General Dentistry
Checkups & Cleanings
Maintain a Healthy Smile with Regular Checkups & Cleanings
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining great oral health. We provide thorough, gentle dental checkups and cleanings for patients of all ages.
To keep your smile feeling healthy and bright, give our friendly team a call at 425-432-2299 to schedule your next checkup.
What to Expect During Your Checkup
During your checkup, we will:
- Examine your teeth and gums: We’ll gently check for any early signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems, especially in those hard-to-reach places.
- Clean your teeth: Normal brushing and flossing go a long way toward keeping your smile clean and healthy, but stubborn deposits of plaque and tartar may need a professional cleaning to remove. That’s where we come in.
- Take X-rays when they are due: How often you need them depends on your oral health, so we don’t take them at every visit. X-rays help us detect problems early on that may not be visible to the naked eye and treat them before things get out of hand. This includes signs of infection, hairline cracks, and even problematic wisdom teeth before they become a problem.
- Discuss your oral hygiene habits: We’ll provide personalized advice on how to improve your at-home oral hygiene routine. If you’re feeling uncertain or experiencing any discomfort when brushing, we’re here to help.
The Importance of Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene keeps issues like tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems at bay. Here are a few tips you can do at home to keep your smile healthy and bright:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, especially before going to bed. Your smile will thank you for it.
- Floss daily: Flossing helps to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. If left unchecked, harmful bacteria can start to form and may lead to cavities.
- Use mouthwash: Not all mouthwash is created equal, and we’ve seen it all. A gentle, safe mouthwash can help to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Ask us for a recommendation!
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks: Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. Brushing isn’t always possible after a sugary indulgence, and that’s where a good mouthwash may come in handy.
- Regular visits save you money: Regular checkups and cleanings help keep your smile healthy! We can spot issues early on and stop them right in their tracks, avoiding complex and costly procedures. We love your smile as much as you do, and comfortable dentistry starts as early as your first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. How often you need X-rays depends on your own oral health and risk for problems, so there’s no single schedule that fits everyone. When X-rays are due, they help Dr. Cho find decay, infection, hairline cracks and problem wisdom teeth that can’t be seen during a regular exam. He’ll tell you why he’s recommending them before any are taken.
A routine checkup and cleaning shouldn’t hurt. Let our team know if dental visits make you nervous or your teeth are sensitive, and we’ll take extra time to keep your visit comfortable. If anxiety has kept you away from the dentist, ask about nitrous oxide or oral sedation, which we offer to help you relax through your appointment.
The cost depends on what your visit includes, such as whether X-rays are due and what Dr. Cho finds during your exam. If he recommends any treatment, he explains it and what it costs before anything moves forward. If you have dental coverage, we’re in-network with Delta Dental, Regence and several other plans, and our financial options page lists them all.
Dr. Cho shows you what he found and explains your options before anything happens. A small cavity caught at a checkup can usually be repaired with a simple tooth-colored filling, which is one of the biggest reasons regular visits save you time and money. You decide when to schedule treatment, and our team will help you fit it into your calendar.
Schedule Your Checkup Today!
We at Dr. Cho, Family Dentistry can’t wait to meet you! Experience a fresh, polished smile you’ll love to show off by giving us a call and scheduling your dental checkup and cleaning today.
