkups are also a time for conversation. We’ll talk through your oral hygiene habits, answer questions, and provide recommendations for continued maintenance personalized for your lifestyle.
Overall, these visits are designed to give us a chance to connect and to catch oral health concerns before they become emergencies. Every appointment actually saves you time, money, and discomfort!
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Cleanings typically take less than an hour and are one of the simplest, most effective ways to maintain your smile. While brushing and flossing are one of the pillars of oral care, it’s simply not enough. You also need the professional care of a hygienist to remove stubborn plaque and tartar from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Once any buildup has been cleared, our team will polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile looking bright and beautiful. Then, if necessary, a fluoride treatment or sealant can be applied to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.
After your cleaning, you’ll leave our St. Augustine office with a healthier mouth and the confidence that comes from a fresh, clean smile.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
Will my dental exam take a long time?
Seeing our team in St. Augustine every 6 months for a standard examination and cleaning is a simple and effective way to prevent oral issues, like cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and physical injuries.
The first portion of your appointment typically consists of updating your medical history and visually examining your teeth, gums, and any existing dental work to determine that everything is in good shape and functions correctly. This can often be as brief as about 10 to 15 minutes, though the total timeframe depends significantly on your unique circumstances and current dental condition.
How long does a routine cleaning take?
The second part of your visit consists of a professional cleaning to remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar buildup from your enamel and gumline. This involves carefully cleaning your teeth with special dental instruments, then flossing your connective tissues to remove hidden bacteria that contribute to dental issues. Then, we’ll polish away more recent surface stains to send you home with a beautiful, healthy smile.
This can often take about 30 minutes, though it could take longer if you frequently neglect your twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine and have developed more severe or stubborn residue deposits.
How often should I get dental X-rays?
Many providers incorporate dental X-rays with each preventive visit, which is recommended every 6 months. But in many cases, annual X-rays are sufficient to monitor your dental condition and help spot any areas of concern developing beneath the surface before they become more problematic.
There are 3 types of X-rays; bitewings are done once or twice annually to help detect cavities, periapical images can help diagnose issues in the roots and might only be taken as-needed, and panoramic X-rays taken every 3 to 5 years help identify potential developmental concerns, like orthodontic misalignments.
How much does a checkup and cleaning usually cost?
Most people in St. Augustine can expect to spend anywhere from about $100 to $300 for a standard examination and cleaning, but the cost can vary significantly depending on your unique circumstances. For instance, if you have a dental insurance policy, up to 100% of your visit could be covered, meaning you don’t owe a dime out-of-pocket.
However, if our team finds problems, like tooth decay or gum disease, requiring treatment, then you’ll also be responsible for the cost of the required procedures. Our team will provide more detailed information about any suggested services for your approval so you know what to expect before proceeding.