Cleanings and Exams Get A Healthy Smile
  • Receive a thorough cleaning & exam for your smile
  • Trust in our decades of experience
  • Enjoy peace of mind about your oral health

Protect Your Smile With Cleanings & Exams in Foster City

Your beautiful smile won’t last long without routine care. That’s why we, along with the American Dental Association, recommend dental cleanings and exams every six months. Keeping up with your checkups will go a long way toward ensuring your smile stays radiant. Our Foster City cleanings and exams will help you:

  • Smile with more confidence in any situation
  • Boost your overall self-esteem
  • Draw others to you with a warm smile
  • Give you an edge in your professional life

Call Stephen R. Henry, DDS today at 650-718-8087 to schedule your next dental visit. Your smile deserves the best care it can get! Besides Foster City, we also proudly serve the communities of Palo Alto, Hayward, Fremont, Union City, San Leandro, and San Lorenzo.

Your Exams Are an Ideal Time to Discuss Smile Goals

When you come in for your routine exam and cleaning, Dr. Henry will first evaluate your teeth, gums, and mouth for any problems. Next, your hygienist will take a dental history from you and record all important data concerning your teeth and gums. Then they will completely clean and polish your teeth using a state-of-the-art ultrasonic cleaner.

If you have any oral problems that need attention, the hygienist will fill you in on the details. Some of the most common problems we diagnose are cavities, gum disease, and orthodontic issues. Our practice offers care for all these problems, so you won’t need to go anywhere else for treatment. Whenever possible, we’ll emphasize preventive care to keep problems from developing in the first place.

It’s also a good time to discuss your smile goals. We can suggest treatment options:

  • If you are missing teeth and want a full smile, we can recommend teeth replacements like dental implants or dental bridges.
  • If you want to straighten crooked teeth, we can discuss orthodontic treatment with you.
  • If you want to conceal smile flaws, we’ll present options such as dental veneers and dental bonding.

Show Off a Beautiful Smile With Our Technology

We’ve invested in some of the latest technology available to help you enjoy a winning smile. To make sure you receive precise results with the most comfort, we use:

  • Digital and panoramic X-ray equipment for detailed views of your teeth, bones, and nerves
  • Intraoral cameras for an up-close look inside your mouth
  • Ultrasonic cleaning equipment to remove all traces of plaque and tartar from your teeth
  • A VELscope for early detection of oral cancer

For cleanings and exams in Foster City, visit Stephen R. Henry, DDS. Call us today at 650-718-8087 to schedule an appointment.

Common Questions About Cleanings and Exams

How long does a dental exam and cleaning take?

The length of these services may vary a bit, depending on whether we take X-rays or provide any preventive services like fluoride treatment. Usually, though, we can complete an exam and cleaning in about an hour. You may need to allow more time if it’s been a long time since you’ve seen a dentist.

How soon after my cleaning can I eat?

You can typically eat right after a dental cleaning, as it doesn’t require any numbing or recovery time. However, it’s important to consider the potential sensitivity of your teeth and gums after the cleaning. If you experience sensitivity or your dentist advises against consuming certain foods or drinks immediately after the cleaning, it’s best to follow their recommendations. In general, you can resume your regular eating habits after a dental cleaning without significant delay or restrictions.

Do dental cleanings hurt?

Dental cleanings involve the removal of plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth using specialized tools. You may experience slight pressure or vibrations during the cleaning, but it should not be painful. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, your dental hygienist can adjust the cleaning technique to ensure your comfort. Regular dental cleanings are important for maintaining oral health and preventing more serious issues, so it is recommended to have them done regularly.