There are many patients that need to be seen by a dentist more frequently than twice a year. The more restorative care that you have, the more difficult it is to diagnose recurrent problems in their early stages. Someone with extensive crown and bridges may need to be seen at least twice a year and possibly three times per year. If you have a history of periodontal disease, it is recommended that you be seen at least three or four times per year. Patients with a history of diabetes or heart disease should be seen more frequently than twice a year.

Recent research has indicated that patients with advanced lung problems such as emphysema, COPD, lung tumors, chronic bronchitis or recurrent pneumonia) should be under greater control and therefore be examined by a dentist more often than twice a year.

There is nothing wrong about wanting to have white teeth. We believe, however, that before you undertake the expense and time involved in achieving and maintaining that white smile, you need to get the treatment necessary to make your teeth healthy. In other words, if you liken it to an automobile, you wouldn't paint your car white before repairing the dings and dents in your mouth, would you? Dental cleaning is not to be confused with a compound and polish that a car undergoes, but it makes the most sense that the focus needs to be on the smooth and healthy foundation before proceeding with the improving the appearance. We want to emphasize the total oral heath care approach that must to precede any cosmetic care.

We believe that a dental "cleaning" or routine dental maintenance visit should include a complete dental "physical". Most ordinary routine dental examinations referred to as "cleanings," do not include a complete exam by a well-trained, skilled hygienist and a thorough review of individual findings by the dentist. They usually do not include a complete physical or health evaluation that takes into consideration of the relationship of your overall medical and dental histories.

Your annual or semi-annual dental "cleaning" exam should include, in addition to the soft tissue in your mouth, a thorough examination of your head and neck and hard tissue of the jawbone and a check up of all the previous dental work needs to be included. Once these have been completed, the dental "cleaning" can be performed if it is appropriate. Any newly discovered dental conditions can be immediately followed up with a treatment plan for any corrective procedures as well as a scheduled recall visit to follow up the progress. The examination also includes the dentist's recommendations about your home care procedures and equipment.