Dental Exams and Cleanings in NW Calgary
All Smiles Dental Care offers dental exams and teeth cleanings for children and adults at our clinic on Country Hills Blvd in NW Calgary. Each visit checks your teeth, gums and mouth for problems and removes the plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing leave behind.
Teeth Cleaning and Dental Checkups at All Smiles Dental Care
A dental checkup and a cleaning work as a pair. The exam finds problems early. The cleaning removes the buildup that causes many of them. We book both together as a regular visit, and we also see new patients who have not been to a dentist in a while.
Our general dentists see patients from Country Hills, Hamptons, Hidden Valley, Panorama Hills, Coventry Hills, Evanston, Sandstone, Kincora, Nolan Hill, Sherwood and the rest of NW Calgary. We are open Monday to Saturday, with evening appointments on Monday until 8 PM and early starts at 7 AM on Thursday and Friday. If you are new to the clinic, see what to expect on our new patient page.
What Happens at a Dental Exam?
Your dentist looks at more than your teeth. The exam covers:
- Your teeth, gums and the soft tissues of your mouth
- Checks for cavities, gum disease and signs of oral cancer
- A review of your existing dental work, such as fillings and crowns
- Digital X-rays when they are needed to see what the eye cannot
- Your bite and jaw alignment
- Personalized treatment recommendations
We use digital X-rays and intraoral cameras during your exam. The camera shows your mouth on a chairside screen, so you can see what your dentist sees. Your exam also includes an oral cancer screening. To learn more about what is checked, read our guide on what dentists look for during a routine dental visit.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
A professional cleaning, also called a hygiene visit, removes buildup that a toothbrush cannot. Plaque is the soft film of bacteria that forms on teeth every day. When it is not removed, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus), and only a dental professional can remove tartar. Our guide explains the difference between plaque and tartar.
A hygiene visit includes:
- Removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth, including along the gumline
- Polishing to remove surface stains
- Flossing between all of your teeth
- Gum health checks and measurements
- Fluoride applied at the end of the visit when it is recommended
- Advice on brushing and flossing that fits your mouth
Exam vs. Cleaning: What Is the Difference?
| Dental exam | Teeth cleaning (hygiene visit) | |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Find problems and plan treatment | Remove plaque, tartar and stains |
| What is checked or done | Teeth, gums, bite, jaw, soft tissues, X-rays as needed | Scaling, polishing, flossing, gum measurements |
| Result | A clear picture of your oral health and a care plan | Cleaner teeth and healthier gums |
| How often | Usually at each regular visit | Usually at each regular visit |
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
Most people do well with a checkup and cleaning about every six months. Some people need to come more often. If you have gum disease, a history of cavities or certain medical conditions, your dentist may suggest visits every three to four months. Your dentist will set a schedule that fits your own oral health.
If you have been told you have gum disease, a regular cleaning may not be enough on its own. Your dentist may recommend periodontal treatment and follow-up visits. For more on visit timing, see our posts on regular dental checkups and how often to visit a family dentist.
Why Regular Exams and Cleanings Matter
- Early detection. Cavities, gum disease and other problems are easier to treat when they are found early.
- Cleaner teeth. Plaque and tartar build up in places that are hard to reach, even with good home care.
- Fresher breath and brighter teeth. Polishing lifts surface stains and removes buildup that causes odour.
- A plan that fits you. Each visit updates your care plan based on what your dentist finds.
Your cleaning does more for you when it is paired with good habits at home. Our home care guide covers brushing and flossing, and fluoride treatment can add extra protection for teeth at higher risk of decay.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- Book your visit. Call 403-777-3567 or book online. New patients can fill in forms ahead of time or arrive 15 minutes early to complete them at the clinic.
- Bring what we need. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, a list of your medications and any previous dental records.
- Exam and X-rays. Your dentist examines your mouth and takes digital X-rays when needed.
- Cleaning. Your hygiene visit removes plaque, tartar and stains, and your gums are checked.
- Your plan. Your dentist reviews what was found and the next steps, and we book your next visit.
Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children and Adults
We welcome patients of all ages, children and adults. Children's visits help build good habits early and let the dentist watch how new teeth are growing in. Read about your child's first visit to see how we make it comfortable. If dental visits make you anxious, ask about our sedation options, which include nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
Why Choose All Smiles Dental Care for Your Cleanings and Checkups
- Exams and cleanings for children and adults at one family-friendly clinic
- Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras
- Oral cancer screening as part of your exam
- Sedation options, including nitrous oxide and oral sedation
- Direct insurance billing
- 0% financing available
- Monday evening hours, early Thursday and Friday starts and Saturday appointments
- A convenient NW Calgary location in the Country Hills area
Cost of a Dental Exam and Cleaning in Calgary
The cost of your visit depends on what your treatment plan includes, such as the type of exam, whether you need X-rays and how much cleaning your teeth and gums need. We bill insurance directly and offer 0% financing for treatment. Call 403-777-3567 and our team can go over your coverage and payment options before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you get a dental cleaning?
Most people do well with a dental cleaning and checkup about every six months. If you have gum disease, a history of cavities or certain medical conditions, your dentist may suggest visits every three to four months. At All Smiles Dental Care in NW Calgary, your dentist will recommend a schedule based on the condition of your teeth and gums.
What happens at a teeth cleaning appointment?
A hygiene visit removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, polishes away surface stains and includes flossing between all of your teeth. Your gums are checked and measured, and fluoride may be applied at the end of the visit. You also get advice on brushing and flossing that fits your mouth.
Does a dental exam include X-rays?
Your exam includes digital X-rays when your dentist needs them to see decay between teeth, bone loss or problems under the gums. Not every visit needs X-rays, and your dentist decides how often you need them. We also use an intraoral camera so you can see your teeth on a screen during the exam.
What is the difference between a dental checkup and a cleaning?
A checkup is an exam by your dentist to look for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer signs and problems with existing dental work. A cleaning is the hygiene visit that removes plaque and tartar and polishes your teeth. At All Smiles Dental Care, these usually happen at the same visit.
Do you do dental cleanings for kids?
Yes. We welcome patients of all ages, children and adults. Regular exams and cleanings help children build good habits and let the dentist watch how their teeth develop. If your child is nervous, call 403-777-3567 and our team can explain what to expect at the first visit.
How much does a dental cleaning cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on your treatment plan, including the type of exam, whether you need X-rays and how much cleaning your teeth and gums need. We bill insurance directly and offer 0% financing, and our team can go over your coverage and payment options when you call 403-777-3567.
Book Your Dental Exam and Cleaning
Ready for a checkup? Call All Smiles Dental Care or book online, and we will find a time that suits your week.
- Monday:9 AM to 8 PM
- Tuesday:8 AM to 4 PM
- Wednesday:8 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday:7 AM to 4 PM
- Friday:7 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday:9 AM to 4 PM
- Sunday:Closed
All Smiles Dental Care, 5149 Country Hills Blvd NW, #206, Calgary, AB T3A 5K8, 403-777-3567
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