Dental Cleanings & Exams in Chandler and Gilbert, AZ
If your teeth are strong, your gums are in good condition, and your mouth feels fresh, congratulations! You know what it is like to have excellent oral health. But did you know that to smile, eat, and speak confidently and comfortably, you must be consistent in caring for your teeth and gums?
Consistency means brushing and flossing daily and keeping up with regular visits to the ‘dentist near me‘ for exams and cleanings. These procedures stop small problems from worsening until you lose your pearly whites. They contribute to your overall health, too.
Dr. Pavel Dubinetsky, DMD, at Savage Smiles is here. Call (480) 334-5402 or schedule a consultation online.
The Questions We Will Answer
Not everyone grows up learning the importance of exams and cleanings. Some simply see the dentist when something has already gone wrong. At Savage Smiles, we educate our patients, ensuring you know the value of every procedure. Here is what we will cover:
- What happens during a dental exam?
- What should I expect during a dental cleaning?
- What is the difference between a teeth cleanings near me and a deep cleaning?
- Why should I get dental exams and cleanings?
Other Topics We Can Help With
Everything about your oral health matters. Here are other topics that you can explore with Savage Smiles:
- The latest veneers statistics
- Getting rid of tonsil stones
- Reversing gum disease
- Veneers falling off
- Invisalign costs and alternatives
- The latest dentures statistics
Anything you wish to understand about dentistry, we are willing to discuss.
Terms You Will Hear From Your Dentist
Dentistry can be confusing and scary, especially when dentists use words you cannot comprehend. As such, patients skip visits altogether. That is not what we want to happen! So, let us give you definitions.
Here are some technical terms you might hear from Dr. Pavel Dubinetsky, DMD, during your consultation:
- Cosmetic Dentistry: This branch of dentistry focuses on improving how your smile looks. Procedures might include teeth whitening or dental veneers.
- Caries: This term is another name for dental cavities, which result from plaque creating tiny holes in the enamel.
- Checkup: A dental checkup is when you see your dentist to have your teeth, gums, and mouth assessed.
- Dental Filling: A filling repairs a tooth damaged by a cavity by restoring its normal shape and strength.
- Dental Plaque: This sticky film of bacteria constantly forms on your teeth, eventually leading to various oral health conditions.
- Prophylaxis: This term is another name for professional cleaning. It is a key part of preventive dentistry.
- Sealants: Dental sealants are protective coatings dentists place on the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- Dentist: Your dentist is the expert who diagnoses and treats issues related to your teeth and gums. Some dentists offer general dentistry, while others offer specialized practices.
- Gingivitis: The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. It causes redness, swelling, or bleeding.
- Preventive Dentistry: This part of dentistry focuses on preventing oral problems through regular exams and cleanings, and good habits at home.
- Tartar: When plaque hardens on your teeth, it turns into tartar. Unlike plaque, you cannot remove it by brushing or flossing.
- Tooth Decay: When bacteria wears down your tooth enamel, cavities form, and the structure rots. If the damage is irreparable, extraction is the only solution.
- Tooth Enamel: The enamel is the strong outer layer of your tooth that protects everything inside.
Do not be afraid to ask dentists to define terms for you! As professionals, they are eager to help you feel comfortable and well-guided before any procedure. At Savage Smiles, everyone on our team is ready to clear things up for you.
How Examinations Happen
Basically, a dental examination is when your dentist assesses your oral health. It explores the surfaces of your mouth and everything beneath it.
Like exams in schools, you may pass or fail. If you pass, it means you have been caring for your teeth and gums excellently. Keep up the good work! If you fail, it means you need treatments that could revive your oral health.
Here is how dentists perform dental exams.
Visual Examination
Your dentist starts by using a small mirror to take a close look at your entire mouth. They will check every tooth for cracks or discoloration, as well as your gums for redness, swelling, and other signs of gingivitis. They might spot something unusual in other oral tissues, too, such as canker sores and tonsil stones. Whatever they find, they will explain.
X-Rays
Dentists do not stop checking just because your teeth appear healthy. They must also see under the gums. Through X-rays, small areas of tooth decay, hidden damage, and the condition of the roots of your teeth become visible. To take these images, your dentist will lead you to the X-ray room, cover your chest and abdomen to avoid radiation exposure, and set up the machine.
The process is quick and safe. You simply have to stay still while the machine works. Once the images are ready, your dentist will review them, explain what they spot, and recommend the next steps.
Cleaning
Every dental exam includes a dental cleaning. Checking your teeth and removing plaque go hand in hand! After all, bacteria causes all the issues that visual exams and X-rays reveal. You might as well get rid of them to treat the condition or maintain your oral health.
The Cleaning Process
A dental cleaning or prophylaxis is one of the most important procedures in preventive dentistry. “Prophylaxis” literally means the action you take to prevent disease. That said, a professional cleaning involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains that brushing at home cannot handle.
Many patients feel intimidated by the procedure because it uses various tools. It can also be painful for those dealing with sensitive teeth. With gum disease involved, there will be bleeding.
However, professional cleaning is crucial to your oral health. The longer bacteria sits in your mouth, the more treatments you will need in the future. Do not worry; your dentist will ensure the process will be as comfortable and painless as possible.
Step 1: Scaling
Dental cleanings begin with dentists or hygienists gently removing plaque or tartar from your teeth and along the gumline using a scaler. This special tool looks like a hook, and you might hear scraping sounds as it glides over each tooth.
If you have been brushing and flossing properly at home, this step is usually quick. If there is more bacterial buildup, it may take a bit longer.
For patients with gum disease or tooth decay, dentists will scale sensitive areas with extra care. If sensitivity is severe, they might opt for light sedation before proceeding.
Step 2: Polishing
Once your teeth are clean, they will be polished with an electric toothbrush and a slightly gritty toothpaste. This step smooths out the surface of each tooth, making it harder for plaque to stick. It leaves your entire mouth feeling incredibly clean, too.
Step 3: Flossing
After polishing, your dentist will use a floss and glide it between each tooth. This step ensures they leave no plaque behind. It is also your chance to learn better flossing techniques if needed, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Step 4: Fluoride Treatment
Finally, you receive a fluoride treatment. It might be optional in other practices, but you will want to have the fluoride foam or gel applied to help strengthen your tooth enamel. Some dentists offer rinses as well.
Fluoride is a mineral found in most toothpastes and mouthwashes, and it helps prevent dental caries. Offices use more concentrated products than commercial options during fluoride treatments.
This step is quick and easy, but the benefits are long-term. Just remember to avoid eating and drinking for 30 minutes after! Your teeth need time to absorb the mineral fully.
Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning
Did you know that there is regular dental cleaning, and then there is deep dental cleaning?
A regular cleaning is what you go through every dental exam, involving scaling and polishing. A deep cleaning is a more advanced procedure that includes scaling and root planing.
Your dentist will recommend the latter when plaque and tartar build up below the gumline, creating pockets around your teeth. Scaling will clean the surface of your teeth and along the gumline, and planing will clean the roots of each tooth. It is ideal for patients at risk of developing gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss.
Deep cleaning may take multiple visits. Expect your dentist to take extra measures to ensure your comfort.
The Purpose of Exams and Cleaning
Why are exams and cleanings such a big deal in dentistry? You already know that you must brush and floss at least twice daily, so why should you still seek professional services outside your home? There are three reasons:
- Preventative Care: No matter how many times you clean your mouth every day, bacteria will reach it and stick around. Regular exams and cleanings will handle the buildup before it harms your teeth and gums. Moreover, preventing and managing gum disease helps reduce the risks of heart disease and stroke.
- Detection of Health Issues: You cannot solve a problem if you do not recognize it in the first place. During a dental exam, dentists find out what is going on inside your mouth and determine what needs treatment. From infections to oral cancer, early detection makes treatments much more effective and less invasive.
- Health Preservation: Your teeth do more than you think. Besides giving you a great smile, they help you chew food properly, which supports digestion. When you keep them clean, you also keep your gut healthy! Moreover, patients with diabetes are more prone to developing gum disease. Exams and cleanings, then, are part of managing the condition.
Yes, every procedure in dentistry costs money. Since it is more affordable to care for your oral health on your own, you might decide to skip exams and cleanings. However, your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss alone are not enough. When the problem reaches the roots, you will wish you had invested in regular professional services.
Your Questions Answered
There is much to learn about dental exams and cleaning. Take these additional questions and answers from our expert team.
For more professional insights, leave us a message!
How Often Should I Get an Exam and Cleaning?
For most patients, visiting dentists for exams and cleanings every six months is a great routine. That is twice a year. However, we encourage you to follow a schedule based on your specific requirements. Patients with gum issues or frequent tooth concerns might need more frequent checkups.
Should I Wait Until I Have Symptoms To Schedule a Checkup?
No, it is not a good idea to wait until something goes wrong before you decide to head to the nearest dental clinic. Even if your teeth feel and look fine, conditions can still be developing or worsening underneath. You must get exams and cleanings regularly to ensure your at-home routines are working and to stop minor troubles from escalating.
Are Deep Cleanings Necessary?
In some cases, yes. If gum disease is present, a deep cleaning is one of the most effective treatments for removing bacteria and protecting your teeth from further damage. Your dentist will let you know during a thorough exam whether you need a deep cleaning or a regular cleaning.
How Do I Prevent Dental Emergencies?
Dental emergencies are issues that require immediate attention. It could be a severe toothache, a badly cracked, dislodged, or knocked-out tooth, an abscess, a lost or broken tooth or a severe soft tissue injury. Besides being careful, you can also focus on being consistent with your routine.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily will support your oral health, helping keep tooth decay, cracks, and infections at bay. Of course, you must visit your dentist regularly for exams and professional cleanings as well. These habits go a long way in preventing emergencies.
Has it been a while since your last dental checkup? It is not too late to start again. For patients in Chandler and Gilbert, AZ, Savage Smiles is open. Dr. Pavel Dubinetsky, DMD, is eager to prioritize your teeth and gums! Call (480) 334-5402 or contact us online for an appointment.
Our Other Services
Whitening
Teeth whitening, a well-known cosmetic procedure, noticeably brightens your teeth by targeting and removing stubborn surface stains.
Cavities
Digital cavity detection is another advanced diagnostic tool that utilizes laser technology to identify tooth decay.
Orthodonics
Suitable for all ages, orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on enhancing the oral health, function, and appearance of teeth by diagnosing, preventing, and treating misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite issues (malocclusion).
Crowns
Crowns are often recommended to repair and protect cracked, worn, or decayed teeth that have had root canal therapy or to cover all-on-4 implants.
Bridges
Dental bridges are custom-made, permanent fixtures designed to replace missing teeth by filling gaps and restoring both the natural appearance and function.
Veneers
Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-crafted shells made from high-quality porcelain or composite resin that fit precisely over the front surfaces of your teeth.
Dentures
Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to replace multiple missing teeth and the surrounding gum tissue, helping restore both appearance and oral function.
Exams & Cleanings
Dental cleanings and preventive services form the foundation of long-term oral health, saving time, money, and discomfort by identifying potential problems early and helping you avoid more extensive or costly treatment.
Broken / Chipped Tooth
If you’re on vacation in Arizona and break your tooth or get a ship we can usually take care of you that same day. Call us to get an appointment day or night.
Smile Makeovers
A smile makeover is an individualized, comprehensive treatment plan that blends cosmetic and restorative dental procedures to dramatically enhance the appearance and function of your smile.
Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligner therapy is an advanced orthodontic treatment that uses a series of individualized, transparent plastic trays to gradually and precisely shift teeth into their ideal alignment.
Extractions
A dental extraction is a common procedure in which a tooth is carefully removed from the mouth, typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
Root Canals
Endodontic therapy, or more commonly, a “root canal,” is a dental procedure completed to remove damaged or infected pulp from inside a tooth.
Wisdom Teeth
The removal or extraction of wisdom teeth is a routine oral surgery in which one or more of the third molars are removed from the back of the jaw.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays use advanced electronic sensors instead of traditional film to capture highly detailed images of teeth, bones, and surrounding oral structures
Emergencies
Unlike routine dental check-ups and planned procedures, emergency dentistry is dedicated to providing prompt, often same-day care for unexpected, critical dental problems.
Periodontal Therapy
This is a comprehensive set of dental procedures aimed at treating and managing periodontal disease to maintain the health of the jawbone, supporting tissues, and structures of your teeth, including your gums.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry primarily provides elegant aesthetic improvements while highlighting the artistry of creating beautiful smiles.
General Dentistry
General dentistry provides the foundation for lifelong oral health by offering comprehensive and ongoing dental care for patients of all ages.
Visit the Best Dentist in Chandler and Gilbert, AZ
At Savage Smiles, we have spent over 13 years helping patients take control of their oral health. We offer a full range of dental services, from preventive care to restorative and cosmetic dentistry!
The leader of our team is Dr. Pavel Dubinetsky, DMD, a trusted dentist in Chandler and Gilbert, AZ. You can count on him to review your history, listen to your concerns, and create a personalized plan.
Whether you need a long-overdue exam and cleaning or want to keep your routine going, and whether the dental checkup reveals you need a simple filling and sealant or a more advanced procedure, you will always know why and how. Let us take care of your smile together!
Dial (480) 334-5402 or contact Savage Smiles online to book your appointment with our doctor that speaks Ukranian, Russian and English near Sunbird golf course..
Meet The Dentist
Dr. Pavel Dubinetsky, DMD
Dr. Pavel Dubinetsky DMD is a respected and top-rated local dentist Chandler. He has served the community for years as an associate doctor at several close by dental offices in addition to Savage Smiles. In 2026 after working at the practice for many years, he purchased it from the original owner Robert Savage, to continue the type of care the South Chandler AZ, Gilbert, Ocotillo (Sun Lakes) & Tempe area has come to expect. He personally reviews every patient’s current condition, dental history and any concerns they might have and crafts a recommended treatment plan to address all issues.
During your consultation, he explains your unique situation and state of health with affordable options for any necessary or advised procedures or treatments so you can best select an educated path to wellness for yourself. With his experienced cosmetic dentistry knowledge, his offices welcome new patients and families of all ages from senior adults to older children and even infants.
Most days ‘same day appointments’ are available and are often “in-network” for most Delta Dental insurance holders.
