Exams & Cleanings in Dearborn Heights
The foundation of a healthy smile — and if even a checkup is hard for you, it can be done with sedation.
Regular exams and professional cleanings are the foundation of oral health — catching small problems before they become painful, expensive ones, and removing the plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing alone cannot reach.
At SmilePro Dental in Dearborn Heights, Dr. Salam Awad and the team keep every visit gentle and thorough. And if fear has kept you from routine care, even a checkup can be done with sedation — which is often the first step back for anxious patients.
What happens during your exam
Your exam starts with a conversation about your medical and dental history and anything that has changed since your last visit. Then Dr. Awad checks your teeth, gums, tongue and surrounding tissues for decay, worn fillings, cracks and gum inflammation, and assesses your bite and jaw.
Digital X-rays may be taken to reveal what a visual check cannot — cavities between teeth, bone levels, and issues with roots or wisdom teeth — at a very low dose.
The professional cleaning
A professional cleaning reaches what home care cannot. Our hygienists remove plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline, then polish your teeth to lift surface stains and leave a smooth surface that resists new plaque.
Removing that bacterial buildup helps prevent gum disease and decay, and where appropriate a fluoride treatment strengthens the enamel for extra protection — especially useful if you are prone to cavities.
How often to come in
Most patients do well with a visit every six months, but it is not one-size-fits-all. If you have gum disease, diabetes or a history of frequent cavities, every three to four months keeps things stable. Dr. Awad recommends the right interval for you based on your gum health, plaque levels and overall health — and consistent visits let us catch changes early, when treatment is simplest.
Checkups when you're anxious
If dental fear has kept you from routine care, the goal is simply to get you back in the chair — and a gentle, sedated checkup is often how that happens. Light nitrous oxide takes the edge off and wears off within minutes, so you can drive yourself home. Many patients find that once a few appointments go smoothly, the fear itself starts to fade.
Frequently asked questions
Start with a checkup
Whether it has been six months or six years, a checkup is the right first step. Book one — and ask about sedation if the chair is what has kept you away.