Dental Cleaning & Exam
Professional teeth cleaning and a thorough oral health exam — the foundation of a healthy smile for life.
What Is a Dental Cleaning and Exam?
A professional dental cleaning — formally called a prophylaxis — removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) that builds up on your teeth over time, even with excellent brushing and flossing. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed with specialized dental instruments. Left untreated, it becomes the primary driver of gum disease and tooth decay.
Paired with a comprehensive exam by Dr. Kenneth Tran, your cleaning visit is far more than a polish. It is your best opportunity to catch small problems early — before they become expensive, time-consuming, or painful. Dr. Tran checks for cavities, gum disease, bite problems, oral cancer, and early signs of wear or grinding at every visit.
Most PPO dental insurance plans cover two cleanings per year at 100% — which means routine preventive care costs you nothing out of pocket. We accept Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, and most other major plans.
Insurance Covered
2 cleanings per year
Everything Included at Your Visit
A cleaning visit at Peninsula Dentistry covers far more than a quick polish. Here's what you can expect.
Tartar & Plaque Removal
Our hygienist uses ultrasonic and hand instruments to thoroughly remove calculus buildup from all tooth surfaces, including below the gumline.
Polish & Floss
We polish tooth surfaces to remove surface stains and leave your teeth smooth and clean, followed by professional flossing between every contact point.
Gum Health Check
We measure periodontal pocket depths around each tooth to catch early gum disease before it progresses to a stage requiring more intensive treatment.
Cavity Detection
Dr. Tran inspects every tooth surface for signs of decay, cracking, or early demineralization — catching problems when they are still small and easy to treat.
Oral Cancer Screening
Every exam includes a visual and tactile screening of your lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat for early signs of oral cancer — when treatment is most effective.
Digital X-Rays
When needed, we take low-radiation digital X-rays to detect decay between teeth, evaluate bone levels, and check for issues invisible to the naked eye.
What to Expect at Your Visit
A cleaning and exam at Peninsula Dentistry is relaxed, thorough, and typically completed in under an hour.
Check-In & Health Update
We review your medical history and any changes to your health or medications since your last visit. This ensures we provide the safest and most appropriate care.
X-Rays (if needed)
Digital X-rays are taken based on your individual needs and history. New patients typically receive a full set; established patients receive bitewing X-rays annually.
Professional Cleaning
Our hygienist removes tartar and plaque using ultrasonic and hand scalers, then polishes your teeth and flosses between every contact point. Most cleanings take 30–45 minutes.
Comprehensive Exam by Dr. Tran
Dr. Tran examines every tooth, evaluates your gum health, checks your bite, and screens for oral cancer. He reviews your X-rays and discusses any findings directly with you.
Personalized Care Plan
If Dr. Tran identifies any concerns — a small cavity, early gum disease, a cracked tooth — he explains your options clearly and gives you time to ask questions. No pressure, ever.
Prevention Is Always
Cheaper Than Treatment
The most common reason patients end up needing expensive dental work — crowns, root canals, implants — is skipping their routine cleanings. Tartar buildup drives gum disease, gum disease destroys bone, and bone loss leads to tooth loss. It's a predictable chain of events that routine cleanings consistently interrupt.
Studies show that patients who receive regular preventive dental care spend significantly less on dental treatment over their lifetime. A cleaning visit costs a fraction of what a single crown or implant costs — and your insurance typically covers it entirely.
Beyond your teeth, oral health is directly linked to systemic health. Gum disease has been associated with increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and stroke. Regular care at Peninsula Dentistry & Orthodontics protects more than your smile.
47%
of U.S. adults have some form of gum disease
2×/yr
covered by most PPO plans at no out-of-pocket cost
Due for a cleaning?
Most insurance plans reset on January 1st — don't let your benefits go unused.
New Patient? Here's What to Bring
Your first visit is a little more thorough — we build a complete picture of your oral health so Dr. Tran can provide the best care from day one.
Insurance Card
We verify your benefits before the visit so there are no surprises
Photo ID
Required for all new patients at registration
Medication List
Include any prescription meds, OTC drugs, and supplements you take
Previous X-Rays
If available — reduces radiation exposure and saves time
New patient forms are also available online — download them here to save time at your first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about dental cleanings and exams. Call us at (714) 374-8800 if you don't see your question.
(714) 374-8800 How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
What is included in a dental exam?
Do I need X-rays at every visit?
Is a dental cleaning covered by insurance?
What is the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning?
Related Services
Popular services to complement your preventive care.
We Make Dental Care Accessible
Multiple insurance and payment options so nothing stands between you and a healthy smile.
PPO Insurance Accepted
We work with most major PPO dental insurance plans and our team handles all the paperwork so you can focus on your smile.
Flexible Payment
Cash, credit cards, debit cards. Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Financing Available
Monthly payment plans through CareCredit & Cherry. Get care now, pay over time.
