Dental Exams & Cleanings

What Happens During Exams and Cleanings

A dental exam is a thorough look at your teeth, gums, and mouth to spot anything that needs attention, from early decay to changes in your gums. A cleaning removes the plaque and hardened tartar that build up over time, even when you brush and floss well at home. Together, they form the foundation of preventive care, keeping your mouth healthy and helping us catch small concerns before they turn into painful or costly ones.

We pair a gentle touch with modern tools at Harmony Dentistry, using digital x-rays and AI-assisted technology to give your teeth and gums a closer, more accurate look. When you come in for dental exams and cleanings in Westfield & Fortville, we take the time to explain what we see and build a care plan that fits your smile and your goals.

Recommended every six months for most patients

Includes plaque removal, polishing, and oral cancer screening

Low-radiation digital x-rays detect hidden issues early

Transformations That Last

Watch real patients share how their dental journey restored not just their smiles, but their quality of life. These personal stories capture the relief and joy that come with comprehensive, caring treatment.

Dental Implants

1:35

“From Breaking Teeth to a Smile That Made Me Cry”

Cheryl Darlene

Dental Implants

1:59

"I Catch Myself Smiling More Every Single Day"

Donald Sanders

Be our Next Success Story!

Request an appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.

Benefits of Dental Exams & Cleanings

Committing to routine care is one of the simplest ways to invest in a healthier future. The rewards go well beyond a brighter smile, touching parts of your life you might not expect.

Catch problems before they grow

Keep your natural teeth longer

Enjoy fresher breath every day

Support your whole-body health

Feel confident in your smile

Save money over the long run

See What's Possible for Your Smile

These aren’t just teeth; they’re life-changing transformations that restore confidence and comfort. Each before-and-after photo represents a patient who trusted us with their smile journey.

Dental Implants

Be our Next Success Story!

Schedule Appointment with one of our doctors and start your smile journey today.

What to Expect at Your Cleaning Visit

Many of our patients tell us they feel relaxed the moment they settle into the chair, even if dental visits once made them nervous. We’ve designed every step around your comfort, so you always know what’s happening and why.

Warm Welcome and Exam

Your visit starts with a friendly greeting from our team before you settle into a comfortable treatment room. One of our dentists reviews your health history and gently examines your teeth, gums, and bite. We use digital x-rays and AI-assisted technology when needed to spot anything hiding beneath the surface, and we walk you through everything we find so you feel fully informed.

Gentle Cleaning and Polish

Next, your hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and along your gumline. You'll feel some light pressure, but our team works gently to keep you comfortable throughout. We finish with a smooth polish that leaves your teeth feeling clean and fresh, and we're always happy to share simple tips for keeping that feeling going at home.

Your Personalized Plan

Before you go, we sit down with you to talk through what we saw and answer any questions on your mind. If anything needs attention, we'll map out clear next steps that fit your goals, lifestyle, and budget. You'll leave with a fresh smile and a plan you feel good about.

Ready to Enjoy a Healthier Smile?

Flexible Payment Plans for Your Smile

We believe everyone deserves quality dental care, regardless of budget. Our flexible financing options and in-house payment plans help you get the treatment you need with comfortable monthly payments that work for your situation.

Bite-sized payments, big smiles! Cherry Payment Plans offer easy-to-use financing options to make your dental care more accessible. 

CareCredit, a trusted healthcare financing option, offers convenient payment plans to fit your budget. Invest in your oral health with confidence.

Enjoy the flexibility of Sunbit Finance. Their transparent payment plans let you break dental costs into manageable monthly installments.

Don't Wait to Smile. Check out Our Payment Options.

Dental Exams & Cleanings FAQs

We know even routine visits can bring up questions, and we’re always happy to answer them. Here are some of the things patients ask us most about exams and cleanings, so you can walk in feeling informed and completely at ease.

How often should I come in for a checkup?

Most patients do best with a visit every six months. Regular checkups let us remove stubborn plaque and tartar while catching small issues like cavities or early gum disease before they grow. If your needs are different, we’ll recommend a schedule that fits your smile.

Will my cleaning hurt?

For most patients, a cleaning is completely comfortable and involves nothing more than light pressure. If your teeth or gums feel sensitive, let us know and we’ll adjust our approach. Our team works gently and checks in with you throughout to keep you at ease.

What happens during a dental exam?

We take a close look at your teeth, gums, bite, and any existing dental work. We also screen for oral cancer and may take digital x-rays to see what’s happening below the surface. Then we talk through everything we find and answer your questions.

What if it has been years since my last visit?

Whether it’s been six months or several years, we’re simply glad you’re here. Our team meets you where you are and creates a comfortable, supportive plan to get your smile back on track, with kindness rather than criticism.

Are dental x-rays safe?

Yes. We use low-radiation digital x-rays that expose you to very little radiation while giving us detailed images. They help us spot problems you can’t see or feel yet, like decay between teeth or issues below the gumline, so we can address them early.

Why do I need regular cleanings if I brush and floss?

Even with great home care, plaque hardens into tartar that only professional tools can remove. Regular cleanings reach the spots your brush and floss miss, protecting you from cavities and gum disease while keeping your smile looking and feeling its best.

Do you see children for exams and cleanings?

Yes, we welcome patients of all ages. From your child’s first visit to adult checkups, our team makes preventive care easy and even a little fun for the whole family. We’d be glad to care for everyone in your household.

What if you find a problem during my exam?

There’s no need to worry. We’ll explain exactly what we found and walk you through your options clearly and honestly. Together we’ll create a plan that fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget, so you always feel in control of your care.

How long does a typical visit take?

Most routine exam and cleaning visits take about an hour, though it can vary depending on your needs. We never rush your care, and we’ll always let you know if anything requires additional time so you can plan your day accordingly.

Do I need insurance to come in?

Not at all. We accept many insurance plans, and for patients without coverage, we offer an in-house membership plan that makes preventive care simple and affordable. Our team is happy to walk you through the options that work best for you.