Teeth Cleanings and Exams in Bethlehem, PA
A cleaning and exam is a routine visit where your hygienist removes the plaque and tartar brushing misses, and Dr. Gene Tunney checks every tooth, your gums and the soft tissues of your mouth. Most adults and kids should come twice a year. It is how small problems get caught while they are still simple to fix.
What happens at a cleaning and exam?
Five parts, one visit. You leave knowing exactly where your teeth stand.
Cleaning
Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque no toothbrush can lift), mostly along the gumline and between teeth, then polishes your teeth smooth.
Gum check
We measure the small pockets around each tooth. Deeper pockets and bleeding are early signs of gum disease.
X-rays when needed
Digital X-rays show what eyes cannot see. More on that below.
Exam
Dr. Tunney checks for decay, cracks and worn spots, reviews any fillings or crowns, and looks at your bite, jaw and soft tissues.
Straight talk
You hear what, if anything, needs attention and how urgent it is. If nothing is wrong, we tell you nothing is wrong.
If you are managing gum disease or get cavities easily, we may suggest visits more often than twice a year, and we will explain why.
Regular cleaning or deep cleaning: what is the difference?
A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, goes further below the gumline to clear tartar and bacteria from the tooth roots when gum disease has set in.
| Regular cleaning | Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Healthy gums | Gum disease with deeper pockets |
| Where it works | Teeth and gumline | Below the gumline, on the roots |
| Numbing | Not usually needed | Local anesthesia is common |
| Visits | One | Often split into two or more |
| What comes next | Your next routine visit | A follow-up to check the gums healed |
Dr. Tunney provides both. Your gum measurements decide which one you need.
What are the signs of gum disease?
Gum (periodontal) disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Its early stage, gingivitis, can be reversed with good cleanings and home care.
Gums that bleed
When you brush or floss.
Puffy, red or tender gums
Inflamed tissue along the gumline.
Bad breath
That does not go away with brushing.
Gums pulling back
Or teeth that feel loose.
Bleeding gums are not normal. Read more about why gums bleed, and book a visit if it keeps happening.
Why do I need dental X-rays?
Cavities often start between teeth, under old fillings or below the gumline, where no one can see them. Digital X-rays show them early, often before they hurt.
Digital X-rays use less radiation than old film X-rays. Most adults need them about once a year, and Dr. Tunney takes them more often only when something needs watching.
What else helps protect your teeth?
Fluoride treatments
Strengthen enamel. Standard for kids and helpful for adults who get cavities easily.
Sealants
A thin protective coating on the chewing grooves of back teeth, where most cavities in kids start.
Custom night guards
Protect teeth if you grind or clench in your sleep. Morning jaw pain, headaches and small chips are the common signs.
Sports mouthguards
Custom-fit guards for contact sports, made by a dental lab to fit your teeth so they stay put and let you breathe and talk.
Oral cancer screening
A careful look at your lips, tongue, gums and cheeks during your exam.
How do I keep my teeth healthy at home?
- Brush twice a day for two minutes.
- Floss or clean between your teeth once a day.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks, and keep snacking to set times.
- Do not use your teeth as tools.
- Ask your hygienist which brush and floss suit your mouth.
What does a teeth cleaning cost in Bethlehem?
Preventive care is the most fully covered dentistry in most insurance plans. Many plans cover two cleanings and exams a year at or near 100 percent. Your cost depends on:
- Your plan
- Whether you need X-rays that visit
- Whether you need a regular or deep cleaning
Same-day insurance estimates so you know your share. See the insurance plans we work with. CareCredit and in-house payment plans are available for larger treatment.
Been years since your last visit?
You are exactly who we want to see. Nobody here will scold you. Dr. Gene Tunney, DDS and your hygienist will look at where things stand, explain what needs fixing in order of importance, and get you back on a simple twice-a-year routine.
- New patients can often get a same-day appointment, schedule permitting.
Found a cavity or a cracked tooth? Our fillings and crowns page explains the next step.
Teeth cleaning FAQ
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Most people should have a cleaning and exam every six months. If you have gum disease or get cavities easily, Dr. Tunney may suggest every three or four months. Your gum measurements and X-rays guide the schedule, and we will explain the reason for any change.
Does a teeth cleaning hurt?
Most people find a regular cleaning comfortable. If your gums are tender or you have not been in for a while, tell your hygienist, who can slow down and adjust. Deep cleanings are usually done with local anesthesia to numb the area.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Bleeding usually means the gums are inflamed, most often from plaque along the gumline. It is an early sign of gum disease and often improves with a professional cleaning and daily flossing. If bleeding lasts more than a week or two, book an exam.
What is a deep cleaning, and do I need one?
A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) clears tartar and bacteria from below the gumline when gum disease has formed pockets around the teeth. Dr. Tunney decides based on your gum measurements and X-rays. Many people only ever need regular cleanings.
Will my insurance cover cleanings?
Most dental plans cover two cleanings and exams a year, often at or near 100 percent. Deep cleanings are usually covered at a different level. We give a same-day insurance estimate so you know your share before treatment.
Book your cleaning
920 N New Street, Bethlehem. Same-day insurance estimate at your visit.