The appointment will begin with a professional cleaning. This is performed by a licensed registered dental hygienist who uses special instruments to clear away heavy tartar buildup and surface stains. Your teeth are then polished and carefully flossed before the gums are checked for signs of inflammation or infection. Once the cleaning has been completed, we come in to perform the exam. The exam allows us to check for signs of tooth decay, loose or broken restorations and even oral cancer. To make your future appointments easier, we’ll pre-schedule them before you leave the office.