Dental Exam & Professional Cleaning in Orland Park

Why Regular Dental Exams & Cleanings Are Essential

Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are foundational to long-term oral health. Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. A dental exam allows your dentist to detect early problems like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer; cleaning helps remove buildup that can lead to decay or infection.

At Absolute Dental, our goal is preventive care: catch issues early and keep your mouth healthy, comfortable, and confident.

Dental Exam & Professional Cleaning in Orland Park

What to Expect During Your Visit

1. Comprehensive Dental Exam

  • Full visual and tactile inspection of teeth, gums, jaws, bite, and soft tissues
  • X-rays (if needed) or intraoral photos to evaluate bone health and detect decay
  • Oral cancer screening and evaluation of existing dental work

2. Prophylaxis / Hygiene Cleaning

  • Gentle but thorough removal of plaque, soft biofilm, and superficial staining
  • Polishing with prophy paste to brighten teeth
  • Fluoride treatment (if indicated) to reinforce enamel

3. Gum Health & Scaling / Root Planing (SRP)

  • For mild gingivitis, hygiene alone may suffice
  • If deeper pockets or early periodontal disease are present, we may recommend SRP (also called deep cleaning):
    • Scaling: removal of plaque/tartar above and below the gumline
    • Root planing: smoothing of root surfaces to discourage bacterial reattachment
    • Possible use of local antimicrobials, antibiotic gels or lasers
  • After SRP, we’ll monitor healing and recommend maintenance intervals

4. Personalized Recommendations

  • Tailored home care tips (brushing technique, flossing tools, mouth rinses)
  • Advice on diet, habits (e.g. smoking, grinding)
  • Scheduling of recall visits (typically every 6 months or more often for patients with gum disease)
Dental Exam & Professional Cleaning in Orland Park

Why Hygiene & SRPs Are Critical

  • Prevent progression of gum disease: Untreated gum inflammation can lead to bone loss and tooth mobility
  • Reduce systemic risk: Poor oral health is linked with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes
  • Maintain implants, crowns, bridges: Regular cleanings prevent buildup that can damage prosthetics
  • Long-term savings: Preventing decay or periodontal surgery often costs far less than treating advanced disease

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For most patients, the American Dental Association recommends every six months. But if you have a history of gum disease or other risk factors, your dentist may call you in every 3–4 months.

Many plans cover two cleanings per year as preventive care. We’ll help you verify your benefits and let you know if SRP or other services require a copay or preauthorization.

We use topical anesthetic and, when needed, local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Most patients feel pressure or slight sensitivity, but not pain.

It depends on how many quadrants (sections of your mouth) require cleaning—usually 45–90 minutes per quadrant, or sometimes split into multiple visits.

Yes—after SRP, we reevaluate gum health in 4–6 weeks. If pockets persist, additional treatment (e.g. localized antibiotics or surgery) might be needed.

Yes, but we recommend avoiding very hot, acidic, or crunchy foods for a few hours, and brushing gently near treated areas.

No worries—we accept many patients who are overdue. We'll do a thorough evaluation, custom treatment plan, and bring your mouth back to healthy.

  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush
  • Floss or use interdental tools daily
  • Use mouth rinse or water flossers if recommended
  • Avoid tobacco, limit sugar, and stay hydrated


Why Choose Absolute Dental in Orland Park?

  • Experienced team prioritizing gentle, preventive care
  • Modern technology: digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, soft-tissue lasers
  • Comfortable, relaxed environment—minimal wait times, patient education
  • Flexible payment options and in-house membership plan for uninsured patients

Schedule Your Next Dental Exam & Cleaning

Don’t wait until pain or trouble starts. Keep your smile healthy, fresh, and disease-free with proactive care.

Call us at 708-326-1175 or book your appointment online now.