Dental Cleanings and Exams in Berkeley, CA

Are you due for a dental cleaning?

Professional cleanings performed by a licensed dentist or hygienist are just as important to your dental health as daily brushing and flossing. Using specialized tools and training, your hygienist at Dailley Dental Care will remove:

Plaque build-up from the surfaces of teeth. Bacteria in the mouth form plaque, which collects on teeth and causes decay, gum disease and gingivitis
Tartar from teeth surfaces. Tartar, or calculus, is plaque that has become hardened on the teeth; its removal requires scaling
Surface stains from teeth through polishing

Some patients will require a deep cleaning due to gum disease and past periodontal treatments. Anthony Dailley, DDS will review your past dental history and identify any issues you may need treatment for.

Dental cleanings are recommended twice a year. If it has been longer than six months since your last visit, schedule an appointment for a routine cleaning and exam as soon as possible.

Dental Examinations

Regular examinations at our Berkeley CA dental office, performed by Anthony Dailley, DDS, help detect and prevent health issues before they become serious. Consistent dental check-ups help catch problems when they are small and easier to treat. Left unattended, small treatable problems become worse and may require more extensive, expensive procedures to repair. Dental examinations generally include the following:

Gum disease screening
Oral cancer screening
Visual tooth decay evaluation
Gum pocket measurement and tracking
X-ray examination to detect: tooth decay, cysts, tumors, problems below the gums and other hidden issues

Regular examinations by Anthony Dailley, DDS are very important for your health. Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” –Benjamin Franklin

Dental X-rays (Radiographs)

Dental x-rays are a primary tool for early identification of dental problems. Dr. Dailley can detect issues with x-rays before they become problems, saving you money in the long run by preventing the need for more expensive procedures or surgeries. X-rays are primarily used to detect internal tooth decay, cysts (fluid filled sacs at the base of your teeth), tumors, impacted teeth, and teeth that are still erupting.

Unless there are some dental issues you or Dr. Dailley have concerns about, you won’t need dental x-rays every time you go in for a cleaning and exam. However, there is no magic number, and the frequency in which they’re recommended will depend on your oral health and how long it has been since you’ve been a dentist.

The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams

There’s no denying that your teeth and gums always feel amazing when you leave the dentist’s office after a routine cleaning. But there are numerous other reasons to visit us twice a year. Some of the benefits of routine dental cleanings and exams are:

Diagnose oral health issues
Learn about maintaining your oral health
Consult with your dentist regarding cosmetic dentistry
Clean your teeth thoroughly and professionally
Save you money in the long run

Schedule Your Cleaning & Exam Appointment

Do you have questions about dental cleanings, exams, or x-rays? Dr. Dailley is accepting new patients, and we’d love to meet you. Give us a call at (510)-848-0114 today to make your appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my teeth sensitive?

What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?

Do I really need to visit a general dentist?

How often should I update my X-rays?

Why are my teeth sensitive?

Sensitive teeth often come from the fact that your gums have slightly receded. This recession of the gum line allows the underlying dentin to show through which allows water and food easier access to the sensitive nerve. To manage this, there are a number of toothpastes, gels and even some dental procedures that can be applied. Speak to us in more detail if you have very sensitive teeth.

What should I do to prevent gum disease and tooth decay?

Great, healthy teeth and gum care starts at home. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis is the best way to take care of your teeth and gums on a continual basis. By keeping to a daily routine you will greatly minimize the risk of gingivitis or tooth decay as you age.

Do I really need to visit a general dentist?

Yes! It’s important to visit your dentist for a thorough exam and cleaning even if you’re not experiencing symptoms of tooth decay or gum disease. Despite regular brushing and flossing, your teeth can still accumulate tartar that can harbor unwanted bacteria. These bacteria can lead to gum disease and tooth decay if they’re not professionally removed at your dentist’s office.

How often should I update my X-rays?

We require patients to update their X-rays once a year to assess your oral health and whether there are signs of gum or bone infections. It’s important to take X-rays each year to minimize the risk of excessive loss of tooth structure and bone loss, as well as prevent root canal treatment.