Does a teeth cleaning hurt?

Most patients find cleanings comfortable. If your gums are sensitive or it's been a while since your last visit, let us know — we can go slower, take breaks, and use numbing gel where needed.

How long does a cleaning appointment take?

A routine cleaning and exam usually takes about an hour. A first visit may take a little longer because we gather your health history and take a full set of X-rays.

How often do I need dental X-rays?

It depends on your history and risk of cavities. Many adults need bitewing X-rays about once a year and a full set every few years. We only take X-rays when they'll help us make a decision about your care.

Do you clean children's teeth?

Yes. We see kids, teens, adults and seniors, so the whole family can visit the same office. We keep children's visits gentle and encouraging to help them build healthy habits early.

Is it too late to come in if I haven't been to the dentist in years?

Not at all, and there's no judgment here. We'll start with an exam and X-rays, show you what we find, and build a plan at a pace that works for you.

Teeth Cleaning & Dental Exams in Round Rock, TX

What happens at a cleaning and exam

A preventive visit at Oak & Ivory Dental is more than a polish. It's our chance to catch cavities, gum disease and other issues while they're still easy (and less expensive) to treat. Here's what to expect:

Health history reviewWe go over any changes to your health and medications, and ask about anything that's been bothering you.
Digital X-raysWhen they're due, digital X-rays let us see between teeth and below the gumline, where most problems start.
Gum-health evaluationWe measure the small spaces between your teeth and gums to check for early signs of gum disease.
Exam and oral cancer screeningDr. Afiya Tamkeen, DDS checks each tooth, your bite, existing fillings and crowns, and the soft tissues of your mouth.
Professional cleaningWe remove plaque and hardened tartar that brushing and flossing can't reach, then polish your teeth smooth.
Your planWe explain what we found in plain language, answer your questions, and recommend when to come back.

Dental chair in a treatment room at Oak & Ivory Dental in Round Rock, TX — One of our treatment rooms at 15930 S Great Oaks Dr, Round Rock.

New patient? Here's how your first visit works

For new patients, we start with a comprehensive exam and X-rays so we can properly evaluate your gum health before cleaning. Depending on what we find and how much time is available, your cleaning happens the same day or at a quick follow-up visit. If you don't have insurance, our $99 New Patient Special covers the exam and X-rays; cleanings are priced separately.

How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

Most people do well with a cleaning and exam every six months. Some patients need to come in more often, for example if they have a history of gum disease, build up tartar quickly, or have conditions such as diabetes. We'll recommend a schedule based on your mouth, not a one-size-fits-all rule.

Routine cleaning vs. deep cleaning

A routine cleaning is for healthy gums and removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline. If we find signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, inflammation and deeper pockets around the teeth, we may recommend scaling and root planing (often called a deep cleaning). It cleans deeper below the gumline to help the gums heal. We'll always show you what we're seeing and explain why before recommending it.

Why your gums matter beyond your mouth

Published research has found associations between gum disease and other health conditions. People with gum disease have higher rates of heart disease and stroke, and inflammation and oral bacteria in the bloodstream are the suspected link. The connection with diabetes appears to run both ways. Gum disease is also a recognized risk factor for pneumonia and respiratory infection, especially after age 65. Regular cleanings are one of the easiest ways to keep your gums healthy.

These are associations reported in published research. They describe risk, not cause, and no particular result is guaranteed. Talk with your dentist or physician about your own health.

Insurance and cost

We accept most PPO dental plans, including Delta Dental, Cigna, Aetna, MetLife, United Concordia and Guardian. Many PPO plans include coverage for routine cleanings and exams, and our team verifies your benefits before your visit so you know what to expect. No insurance? Ask about our $99 new patient exam and X-rays, and we'll give you clear, upfront pricing for your cleaning.