Teeth cleaning and dental checkups near you
Call and tell us you'd like a checkup and cleaning, plus your ZIP code. We'll connect you with a dental office near you that's taking new patients, when one is available.
- Exam, X-rays and cleaning
- New patients welcome at many offices
- Ask about your insurance before you book
No obligation to book. Calls may be recorded and connected to a participating dental office or its scheduling service.
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What happens at a checkup and cleaning?
A dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar, polishes your teeth and checks your gums. The dentist then examines your teeth, gums and mouth, looks at X-rays and tells you if anything needs treatment. Most visits take 45 to 60 minutes; a first visit with a new office can take longer.
Most people go every six months. Your dentist may suggest more often if you have gum disease, diabetes, or a history of cavities.
Regular cleaning vs deep cleaning: which is right for you?
Your dentist will recommend what fits your teeth. This is how the common options differ.
| Regular cleaning | Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it's for | Healthy gums, routine care | Gum disease with deeper pockets |
| What's cleaned | Teeth above the gum line | Below the gum line, on the roots |
| Visits | One visit | Often two visits, one side of the mouth at a time |
| Numbing | Usually none | Usually local numbing |
General information, not dental advice. The office you book with gives you its own prices.
Why do checkups matter?
Cavities and gum disease often don't hurt until they're advanced. A checkup finds them early, when the fix is smaller. The dentist also checks for signs of oral cancer and for problems with fillings and crowns.
If you haven't been in years, that's fine. Expect a full set of X-rays at the first visit and a plan for anything that needs work, starting with what's most urgent.
What should I ask the office?
- Are you taking new patients?
- Is the office in network for my insurance?
- Will the first visit include X-rays and a cleaning?
- How long is the first appointment?
- Do you have early-morning or Saturday openings?
And always: is the office in network for my insurance, and can I get a written treatment plan with costs before treatment starts?
How does the call work?
FindDentist365 isn't a dental office. We don't treat patients; we help you reach a dental office.
Call and tell us what you need
A checkup, a toothache, braces, dentures: say it in your own words, plus your ZIP code. It takes about a minute.
We connect you
Your call goes to a participating dental office or scheduling line that serves your area, when one is available.
You book with the office
The office tells you its openings, which insurance it takes and its own prices. You decide whether to book.
Teeth cleaning and dental checkups: common questions
It's been years since I saw a dentist. Is that OK?
Yes. Dental offices see people every day who haven't been in a long time. Say so when you book; most offices plan a longer first visit with an exam and X-rays, then talk you through what they find before any treatment.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Every six months is common. People with gum disease may need a cleaning every three to four months. Your dentist will suggest a schedule.
Can I get a cleaning without insurance?
Yes. Many offices see patients without insurance, and some offer in-office membership plans that include cleanings. Ask before you book.
Will the dentist take my insurance?
Plans differ from office to office, including Medicaid and CHIP dental plans. Have your insurance card ready and ask the office before you book. If you don't have insurance, ask whether they offer payment plans or a membership plan.
Do I have to book an appointment?
No. The office tells you its openings, the insurance it takes and its prices, and you decide whether to book. If you book with a dental office, you pay that office directly for your care.
Find a dentist near you today.
Call, tell us what you need and your ZIP code, and we'll connect you with a dental office that serves your area, when one is available.
No obligation to book. Calls may be recorded and connected to a participating dental office or its scheduling service.