The visit that keeps
the others from being needed.
Most dental problems are small for a long time before they're large. Six-month cleanings are how we keep small things from becoming big ones — and the gentlest dentistry you'll ever have is the dentistry you didn't end up needing.
A complete visit, not just a polish.
A new-patient hygiene appointment at Happy Smiles takes 60–75 minutes and includes everything below, for $89.
- Comprehensive oral exam
Tooth-by-tooth visual, plus oral cancer screening, gum-pocket measurements, and bite assessment.
- Digital x-rays as needed
Bitewings annually, full series every 3–5 years. We don't image without a reason.
- Hand & ultrasonic scaling
Tartar and plaque removed gently, ergonomically — never rushed.
- Polish & fluoride (your choice)
Air-polishing or traditional, fluoride or hydroxyapatite. We follow your preference.
- Personalized plan, in writing
You leave knowing exactly what you saw, what you need (if anything), and what it costs.
What a hygiene visit actually looks like.
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Quiet check-in
5 minHand you a warm towel, walk you to the operatory, get you a blanket and headphones. We don't ask insurance questions while you're lying down — that's settled before your visit.
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Imaging only when needed
5–10 minA full set of digital x-rays once every 3–5 years for low-risk adults; bitewings annually. We won't over-image you. The radiation is already minimal, but skipping unnecessary imaging is its own kind of care.
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Exam first, cleaning second
10 minYour hygienist or dentist looks at every tooth, checks soft tissue for cancer signs, measures gum pockets, and talks you through anything they see. You see what they see.
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Gentle, thorough cleaning
30–40 minHand scaling first to remove tartar where you can feel it, then ultrasonic for the rest. Air-polishing instead of abrasive paste if your enamel is sensitive. We move at your pace.
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Findings & plan
5 minA written summary of what we saw, photos of any concerns, and a clear list of what (if anything) needs follow-up. No upsells. If you don't need it, we don't recommend it.
Hygiene pricing, in plain English.
Most patients with insurance pay $0 for hygiene visits. Out-of-pocket pricing below is what you'd pay if you had no insurance at all.
- New patient exam, x-rays & cleaning Limited-time intro pricing for first visit$89
- Adult cleaning (no insurance)$135
- Child cleaning (under 14)$95
- Periodontal maintenance For patients with active gum disease$165 / quadrant
- Scaling & root planing (deep cleaning) Always with local anesthetic$245 / quadrant
- Custom fluoride or hydroxyapatite varnish$45
Insurance benefits typically cover two cleanings per year at 100%. We file the claim — you don't lift a finger.
The answers most patients ask first.
How often should I really come in?
For most healthy adults, every six months is sensible — but it's not universal. If your gums and teeth are excellent and you have strong home habits, once a year may be enough. If you have periodontal disease, smoke, or diabetes, every three to four months is wiser. We'll tell you which group you're in honestly.
Are x-rays really safe?
A full digital x-ray series exposes you to about as much radiation as a one-hour flight. Bitewings, far less. We use lead aprons and thyroid collars by default, and we only image when there's a clinical reason. Pregnancy: x-rays are paused unless emergent.
Why do my teeth hurt after a cleaning sometimes?
Mild sensitivity for 24–48 hours is normal, especially if there was significant tartar or you have receded gums. Sensitivity toothpaste and lukewarm food helps. Sharp or persistent pain past 48 hours means call us — that's not normal.
Do you do deep cleanings?
Yes — scaling and root planing, with local anesthetic, broken into quadrants over multiple appointments. We never quietly upgrade a regular cleaning into a deep cleaning. If your gums need that level of care, we explain why, show you the pocket measurements, and give you a written estimate before anything starts.
What if my kid is scared?
We give kids the controls. They get to sit in the chair on their own, hold the suction wand, look at the tools, ask to stop at any time. First visits for young children are often just "show and tell" — no cleaning at all if they're not ready. We'd rather build trust than chase a billable code.
Tell us when works, we'll do the rest.
Most new patient visits include exam, panoramic x-rays and a thorough cleaning — about 60–75 minutes total. We confirm by text within an hour.
- $89 new patient special · exam, x-rays, cleaning
- In-network with most major plans
- Same-week emergency appointments available