Dental Cleanings & Exams in North Dallas
The foundation of everything else, gentle professional cleanings, honest comprehensive exams, and zero judgment about how long it's been.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nicole Houshmand, DDS · Updated June 2026
Most patients need a professional cleaning and exam every six months. Each visit includes scaling, polishing, a gum measurement, digital X-rays as needed, and a thorough exam. Cost for uninsured patients: $150–$300. Most PPO plans cover two cleanings per year at 100%.
How often do you need a dental cleaning and exam?
Almost every expensive dental problem starts as a cheap one. A cavity caught at a six-month exam is a small filling; the same cavity found two years later is a root canal and a crown. Early gum inflammation reverses with a cleaning and better home care; established periodontitis is a lifelong management project. Regular cleanings and exams aren't the boring part of dentistry, they're the part that makes the rest of it mostly unnecessary.
At Spring Valley Dental, a hygiene visit is never an assembly line. Your hygienist works gently and explains as she goes, and one of our two dentists, the same two you'll see at every visit, performs the exam personally, shows you what they see on screen, and gives you a straight answer about what matters and what doesn't.
What happens during a professional dental cleaning?
Why prevention beats repair
Insurance plans cover preventive visits generously for a reason: they save everyone money. Most PPO plans cover two cleanings and exams per year at or near 100%. Compare the math, a covered cleaning versus a crown, an implant, or gum surgery, and the six-month visit is the best deal in healthcare. No insurance? Our membership plan exists for exactly this: cleanings, exams, and X-rays for a flat annual fee, plus discounts on other treatment.
What if it's been years since your last dental visit?
First, the honest version: if it's been a long time, your first visit may take longer than a routine recall, and if tartar has built up below the gumline we may recommend a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) rather than a standard one. We'll show you exactly why on the imaging, explain the difference, and put the cost in writing before anything begins. What won't happen: guilt, pressure, or a treatment plan designed around our schedule instead of your budget. And if anxiety is the real barrier, Dr. Houshmand is certified in conscious sedation, read how that works.
| Step | What We Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Medical history review | Update medications, health changes, concerns | Dental care interacts with systemic health |
| Scaling (cleaning) | Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline | Prevents cavities and gum disease |
| Polishing | Remove surface stains; smooth tooth surfaces | Reduces plaque adhesion |
| Gum measurement | Probe pocket depth at each tooth | Early detection of gum disease |
| Digital X-rays | Taken at recommended intervals (typically 1–2 years) | Catches decay, bone loss, and problems invisible to the eye |
| Comprehensive exam | Dr. Aletaha or Dr. Houshmand reviews findings with you on screen | You see and understand exactly what we see |
| Oral cancer screening | Visual check of all soft tissues | Early detection dramatically improves outcomes |
| Home care plan | Specific, personalized recommendations | Extends time between professional care needed |
“Dr. Aletaha and Dr. Houshmand are very nice and caring people who care about your teeth as well as your overall health. Been going there for over 5 years. Thanks Dr. Houshmand for the great job cleaning my teeth.”
Cleanings & exams, FAQ
For most adults, a professional cleaning and exam every six months keeps plaque, tartar, and early problems under control. Some patients, those with gum disease history, heavy tartar buildup, or certain health conditions, benefit from three- or four-month intervals. We recommend a schedule based on what we actually see, not a one-size-fits-all rule.
No, and we mean it. Patients return after five, ten, even twenty years, and the visit starts the same way: we look, we explain what we see, and we make a plan. No lectures. A long gap usually means the first visit takes a bit longer, and sometimes a deeper cleaning is recommended, but getting back in the chair is the hard part, we make everything after that easy.
We examine your teeth, gums, bite, and any existing dental work, take X-rays when needed, and screen for issues you can't see or feel yet, decay between teeth, early gum disease, cracked fillings, and signs of oral cancer. You see everything we see, on screen, explained in plain language.
A routine cleaning shouldn't hurt. If your gums are inflamed or it's been a long time, some sensitivity is normal, and we adjust technique, pace, and numbing options to keep you comfortable. If anxiety is the bigger obstacle, ask about our sedation options.
Yes. A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) maintains healthy gums by removing plaque and tartar above the gumline. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease by cleaning below the gumline where bacteria collect. If we recommend one, we'll show you exactly why and explain the cost before anything starts.
More questions? See the full FAQ or send us a message.