Exam & Cleaning

Comprehensive Care

Typical length:
45 min–1.5 hrs

We start with a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to create a customized treatment plan for your unique oral needs. Your examination will include low-radiation digital X-rays to detect decay between the teeth, periodontal measurements, and an oral cancer screening. We then use both hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler to gently break up plaque and tartar that build up below the gum line, and offer fluoride treatment as a preventive step to help strengthen your enamel. Our team will also tell you what you need to know about home care between visits to make future cleanings effortless.

Smiling patient in a dental chair talking with her dentist during an exam.
Step by Step

What to Expect

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Thorough Exams

We use digital X-rays to detect decay, measure spaces between your teeth and gums for gum health, and perform an oral cancer screening for early detection and treatment.

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Professional Cleaning

Our dental professionals use hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler to gently remove plaque and tartar below the gum line, ensuring a thorough yet comfortable cleaning experience.

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Personalized Care Advice

After your cleaning, we provide customized tips on maintaining oral health between visits, making future cleanings easier and more effective.

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Exam and Cleaning

We provide expert dental exams and cleanings to help Chicagoans keep their smiles healthy and bright. Our dedicated team of cosmetic and general dentistry professionals ensures that you receive personalized, thorough care. Here’s what you can expect during your visit.

What Is Included?

Your exam and cleaning starts with a full examination of your teeth and gums to create a customized treatment plan for your unique oral needs. It includes low-radiation digital X-rays to detect decay between the teeth, periodontal measurements, and an oral cancer screening, followed by a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line.

Benefits

Here’s what the process looks like, and what it does for your smile:

  • Early Detection of Dental Issues: Low-radiation digital X-rays help us detect decay between your teeth early, preventing more significant problems down the line.
  • Thorough Cleaning: We use both hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup, promoting healthier gums and teeth.
  • Oral Cancer Screening: Early detection is crucial, and our screenings are designed to help us spot early warning signs of oral cancer, when treatment is most effective.
  • Preventive Fluoride Treatment: We offer fluoride treatment alongside your cleaning to help strengthen enamel and lower the risk of cavities, a safe, well-established preventive step we believe in for patients of all ages.
  • Personalized Home Care Advice: Our team provides customized tips on maintaining your oral health between visits, making future cleanings easier and more effective.

Schedule Your Exam and Cleaning

Our skilled team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, bright smile. Schedule your exam and cleaning today and experience personalized, thorough dental care.

If you have any questions about our exam and cleaning services, get in touch with our office to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members. We’re here to help make your smile the best it can be.

Why Always There

Why Choose Always There Dental Care

Every visit starts with a thorough look at your teeth and gums, so your care plan is built around your needs.

01

Exams That Go Further

Low-radiation digital X-rays, periodontal measurements, and an oral cancer screening are part of your exam.

02

Gentle, Thorough Cleanings

Hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler remove plaque and tartar below the gum line, followed by fluoride if you choose.

03

Home Care You Can Use

We show you what works between visits, so future cleanings are easier and your results last.

04

Loved by Our Patients

With nearly 600 patient reviews, our patients say it best. See what your neighbors say about their visits.

What Is the Benefit of Comprehensive Care?

Regular exams and cleanings are the foundation of a healthy smile, and they’re right for nearly everyone.

Not sure yet? A consultation will help you decide if this is the right care for you.

Book Appointment
  • You haven’t had a checkup in a while.
  • You’re a new patient who wants a full picture of your oral health.
  • You want to catch problems early, before they need bigger treatment.
  • You have bleeding, sensitivity, or bad breath you’d like checked.
  • You’d like a routine cleaning every six months.
  • You want a clear plan for any care you may need.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap a question to see the answer. Can’t find what you’re looking for? See All FAQs

Is Fluoride Treatment Safe?

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Yes. Professionally applied fluoride is a safe, well-established preventive treatment. We use a precise, monitored amount designed to protect your enamel, and we’re happy to talk through any questions you have about it at your next visit.

What Happens if the Exam Finds a Cavity or Other Issue?

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If we find a cavity, gum concern, or other issue during your exam, we’ll walk you through the findings and put together a customized treatment plan so you know exactly what to expect before any further work begins.

Do I Need X-rays at Every Comprehensive Exam?

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Digital X-rays aren’t needed at every visit, but they’re an important part of your comprehensive exam on a recommended schedule so we can catch decay between teeth and other issues that aren’t visible during a routine look.

How Often Should I Schedule a Comprehensive Exam and Cleaning?

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We recommend scheduling a comprehensive exam and cleaning every six months to maintain optimal oral health. Regular visits help prevent dental issues before they become serious.

What Does a Comprehensive Dental Exam Include?

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Our comprehensive dental exam includes low-radiation digital X-rays, periodontal measurements, and an oral cancer screening. This thorough assessment helps us create a customized treatment plan.

Explore Our Other Services

Beyond this treatment, our team offers complete care for every smile.

Not sure which treatment is right for you? Give us a call at (773) 348-0565, and we’ll help you find the right care.

New Patient Welcome

Your First Visit.
A Reason to Smile.

Everything you need for a healthy smile, with a special welcome offer.

01Comprehensive new patient exam
02Professional cleaning
03Digital X-rays

*Offer applies to comprehensive new patient exams with cleaning and X-rays. Courtesy amount may vary based on X-rays and services provided. Mention this offer when scheduling or at your visit.

Smiling patient in a black dental chair holding a tooth-shaped hand mirror.
Always There Dental Care team member holding a giant toothbrush
Since
1983

Let’s Get You Smiling!

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Visit or Call Us

Hours
Mon–Thu | 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday | Extremely limited (call for availability)
Saturday | 8 a.m.–2 p.m. (one Saturday per month June–August; two per month September–May)

Let Us Take Care of Your Teeth Today!

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Your comfort comes first. Since 1983, we’ve helped Chicago smile with advanced dental technology and personalized care from a team you can count on at every visit.

© 2026 Always There Dental Care, Inc.
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