The frequency of dental check-ups can vary depending on factors such as oral health, risk factors, and ongoing treatments. 

For most people with good oral health, we typically recommend biannual check-ups. Patients with risk factors such as a history of gum disease, smoking, or chronic health conditions may need more frequent visits to monitor their oral health closely.



Children and adolescents also need regular check-ups to track dental development, address potential concerns, and receive preventive care.

At Hampden Ave Dental, we ensure your visit is comfortable and thorough. Our team carefully assesses your oral health, performs a professional cleaning, and provides personalized advice to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. 

Whether it's your first visit or a routine check-up, our team ensures you receive the best care possible.

Oral Health Assessment

Your visit begins with a thorough oral health evaluation. We review your dental history, discuss any concerns, and inspect your mouth, gums, tongue, throat, and other oral tissues for signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral issues.

If any concerns are identified, we discuss the next steps and recommend the best treatment options.

Digital X-Rays (If Needed)

Digital X-rays provide a closer look at your teeth, jawbone, and underlying structures. This allows us to spot hidden issues, such as tooth decay, bone loss, infections, or impacted teeth, which could be missed during a physical exam.

Professional Dental Cleaning

Our gentle but effective dental cleaning process removes built-up plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing can’t reach. We use specialized tools to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, ensuring a healthier, brighter smile. The cleaning process includes:

• Plaque & Tartar Removal: It helps eliminate harmful buildup that can lead to cavities and gum disease.

• Polishing: It removes surface stains for a cleaner, brighter appearance.

• Flossing & Rinsing: It helps clean between your teeth and flush away any lingering debris.

• Fluoride Treatment (Optional): It helps strengthen enamel and provide extra protection against decay.

At Hampden Ave Dental, we offer different types of dental cleanings depending on your oral health needs. 

• Prophylaxis (Routine Cleaning): This is a standard preventive cleaning designed for people with overall healthy teeth and gums. It’s the most common type of cleaning and focuses on removing minor plaque and tartar buildup.

• Gross Debridement Cleaning: If it’s been over a year since your last dental visit or you have excessive plaque and tartar buildup, a gross debridement may be necessary. This deeper cleaning helps assess your oral health before proceeding with a regular cleaning.

• Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): For patients with gum disease, this specialized cleaning removes bacteria and hardened tartar from deep beneath the gum line. Scaling smooths the tooth surfaces, while root planing helps gums reattach to the teeth, reducing inflammation and preventing further infection.

Bite Assessment

We can also perform a bite assessment (also called an occlusal exam) to spot bite problems in alignment between your upper and lower teeth. This may include the following issues:

• Underbite: This occurs when the lower teeth stick out past the upper teeth when the mouth is closed. It can cause difficulty in chewing, speech problems, and uneven tooth wear.

• Overbite: An overbite happens when the upper front teeth overlap too much over the lower front teeth. In severe cases, this can lead to jaw pain, gum irritation, and an increased risk of tooth damage.

• Crossbite: A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth instead of outside. Over time, this can cause uneven wear on the teeth, gum recession, and even jaw misalignment.

If left untreated, these bite problems can lead to discomfort, tooth damage, and jaw issues. Our bite assessment helps detect these concerns early so they can be addressed with the right treatment, including clear aligners for discreet and effective correction.

Discussion on Follow-Up Care

At Hampden Ave Dental, we believe in a patient-centered approach, ensuring you fully understand your oral health and treatment options. If any dental issues are detected during your routine exam, we take the time to discuss them with you in detail, address your concerns, and outline the best course of action.

Personalized Oral Care Advice

At Hampden Ave Dental, we believe that great oral health starts with the right daily habits. That’s why we provide personalized oral care advice tailored to your unique dental needs. 

• Brushing & Flossing Techniques: Correct brushing and flossing techniques are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing issues like cavities and gum disease. Proper brushing removes plaque effectively without damaging enamel or irritating the gums, while flossing reaches areas between teeth that a toothbrush can’t. We provide personalized recommendations on the best tools for brushing and flossing.

• Dietary Recommendations: Your diet impacts your oral microbiome, the complex ecosystem of beneficial and harmful bacteria in your mouth. We offer guidance on nutrient-rich foods that support a balanced microbiome, strengthen enamel, and promote gum health.

• Preventing Common Dental Issues: If you’re prone to cavities, gum disease, or tooth sensitivity due to genetics, diet, oral hygiene habits, or medical conditions, we offer strategies to reduce your risk and protect your teeth. This could include fluoride treatments, wearing a night guard for teeth grinding, or scheduling more frequent cleanings.