Routine Checkups, Cleanings & Exams

Regular exams and cleanings are the foundation of lifelong dental health. We recommend most patients visit every six months, though your dentist may suggest a different schedule based on your needs.

What happens during your exam

Your dentist performs a thorough evaluation of your entire mouth, including:

  • Digital X-rays to detect decay, bone loss, cysts, and issues below the surface that aren't visible to the eye
  • Oral cancer screening of your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, and gums
  • Gum health assessment to check for early signs of periodontal disease
  • Decay detection across every tooth surface
  • Review of existing work like fillings, crowns, and other restorations

What happens during your cleaning

Our registered dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) that brushing and flossing can't reach on their own, then polish your teeth to leave your smile smooth, bright, and fresh.

We combine genuine care with modern technology to make every visit as comfortable and efficient as possible.

Content reviewed by Jamisen Kohlman, DMD — KoLa Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Austin, TX.

Frequently asked questions

Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease or a higher risk of cavities, we may recommend more frequent visits.
For patients with dental insurance, this is the easy one: many of the plans we work with cover preventive visits — cleanings, exams, and routine X-rays — at 100%, so many insured patients pay $0. Without insurance, a routine cleaning is $125* at our office fee, and new patients get their first comprehensive exam and all needed X-rays for a flat $99 (regularly $430). The special covers the diagnostic visit; a cleaning, if recommended, is $125, and it may not be combined with insurance benefits — full terms on our New Patients page. We verify benefits free before your visit so there are no surprises.
We review your health history, take any needed X-rays, screen for oral cancer, check each tooth and your gums, then remove plaque and tartar, polish, and finish with personalized hygiene guidance.
A routine cleaning is generally comfortable. If your gums are inflamed you may notice some tenderness — tell your hygienist and we’ll adjust. Patients with dental anxiety are very welcome here; we go at your pace.
You’re welcome here, and you won’t get a lecture. Let us know when you book so we can allow extra time. We’ll do a thorough exam, explain plainly what we find, and build a plan you’re comfortable with at a pace that works for you.

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