Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Goodyear, AZ
Standard Preventive Services to Help Protect Your Smile
It’s normal to assume your mouth is healthy if you have not noticed obvious issues, but even if you brush and floss consistently, you could still develop hidden decay or disease. Unfortunately, common oral issues tend to start small, so they often go unnoticed until they become more problematic.
Thankfully, Dr. Goodman and the rest of our team offer standard preventive services to help protect your smile with dental checkups and cleanings. Continue reading to learn more about these routine procedures and why they matter so you know what to expect from your next visit!
Why Choose Goodman Dental for Dental Checkups & Cleanings?
- Active Member of the Arizona Dental Association
- Multiple Options for Dental Sedation to Ease Anxiety
- PPO Dental Insurance & CareCredit Financing Accepted
Why Are Regular Dental Checkups & Cleanings Important?
Even patients who brush and floss every morning and night might develop decay or disease in areas that are difficult to see or reach at home, such as between the teeth, below the gumline, or behind the molars. But the earliest stages of tooth decay and periodontal problems sometimes go unnoticed until your condition worsens and requires treatment, such as a tooth-colored filling, dental crown, or gum disease therapy.
Meanwhile, Dr. Goodman has the expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to identify any potential concerns quickly and accurately and can address them before they progress and become more severe.
What to Expect During a Dental Checkup
Typically, the first portion of your appointment consists of your checkup, which usually begins with updating your medical history, followed by a visual examination of your teeth, gums, and any existing dental work. Our team will also examine your bite alignment and take annual dental X-rays to ensure no issues have evolved beneath the surface. We also take the time to assess the soft tissues of your mouth for any signs of oral cancer to catch it early, which can potentially help improve the prognosis.
If we find any problem areas, such as thinning enamel or swollen gums, we will devise a customized treatment plan for you to approve. We also reserve a few minutes to answer any questions you may have about your current condition, at-home dental hygiene routine, or treatment plan, if one is required.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Once we’ve completed your examination, our hygienist will carefully remove even the most stubborn plaque and tartar buildup from your enamel using specialized dental instruments that can reach areas often missed by your toothbrush. This helps prevent common concerns, such as tooth decay, to help protect your teeth. Then, we will floss between them to clear germs from your gumline to help prevent gum disease and chronic bad breath.
Finally, we’ll polish your teeth to a shine with a special dental brush before sending you home with a happy, healthy smile.
Checkups & Cleanings FAQs
How long do dental exams typically take?
Routine preventive appointments usually begin with your examination, which doesn’t usually take too long. In many cases, Dr. Goodman can examine your teeth, gums, and the soft tissues in your mouth in about 10 to 15 minutes to identify potential areas of concern, such as early signs of cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer.
However, the total timeframe can vary based on your circumstances. For instance, if our team finds any issues that require attention, we’ll need to devise a customized treatment plan for your approval, which can extend your visit.
How long will my cleaning take to complete?
Your professional dental cleaning usually takes longer than your examination because it involves more work than your examination. Our hygienist will thoroughly clear away even the most stubborn plaque or tartar using specialized dental instruments, which can take 30+ minutes.
But it might take longer if it’s been a long time since your last appointment or if we find any potential problems, like thinning or discolored enamel, or swollen, bleeding gums, which must be addressed.
How often are dental X-rays required?
Dr. Goodman will also want to see X-rays at least once annually to ensure that nothing hidden is developing beneath the surface of your teeth, gums, or jaw. There are 3 main types of images, each with its own recommended timeline as outlined in more detail below:
- Panoramic X-rays might only be taken every 3 to 5 years to help identify potential orthodontic or developmental issues, such as growing wisdom teeth.
- Periapical X-rays reveal details in the roots and are often taken as needed to assist with treatment planning, implementation, and follow-up.
- Bitewing X-rays are taken once or twice every year to detect cavities and other concerns.
What if I can’t afford a dental checkup and cleaning in Goodyear, AZ?
Most patients in the area can expect to pay between $200 and $350 for a standard preventive visit, but the total cost can depend on your circumstances. For example, if our team finds issues that require treatment, you’ll also be responsible for paying for the necessary services. Meanwhile, those with dental insurance might not owe anything out-of-pocket once their deductible is met because many policies include 100% coverage for standard services.
Our office gladly accepts PPO dental insurance plans, and we can work with other policies to help you maximize any applicable benefits. We also understand that many patients don’t carry a policy, so we happily accept flexible payment packages through CareCredit. If your application is approved, you can divide your total invoice into more manageable installments over a designated period, which can be easier on your budget.