Teeth Cleanings and Exams

At Sound Dental Solutions, we consider preventive dental care to be the cornerstone of excellent oral health, including teeth cleanings and exams. Healthy teeth and gums are essential for having a lifelong, functional, and beautiful smile.

smile with mouth mirror

Dr. Andrew Kim uses comprehensive preventive dental exams and cleanings to patients of all ages in Arlington, WA and beyond. Every patient has unique oral health needs, and we personalize each treatment to meet those needs with precision and comfort. 

We agree with the American Dental Association's recommendation to visit the dentist every six months for preventive dental exams and cleanings. However, some patients may need more frequent visits if they have an increased risk of developing gingivitis or gum disease. 

Regular dental exams and cleanings ensure your teeth and gums are healthy, clean, and problem-free. During these appointments, your dentist can locate, treat, and prevent issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss, infection, and more. 

Routine Dental Exams 

Your dentist starts by speaking with you about any of your concerns or questions. They then perform a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, soft tissues, jaws, and neck. Your dentist checks your mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, infection, cancer, and any other abnormalities or harmful conditions. 

We also routinely take digital dental x-rays to monitor what's invisible to the naked eye during a visual exam. Sometimes, decay or disease can lurk beneath visible surfaces of the mouth. Digital x-rays help us locate these concerns and provide prompt and accurate treatment. 

Preventive Teeth Cleanings 

Practicing excellent oral hygiene at home is essential, but professional cleanings are just as important as daily brushing and flossing. A professional teeth cleaning allows our team to use special equipment to thoroughly remove plaque buildup and bacteria, reducing the risk of developing dental health conditions like decay or gum disease. 

Our painless preventive cleanings may take anywhere between 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the patient and their needs. Before the appointment, we will discuss any areas of concern and treatment needs to ensure the best possible care. 

Standard Teeth Cleanings

Your dentist or hygienist cleans the teeth hauling special tools designed for complete plaque removal. We remove plaque, tartar, and calculus from teeth surfaces and between the teeth—including all the areas you can't reach with brushing and flossing at home. 

Periodontal Maintenance 

We perform regular deep cleanings for patients with gingivitis or gum disease to remove plaque above and below the gumline. During this deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing), we gently clear away all signs of bacteria from the gum pockets around the teeth. We then smooth out the gums to better adhere to the teeth and temporarily keep plaque from re-entering the pockets. 

Many dentists usually perform periodontal maintenance every three months, but the frequency of appointments depends on the patient's unique needs. woman smiling sitting in the dental chair

Our In-House Dental Membership Club 

Sound Dental Solutions is pleased to offer an in-house membership club to uninsured patients. We offer plans for children, adults, and periodontal patients so everyone in your family can receive the dental care you need. Each of these plans includes dental cleanings, exams, x-rays, and much more! With our in-house membership plan, you and your family can save money on preventive dental care. 

Contact Us to Schedule Your Dental Visit in Arlington, WA

Sound Dental Solutions offers comprehensive dentistry to patients from Arlington, Smokey Point, Marysville, Lake Stevens, Mount Vernon, and all surrounding areas. Please contact us today to schedule your dental exam or learn more about our membership club for savings on dentistry treatments. 

We look forward to welcoming you to Sound Dental Solutions!