Dental Cleanings & Exams in West Hills, CA
Regular dental cleanings and exams are the foundation of a healthy smile and a key part of the preventive care we provide at Anita Rathee DDS. These routine visits allow our team to monitor your oral health, remove buildup that cannot be addressed with brushing and flossing alone, and catch any developing issues before they become more serious and costly to treat. We recommend scheduling a cleaning and exam every six months for patients of all ages in West Hills, CA . Call us today at (818) 348-8898 to book your next appointment.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning and Exam?
A dental cleaning and exam at Anita Rathee DDS is a comprehensive visit that covers both the professional cleaning of your teeth and a thorough evaluation of your overall oral health. While these two components often take place during the same appointment, each serves a distinct and important purpose in keeping your smile healthy for the long term.
During the cleaning portion of your visit, our skilled dental hygienist will perform a professional scaling to remove plaque and tartar — also known as calculus — that has built up on and between your teeth and along the gumline. Even patients with excellent brushing and flossing habits can develop tartar in hard-to-reach areas, and once it hardens, it can only be removed with professional tools. After scaling, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and leave your smile feeling fresh and smooth. We will also provide personalized oral hygiene instruction to help you maintain your results between visits and reduce your risk of developing cavities or gum disease.
The exam portion of your appointment involves a detailed evaluation of the health of your teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding oral structures. Our team at Anita Rathee DDS will check for signs of tooth decay, cracked or worn enamel, gum recession, bone loss, and bite irregularities that may require treatment. We will also perform an oral cancer screening as a routine part of every exam — a quick and painless check that can be genuinely life-saving when performed consistently. Depending on your individual needs and the time elapsed since your last visit, we may also take digital X-rays to get a complete picture of what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and bone, and use our intraoral camera to give you a clear, magnified view of any areas of concern.
Following your exam, our team will discuss our findings with you and outline any recommended treatments or preventive measures. If issues are detected, we may recommend services such as dental sealants, fillings, periodontal therapy, or other appropriate treatments depending on your specific needs. If your smile is in great shape, we will schedule your next routine visit and send you on your way with a clean, healthy mouth. Whether you are coming in for the first time or returning for a regular checkup, Anita Rathee DDS is committed to providing a thorough, comfortable, and positive experience for every patient in West Hills, CA . Contact us today at (818) 348-8898 or visit our contact page to schedule your cleaning and exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings & Exams
How often should I get a dental cleaning and exam at Anita Rathee DDS?
Most patients benefit from a professional dental cleaning and exam every six months. However, patients with a higher risk of gum disease, decay, or other oral health conditions may be recommended more frequent visits — sometimes every three to four months. Our team at Anita Rathee DDS will assess your individual needs during your appointment and recommend the most appropriate schedule for maintaining your oral health in West Hills, CA .
What is the difference between a dental cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A routine dental cleaning — also called a prophylaxis — removes plaque and tartar from above and just below the gumline and is appropriate for patients with generally healthy gums. A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more intensive periodontal therapy procedure used to treat gum disease by cleaning below the gumline and smoothing the root surfaces to promote gum reattachment. Our team at Anita Rathee DDS will determine which type of cleaning is appropriate for you based on the health of your gums.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
For most patients, a routine dental cleaning at Anita Rathee DDS is comfortable and causes little to no discomfort. Patients with sensitive teeth or inflamed gums may experience some mild sensitivity during the cleaning, but our hygienists are trained to work gently and will do everything they can to keep you comfortable throughout your visit. If you have concerns about discomfort, let our team know and we can discuss options to help put you at ease, including our sedation dentistry options.
What does a dental exam check for?
During your exam at Anita Rathee DDS, our team checks for tooth decay, cracked or worn enamel, signs of gum disease, bone loss, bite irregularities, and issues with existing restorations such as fillings or crowns. We also perform a routine oral cancer screening and may take digital X-rays to evaluate what is happening beneath the surface of your teeth and jawbone.
Are dental X-rays taken at every cleaning and exam appointment?
Not necessarily. The frequency of digital X-rays depends on your individual oral health, age, and risk factors. Most patients have X-rays taken once or twice per year, while patients with low risk and consistently healthy oral health may need them less frequently. Our team at Anita Rathee DDS follows established guidelines to ensure X-rays are only taken when clinically appropriate and necessary.
Do dental cleanings and exams include an oral cancer screening?
Yes. At Anita Rathee DDS, an oral cancer screening is performed as a routine part of every dental exam. This quick, non-invasive check involves examining the soft tissues of your mouth, throat, and lips for any unusual changes, sores, or abnormalities. Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes, which is why we include this important screening at every visit.
How do I schedule a dental cleaning and exam at Anita Rathee DDS?
Scheduling your cleaning and exam at Anita Rathee DDS is easy. Simply call our office at (818) 348-8898 or visit our contact page to request an appointment in West Hills, CA . We welcome patients of all ages and look forward to helping you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life.
