Hygienist performing a dental cleaning at Sierra Springs Dental in Airdrie

Dental Checkups and Cleanings in Airdrie

The Foundation of a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

What Are Dental Checkups and Cleanings?

Dental exams and professional cleanings are the cornerstone of preventative oral health care. At Sierra Springs Dental in Airdrie, our comprehensive examinations go beyond simply checking for cavities. We evaluate your entire oral health, including your gums, jaw, bite, and soft tissues, using modern digital X-rays to detect problems invisible to the naked eye.

Professional cleanings performed by our skilled hygienists remove stubborn plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing cannot eliminate. Together, regular exams and cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues before they become serious and costly to treat.

Why Regular Checkups and Cleanings Matter

Investing in regular dental visits protects your smile, your health, and your wallet. Here is what you can expect from every visit.

Thorough Examinations

Our comprehensive exams evaluate every aspect of your oral health, including teeth, gums, jaw alignment, bite, and soft tissues, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Digital X-Rays

Modern digital imaging allows us to detect cavities, bone loss, and hidden issues beneath the surface with up to 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays.

Professional Cleanings

Our dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing alone cannot reach, leaving your teeth feeling fresh and polished.

Early Detection

Regular exams catch issues like cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer in their earliest stages, when treatment is simplest and most effective.

Efficient Appointments

We respect your time. Our well-organized scheduling and modern technology ensure your exam and cleaning are completed thoroughly yet efficiently.

Personalized Care Plans

After your assessment, we create a customized care plan tailored to your specific oral health needs, goals, and budget.

Types of Dental Cleanings

Not every cleaning is the same. Your dentist recommends the right type based on the health of your gums.

Routine Cleaning

A routine cleaning is for patients with healthy gums. It removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains from above and just below the gumline.

Deep Cleaning

A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, treats gum disease by cleaning deeper below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots so gums can heal. Learn more about our gum disease treatment.

Periodontal Maintenance

After gum disease treatment, maintenance cleanings help keep the condition under control. These visits are usually scheduled more often than routine cleanings.

Family smiling after their dental checkups and cleanings

Signs You Are Due for a Checkup

Regular visits are the heart of our general and preventative care. Book a checkup if:

  • It has been more than six months since your last cleaning
  • Your gums bleed when you brush or floss
  • You notice tartar or stains that brushing does not remove
  • You have persistent bad breath
  • A tooth feels sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods
  • A filling or crown feels rough, loose, or different

What Is Included in Your Visit

  • A review of your medical and dental history
  • A thorough exam of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite
  • Digital X-rays when needed
  • An oral cancer screening as part of your routine exam
  • Professional scaling to remove plaque and tartar
  • Polishing to lift surface stains
  • Personalized advice for home care and a clear explanation of any findings

What to Expect at Your Appointment

  1. Check in: new patients can complete our new patient form ahead of time.
  2. Health review: we go over your medical history and any concerns.
  3. Exam and X-rays: your dentist examines your mouth and takes digital X-rays if needed.
  4. Cleaning: your hygienist gently scales and polishes your teeth.
  5. Next steps: we explain what we found and book your next visit or any follow-up care.

Caring for Your Teeth Between Visits

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and limit sugary snacks and drinks. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. For more detail, read our article on why professional cleanings matter.

Related Treatments

Cost of Dental Checkups and Cleanings

The cost depends on the type of cleaning you need, whether X-rays are required, and your insurance coverage. Routine preventative visits are among the most affordable dental services, and staying on schedule can help you avoid larger costs later.

Sierra Springs Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association fee guide and bills most insurance plans directly. We welcome eligible CDCP and NIHB patients, and flexible payment options are available. Contact us for a personalized quote.

What Our Patients Say

“I've been coming to Sierra Springs Dental for years, and I've always had a positive experience. The staff is friendly and professional, and they always make me feel comfortable.”

J

Jennifer L.

Verified Patient

“I recently had a tooth-coloured filling done, and I'm so happy with the results. The filling blends in perfectly with my other teeth. Highly recommend!”

J

Jason R.

Verified Patient

“The team at Sierra Springs Dental is amazing. They truly care about their patients and go above and beyond to ensure a stress-free experience. Best dental clinic in Airdrie!”

S

Sarah M.

Verified Patient

“As someone with dental anxiety, I was nervous about my first visit. The private suites and weighted blankets made all the difference. Dr. Khattra was incredibly patient and gentle.”

M

Michael T.

Verified Patient

“Brought my whole family here and we could not be happier. The kids love coming to the dentist now! Open 7 days a week is a huge plus for our busy schedule.”

P

Priya K.

Verified Patient

“Had a dental emergency on a Sunday and they were open! Got me in right away. Professional, fast, and the pain was gone immediately. Lifesavers.”

D

David H.

Verified Patient

“My Invisalign journey with Sierra Springs has been seamless. The digital scanning was so much better than those old goopy molds. Can already see results after 3 months!”

A

Amanda B.

Verified Patient

“The NIHB billing process was completely handled by their team. No paperwork stress for me at all. Really appreciate the care they provide to our community.”

R

Robert W.

Verified Patient

“Got porcelain veneers done here and my smile has never looked better. The attention to detail and the natural look they achieved is incredible. Worth every penny.”

L

Lisa C.

Verified Patient

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dental checkups and cleanings at Sierra Springs Dental.

How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?

Most patients benefit from a checkup and cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease, frequent cavities, or other health concerns, your dentist may recommend visits more often.

What happens during a dental exam?

Your dentist checks your teeth, gums, jaw, bite, and soft tissues, takes digital X-rays when needed, and performs an oral cancer screening. Your hygienist then cleans and polishes your teeth, and we explain any findings in plain language.

Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes. Digital X-rays use very low levels of radiation, up to 90 percent less than traditional X-rays. Your dentist only recommends them when they are needed to find problems that are not visible during the exam.

Does a dental cleaning hurt?

Most patients feel little or no discomfort. If your gums are sensitive or inflamed, you may feel some tenderness, and we can adjust our approach to keep you comfortable.

How long does a teeth cleaning take?

A routine checkup and cleaning usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. A first visit, or a visit that includes X-rays or a deep cleaning, may take longer.

Ready for Your Next Dental Checkup?

Keep your smile healthy with regular exams and cleanings at Sierra Springs Dental. We are open 7 days a week with flexible payment options to make dental care accessible for every family.