Dental cleanings & exams in Boise, ID
Thorough six-month cleanings with comprehensive exams, digital X-rays, and oral cancer screening. Preventive care that catches problems early, before they become expensive. Kids welcome from age one.
What’s included in every cleaning visit
Professional cleaning & polishing
Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing cannot reach, especially along the gum line and between teeth. We finish with a thorough polish to remove surface stains and leave your teeth feeling smooth and clean.
Comprehensive dental exam
Dr. Mack or Dr. Pelletier examines every tooth, checks your gums for signs of periodontal disease, evaluates your bite, and inspects existing restorations like fillings and crowns. We catch small problems while they are still small, and still affordable to fix.
Digital X-rays
Low-radiation digital X-rays reveal cavities between teeth, bone loss, infections at the root, and impacted teeth that are invisible to the naked eye. We take a full set annually and bitewings at six-month checkups so nothing gets missed.
Oral cancer screening
Every exam includes a visual and tactile screening of your tongue, cheeks, palate, throat, and neck for unusual lumps, sores, or discoloration. Early detection of oral cancer improves survival rates dramatically, and the screening takes less than two minutes.
What happens during your visit
Digital X-rays and review
We start by taking any X-rays that are due based on your schedule. Our digital sensors use up to 80 percent less radiation than traditional film X-rays and produce instant images. Your dentist reviews them on a chairside monitor so you can see exactly what we see.
Professional cleaning
Your hygienist uses ultrasonic and hand instruments to remove hardened tartar (calculus) above and below the gum line. We then polish your teeth with a gritty prophylaxis paste to eliminate surface stains from coffee, tea, and other foods. Finally, we floss every contact point to remove any remaining debris.
Comprehensive exam
Your dentist performs a thorough examination of every tooth, your gums, jaw joints, bite alignment, and any existing dental work. We check for early signs of cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, and oral cancer. If we find anything, we explain it clearly and discuss your options, no pressure, no jargon.
Personalized treatment plan
Before you leave, we review our findings and create a plan tailored to your needs. If everything looks great, we simply schedule your next six-month visit. If treatment is needed, we prioritize by urgency, explain costs and insurance coverage, and let you decide the timeline that works for you.
How often should you visit the dentist?
The standard recommendation is every six months, and for most people that schedule works well. Twice-yearly cleanings remove tartar buildup before it leads to gum disease, and regular exams catch cavities when they are small enough to fix with a simple filling rather than a crown or root canal.
Some patients benefit from more frequent visits. If you have a history of gum disease, we may recommend cleanings every three to four months to keep bacteria under control and prevent bone loss. Patients with diabetes, smokers, and those with a high cavity rate also tend to do better with shorter intervals between visits.
Skipping cleanings does not just risk cavities. Tartar that stays on your teeth harbors bacteria that trigger chronic inflammation in your gums. Research links this inflammation to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and complications with diabetes. A cleaning twice a year is one of the simplest things you can do for both your oral health and your overall well-being.
For children, we follow the same six-month schedule starting around age one. We add fluoride treatments and dental sealants as your child’s permanent teeth come in, providing layers of protection during the most cavity-prone years.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a cleaning and exam take?
Plan for about 60 minutes for a routine cleaning and exam. If you are a new patient or it has been more than a year since your last visit, we may need additional time for a full set of X-rays and a more thorough evaluation, typically 75 to 90 minutes. We always run on schedule and respect your time.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during a routine cleaning. You may feel some pressure or sensitivity in areas with heavy tartar buildup or inflamed gums. If you have sensitive teeth or dental anxiety, let us know, we can use a topical numbing gel or adjust our technique to keep you comfortable throughout.
Are dental cleanings covered by insurance?
Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive cleanings and exams per year at 100 percent with no out-of-pocket cost to you. X-rays are typically covered as well. We verify your benefits before your visit so there are no surprises. For patients without insurance, we offer our in-house membership plan which includes two cleanings, exams, and X-rays per year at a discounted annual rate.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line and is appropriate for healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes below the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar from the root surfaces of your teeth. Deep cleanings are recommended when we detect gum disease, typically indicated by pockets deeper than 3 millimeters between your teeth and gums. Your dentist will explain which type you need and why.
At what age should my child start getting dental cleanings?
We recommend bringing your child in for their first dental visit by age one. At that age, we do a gentle exam and introduce your child to the dental office. As more teeth come in, we begin regular cleanings, typically around age two or three. Early visits establish a positive relationship with the dentist and help us catch developmental issues before they become complicated.
Patient Resources for Cleanings & Exams
Preventive dentistry is built on decades of public-health research. The organizations below publish patient-facing guidance on professional prophylaxis, fluoride therapy, sealants, and home oral hygiene that aligns with how Lamb Family Dental delivers preventive care in Boise.
- American Dental Association, Dental Prophylaxis, ADA’s evidence-based guide on professional cleanings, frequency, and instrumentation
- CDC Oral Health Basics, federal public-health guidance on plaque, tartar, and the role of preventive visits in reducing tooth decay
- NIH NIDCR, Tooth Decay Research, federal research on enamel demineralization, fluoride mechanism, and preventive efficacy
- American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), periodontal screening and recording protocols followed during every comprehensive exam
- Idaho State Dental Association, the professional body Dr. Mack and Dr. Pelletier are members of
Protect your smile with a cleaning & exam
Insurance and Payment for Dental Cleanings & Exams
Dental cleanings and exams are classified as preventive care by every major insurance plan. When you visit an in-network provider like Lamb Family Dental, your routine cleaning and exam are typically covered at 100 percent, meaning zero out-of-pocket cost for you.
We accept Delta Dental, Blue Cross of Idaho, Cigna, Aetna, and 10+ other carriers. No insurance? Our in-house savings plan saves you 20–40% on every procedure. Learn about all financing and payment options.