Dental Cleanings & Exams in Portage Park, Chicago
Preventive Visits That Protect Your Smile Long-Term
Dental cleanings & exams are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums — and they’re about more than just a quick polish. At 6 Corners Dental Studio, we provide comprehensive visits that include thorough teeth cleaning, careful evaluation, and one-on-one time with your dentist.
These appointments give us the chance to catch early signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues before they become bigger problems. Just as importantly, they give you the opportunity to ask questions, discuss goals, and stay informed about your oral health.
What’s Included in a Dental Cleaning & Exam?
Every visit is designed to be both effective and comfortable. Whether it’s your first time with us or part of your regular schedule, we take the time to tailor the experience to your needs.
A typical appointment includes:
- Professional Dental Cleaning
A licensed hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth — especially in hard-to-reach areas. We also polish the teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile feeling refreshed. - Periodontal Evaluation
We assess your gum health to screen for early signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Healthy gums are essential to keeping your teeth strong and stable. - Digital Imaging (if needed)
If it’s your first visit or if it’s time to monitor certain areas, we may take low-radiation digital x-rays. These help us detect issues not visible during the visual dental exam. - Comprehensive Dental Exam
Dr. Julienne Hong will carefully examine your teeth, gums, bite, and jaw function. We also screen for signs of oral cancer as part of our standard preventive care. - Personalized Recommendations
Based on what we find, we’ll provide recommendations for future care — whether that’s routine monitoring, a follow-up for treatment, or lifestyle tips to support your oral hygiene.
Every exam is done with your comfort and your goals in mind. We want you to leave your appointment feeling informed and confident, not rushed or overwhelmed.
Why Regular Cleanings and Exams Matter
Even with excellent at-home brushing and flossing, plaque can still harden into tartar in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Routine dental cleaning helps prevent cavities, gum inflammation, and bad breath — while a professional dental exam ensures nothing gets missed.
Benefits of regular preventive visits include:
- Early detection of decay and other dental concerns
- Protection against gum disease and tooth loss
- Support for better breath and fresher-feeling teeth
- Opportunities to review your brushing technique and routine
- Updates on the condition of past dental work
We typically recommend dental cleanings & exams every six months, though some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health history.
Who Should Schedule an Exam?
Everyone. From young children to older adults, preventive care is key to lifelong oral wellness. Whether it’s your child’s first teeth cleaning, your first exam in years, or just a check-in before beginning cosmetic or restorative treatments, we’re here to make the process simple and stress-free.
If you’re nervous about seeing the dentist or worried about what we might find, know that we approach every appointment with compassion, patience, and a no-judgment attitude. You don’t have to be perfect — you just have to show up, and we’ll take it from there.
Your Comfort Comes First
We understand that not everyone enjoys going to the dentist, and we’re here to change that. Our Chicago dental studio was designed with comfort in mind, and our team is trained to make sure you feel heard and respected from the moment you walk in.
We also use modern tools and techniques to make your visit faster, easier, and more comfortable than ever before. Learn more about how we use advanced dental technology to support excellent care.
If you’re a new patient, visit our Patient Info page to find out what to expect during your first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — please bring a valid ID, your insurance card (if applicable), and a list of any current medications.
How long does a dental cleaning and exam appointment take?
Most appointments last between 45 minutes to an hour. If it's your first visit or if x-rays are needed, it may take slightly longer to allow time for a full evaluation and discussion of your oral health.
Are dental cleanings painful?
Dental cleanings are typically painless. You may feel some slight pressure or sensitivity, especially if there's buildup near the gumline, but our team uses gentle techniques to make the process as comfortable as possible.
How often should I schedule a dental exam?
For most patients, we recommend scheduling a dental cleaning and exam every six months. However, patients with gum disease or ongoing dental concerns may benefit from more frequent visits, such as every three to four months.
What happens if I skip a cleaning?
Delaying your routine cleanings allows plaque to harden into tartar, which can’t be removed with brushing and flossing alone. Over time, this can lead to gum inflammation, cavities, and even tooth loss. Consistent preventive care helps avoid these outcomes.
Will my insurance cover dental cleanings and exams?
Most PPO dental insurance plans fully cover twice-yearly teeth cleaning and dental exam appointments. Our team is happy to help you verify your benefits — just give us a call or contact us before your visit.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning & Exam
Preventive care is the best way to keep your smile healthy and avoid more complex issues in the future. If it's been six months or longer since your last dental exam, we invite you to schedule your next visit today.
Call us at (773) 481-9455, book online here, or contact us with any questions. Serving patients throughout Chicago, Portage Park, and Norridge.
