Preventive dental care · Union, NJ
Professional Teeth Cleanings in Union, NJ
A professional dental cleaning at Union Family Dental removes plaque and tartar that brushing cannot reach, and includes a comprehensive exam and digital X-rays when clinically appropriate. Most patients benefit from a cleaning and exam every six months to help prevent cavities and gum disease.
The essentials
What is a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam?
A professional cleaning removes plaque, hardened tartar, and surface stains from areas that are difficult to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush and floss alone.
During the same visit, the dental team examines the teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work for signs of decay, inflammation, wear, or other changes. Digital X-rays may be recommended based on your age, symptoms, dental history, and the time since your previous images.
Michael Hogan, DDS, and the Union Family Dental team in Union, NJ use routine visits to identify concerns early and provide practical guidance for maintaining your oral health between appointments.
Your preventive visit
What does treatment involve?
A routine cleaning and exam usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes, although the timing varies with your oral health and whether diagnostic images are needed.
Health review
Share changes in your dental or medical health, medications, sensitivity, discomfort, or other concerns.
About 5 minutesCleaning
A hygienist removes plaque and tartar from around the teeth and gumline, then polishes and flosses the teeth.
Usually 30 to 45 minutesDental exam
Dr. Hogan or another Union Family Dental provider checks the teeth, gums, bite, and restorations. X-rays are taken when clinically appropriate.
Usually 10 to 20 minutesPersonalized plan
Review the findings, home-care recommendations, any treatment needs, and the timing of your next preventive visit.
Before you leave
Is it right for you?
Am I a good candidate?
Professional cleanings and dental exams are an important part of preventive care for children, teens, adults, and seniors, including patients who do not currently have pain.
- It has been about six months or longer since your last cleaning and exam
- You want to reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and avoidable emergencies
- You notice bleeding gums, sensitivity, persistent bad breath, or tartar buildup
- You have fillings, crowns, implants, braces, or other dental work that should be monitored
If you have active gum disease or heavier buildup, the team may recommend periodontal therapy instead of a routine cleaning. An examination determines the appropriate type of care.
Planning your care
What does a teeth cleaning and exam cost?
The cost depends on the type of examination, whether X-rays are needed, and whether your gums are healthy enough for a routine cleaning. If periodontal treatment is recommended, the team will explain why and provide an estimate before treatment.
Many dental insurance plans include routine cleanings, exams, and certain diagnostic X-rays as preventive benefits, although coverage, frequency limits, deductibles, and copays vary. Union Family Dental can review your benefits and discuss available payment options.
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Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
Routine visits help remove buildup, monitor changes, and keep your preventive care on schedule.
Many patients benefit from a cleaning and exam every six months. Patients with gum disease, frequent cavities, dry mouth, or certain health conditions may need a different schedule.
A routine cleaning should not be painful, although sensitive teeth or inflamed gums may feel tender. Tell the hygienist if you are uncomfortable so the visit can be adjusted.
A routine cleaning removes buildup above and around the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, treats gum disease by cleaning below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots.
Many plans include routine cleanings as a preventive benefit, but frequency limits and patient costs vary. Our team can check your specific benefits before the appointment.
Ready to get started?
Schedule your next cleaning and exam
Book with Dr. Hogan or a member of the Union Family Dental team.