Preventive dentistry at Aspen Dental

Most adults need a dental checkup and professional cleaning every six months to keep their teeth and gums healthy. But if you have gum disease, heavy plaque buildup or other health risks like diabetes, your dentist may recommend coming in more often—every 3 to 4 months.

Staying on track with your recommended schedule can help you avoid bigger dental problems later on. Here’s what a typical preventive routine might look like:

• Exams and dental checkups every 6 months

• X-rays: Usually once a year

• Fluoride treatment: As recommended (often every 6 months)

• Oral cancer screenings: At every exam

• Hygiene visits: As scheduled by your dental team

Your dentist at Aspen Dental will let you know what’s best based on your needs.

Some patients benefit from more frequent cleanings—every 3 to 4 months—especially if they have a history of gum disease or bone loss, frequent cavities, dry mouth from medications or health conditions like diabetes.

The goal is to catch issues early and protect your smile long-term. Most dental plans cover two cleanings a year, but if you need more visits, your Aspen Dental care team will walk you through costs and insurance details.

Patients report minimal discomfort. You might feel a little pressure or mild sensitivity—especially if your gums are inflamed—but we strive to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

If something doesn’t feel right, let your hygienist know. They can adjust the approach or apply a numbing gel to keep you comfortable.

Yes. Modern X-rays use very low levels of radiation—similar to what you’d be exposed to on a short flight. They’re only taken when needed and help your dentist catch problems early, like cavities, infections or bone loss that aren’t visible during an exam. The benefits of detecting these issues early far outweigh the minimal risk.

If your dentist spots something during your visit at Aspen Dental, they’ll walk you through what they found, what it means and what your options are.

You’ll get a clear explanation and cost estimate before any treatment begins. And your care team will work with you to plan next steps that fit your schedule and budget—whether it’s a quick fix or something more involved.

Even if your mouth feels okay, issues like cavities and gum disease can start quietly. Most dental problems don’t hurt in early stages—but they’re much easier to treat when caught early.

By the time you feel pain, the problem may have progressed. That’s why it’s important to keep up with routine visits—before discomfort starts.

A routine hygiene visit (a regular dental cleaning) removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline and helps maintain a healthy mouth.

A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, goes deeper—below the gumline—to treat active gum disease. It’s recommended when your dentist sees signs of advanced gum issues like bleeding, deep pockets or bone loss on X-rays. Your dentist will explain which one is right for you and why.

Good daily habits make a big difference.

To maintain good oral health, start with these dental hygiene habits:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste

• Floss once a day to remove plaque between teeth

• Avoid tobacco and limit sugary drinks and snacks

• Drink water to stay hydrated and rinse away food particles

• Keep up with your scheduled dental visits

Preventive dentistry helps you avoid dental problems before they start. It’s about keeping your teeth and gums healthy through good dental hygiene and regular care. That means fewer cavities, less gum disease and stronger enamel—so you’re less likely to need costly treatments later. It also supports your overall health by reducing links to conditions like diabetes or heart disease.