General and preventive dentistry
Build an individualized plan for exams, prevention and follow-up.
Read the guide →A clear view of your oral health
Dental cleanings and exams
An examination and professional cleaning serve different purposes. The exam evaluates oral health and changes over time; the cleaning removes plaque, tartar and surface stain where appropriate. Your findings determine the type of care and follow-up recommended.
Start with your history and concerns
Tell the team about medications, medical conditions, pregnancy, allergies, tobacco or nicotine use, dry mouth, past dental treatment, discomfort and any changes you have noticed. These details can affect examination findings and preventive recommendations.
What the clinical exam evaluates
The dentist may examine teeth, fillings, crowns, bite, jaw movement, gums and the soft tissues of the mouth. Periodontal measurements and dental images may be recommended according to findings and risk—not simply because a set amount of time has passed.
What happens during a routine cleaning
A hygienist or dentist removes plaque and hardened tartar with appropriate instruments, then may polish selected surfaces and discuss home care. Tell the team if you have sensitivity, anxiety, a medical device or any reason you may need an adjustment or break.
When a routine cleaning may not be enough
Bleeding, deeper gum measurements, bone changes or deposits below the gumline may point to periodontal disease. In that situation, the team may recommend a periodontal diagnosis and different treatment rather than representing a routine cleaning as sufficient.
Leave with a specific next step
Ask what the team found, whether anything needs monitoring or treatment, how to improve home care and when to return. If treatment is proposed, ask about alternatives, risks, expected benefits, costs and which office will provide it.
Connected care
Explore general and urgent care
Night guards for teeth grinding
Learn how an appliance may protect teeth and where its limits apply.
Read the guide →Oral cancer screening
Know what a brief oral cancer examination checks and what follows a finding.
Read the guide →Emergency dentistry
Know when to call the dental office and when to seek emergency medical care.
Read the guide →A plan you can understand
Connect findings to the next step
Ask the dentist or hygienist to explain the findings, alternatives, expected benefits, limitations and timing. Recommendations should reflect your examination rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule.
Explore all dental services →Confirm office availability
Services, clinicians and appointment availability may vary. Call your selected office before traveling. An online request is not a confirmed appointment.
Contact the office →Compare our locations →
01 / YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE
Margate
100 FL-7, Suite 300, Margate, FL 33063(954) 532-127402 / YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
236 Commercial Boulevard, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308(954) 568-8928Prefer our team to contact you?Request an appointment →
Your questions, answered
Is a cleaning the same as periodontal treatment?
No. The appropriate procedure depends on your gum measurements, deposits, inflammation, bone support and diagnosis.
Can I eat after a cleaning?
Often yes, but instructions can vary if fluoride, anesthesia or another procedure is used. Follow the instructions given at your visit.
What should I bring to an exam?
Bring the information requested by the office and an updated medication list. Ask the office how to send health records or dental images securely.
Informed decisions
Plan your treatment and care
Restorative dentistry
Compare ways to repair teeth and replace missing teeth.
Explore your options →Dental implant cost factors
Know which stages and components to discuss in your estimate.
Explore your options →Dental implant recovery and maintenance
Prepare for healing, follow-up and long-term maintenance.
Explore your options →Get ready for your visit
Organize your paperwork, questions and next steps.
Independent patient resources
General education does not replace an examination, diagnosis or individual recommendation.