Dental Exam & Cleaning in Maspeth, NY
Routine dental exams and professional cleanings are the foundation of lifelong oral health—but not all dental visits are created equal. At Fitzsimons & Hagan Dentistry, a dental exam and cleaning is a comprehensive, personalized health appointment, designed to evaluate far more than just your teeth. From the moment you walk in, our goal is to make dentistry feel simple, easy, and stress-free, while delivering a level of thoroughness and care that patients often tell us they’ve never experienced before. In fact, many patients say, “I’ve never had a cleaning like this.”
Why Dental Exams & Cleanings Matter
Regular dental exams and cleanings play a critical role in maintaining not only a healthy smile, but overall wellness. These visits allow us to:
- Detect dental problems early
- Prevent tooth decay and gum disease
- Monitor changes in your oral health over time
- Protect existing dental work
- Identify issues before they become painful or costly
Preventive care is always the most conservative, comfortable, and cost-effective approach to dentistry.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
We believe patients deserve clarity, education, and individualized attention—especially at their first appointment. Your initial dental exam and cleaning is designed to give us a complete picture of your oral health, not just a quick look.
Low-Radiation Digital X-Rays
At your first visit, we take a full set of low-radiation digital X-rays. These allow us to evaluate areas we cannot see with the naked eye, including:
- Cavities between teeth
- Bone levels around teeth
- Infections or abscesses
- Existing dental work beneath the surface
Digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than traditional systems and are an essential part of accurate diagnosis.
Intraoral Photos & Smile Photography
We take a comprehensive photo series of your teeth, gums, and smile. These images allow you to:
- See what we see
- Better understand your oral health
- Track changes over time
Photography is an incredibly powerful educational tool and helps us communicate clearly and transparently.
3D Wellness Scan
As part of our comprehensive exam, we include a 3D wellness scan to evaluate your teeth, bite, and jaw in greater detail. This advanced technology helps us assess:
- Tooth alignment and wear
- Bite balance
- Jaw structure
- Early signs of functional issues
By identifying potential concerns early, we can often prevent future problems before they develop.
A Truly Thorough Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings—also called prophylaxis—are essential for removing plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated with brushing and flossing alone. At Fitzsimons & Hagan Dentistry, your cleaning is performed by Kristen, our highly experienced hygienist who has been with our practice for over a decade.
Gentle Yet Exceptionally Thorough Care
Kristen is known for being:
- Extremely gentle
- Meticulous and detail-oriented
- Highly knowledgeable
- Passionate about patient comfort
Patients consistently tell us that they have never experienced a cleaning this thorough and comfortable.
What Your Cleaning Includes
- Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Polishing to remove surface stains
- Evaluation of gum health
- Personalized oral hygiene education
If signs of gum disease are present, we may recommend additional periodontal care such as deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).
A Comprehensive Oral Health Evaluation
After your cleaning, one of our doctors—Dr. Fitzsimons or Dr. Hagan—will perform a full oral health evaluation, assessing:
- Teeth (Hard Tissue): Existing restorations, signs of decay, cracks or fractures, wear from grinding or clenching
- Gums & Supporting Structures (Soft Tissue): Gum inflammation or recession, bone levels, signs of periodontal disease
- Bite & Function: How your teeth come together, areas of excessive wear, jaw comfort and function
Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is a routine but critical part of every comprehensive dental exam. We examine the tongue, lips, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, and throat. Early detection saves lives, and screenings are quick, painless, and invaluable.
Individualized Treatment Planning
No two mouths are the same—and neither are our treatment plans. After reviewing your exam findings, we create a customized plan based on:
- Your oral health needs
- Your goals and concerns
- Your timeline and priorities
- Long-term stability
We believe in education, transparency, and collaboration. You’ll always understand why a recommendation is made.
How Often Should You Have a Dental Exam & Cleaning?
For most patients, dental exams and cleanings are recommended every six months. However, many patients benefit from more frequent visits.
More Frequent Visits (Every 3–4 Months)
Patients who may benefit from more frequent cleanings include those with:
- Gum disease or a history of periodontal issues
- Heavy plaque or tartar buildup
- Medical conditions affecting oral health
- Increased risk of decay
More frequent preventive care helps keep problems under control and protects long-term oral health.
Dentistry Designed to Feel Comfortable
We understand that dental anxiety is common—even for routine visits. That’s why we’ve created a welcoming, calming environment designed to put patients at ease.
Comfort amenities include:
- Warm scented towels
- Massage chairs
- Aromatherapy
- TVs and music for distraction
- Coffee and beverage station
Even preventive visits should feel relaxed and positive.
Dental Care for the Whole Family
We proudly care for patients of all ages—from toddlers to seniors. Establishing routine dental visits early helps children build healthy habits and positive associations with dental care. For adults, consistent preventive care supports long-term health and minimizes the need for more invasive treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Exams & Cleanings
- Are dental cleanings painful? No. Our cleanings are designed to be gentle and comfortable. Kristen, our hygienist, is known for her light touch and attention to patient comfort.
- How long does a dental exam and cleaning take? Most appointments last about 60–90 minutes, depending on your needs and whether it’s your first visit.
- Why do I need X-rays if my teeth feel fine? X-rays allow us to see issues that aren’t visible during a visual exam, such as cavities between teeth, bone loss, or infections.
- What is a 3D wellness scan? A 3D wellness scan provides advanced imaging of your teeth, bite, and jaw to help us identify early signs of wear or imbalance.
- How often should I come in for cleanings? Most patients benefit from visits every six months, while others may need cleanings every 3–4 months based on their oral health.
- Do dental exams include oral cancer screenings? Yes. Oral cancer screenings are a standard part of our comprehensive exams.
- Can children have the same exam and cleaning? Yes. We tailor exams and cleanings to each age and stage, making visits comfortable and age-appropriate for children.
Schedule Your Dental Exam & Cleaning
Whether you’re due for a routine visit or looking for a new dental home, we’d love to welcome you.
📞 Call Fitzsimons & Hagan Dentistry at 718-429-6931 to schedule your dental exam and cleaning in Maspeth, NY.
Preventive care. Personalized attention. Dentistry done right.
