Updated: September 10, 2026
Scheduling regular dental exams and teeth cleanings is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your long-term oral hygiene and overall health. To support a healthy smile, we recommend scheduling at least two dental exams per year.
These routine visits allow our team to professionally clean your teeth and enable our dental experts to identify and address minor issues before they develop into complex, costly problems.
What to Expect from a Routine Dental Exam
A preventive dental exam is a routine, non-invasive treatment vital to maintaining your oral health. As we transition into this exciting new chapter as Pryor Dental, our commitment to providing thorough, gentle care remains our top priority. During your routine appointments, you can expect a comprehensive assessment, including:
- A head and neck examination to ensure your jaw, muscles, and lymph nodes are healthy and functioning correctly.
- Advanced diagnostic X-rays to give your dentist a comprehensive, detailed view of your teeth, roots, and jawbone structure.
- An intraoral examination to check for cavities, loose or damaged restorations, cracked teeth, and early signs of periodontal (gum) disease or oral cancer.
- A professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis) using specialized instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar from the gumline and teeth, followed by a professional polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and help prevent future buildup.
After your cleaning, your dentist will discuss any diagnostic findings, suggest personalized treatment options, and provide tailored tips to improve your at-home oral hygiene routine.
Why Early Detection Matters
Have you ever noticed a cavity only after the pain set in? By the time a cavity causes sensitivity or discomfort, it has usually been growing for a while. Filling a larger cavity means losing more of your natural tooth structure.
When you visit your Winston-Salem dentist for routine exams, we take the necessary x-rays and can detect cavities early, often before they cause any symptoms. Treating small problems early is simpler, faster, and less expensive than waiting until they get worse.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer can affect anyone, not just smokers or heavy drinkers. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 25% of people diagnosed with oral cancer have no known risk factors. That is why routine screening is an important part of every dental exam. Your dentist checks for early signs during your regular visit, when the condition is easier to treat.
Professional Cleaning Does What Brushing Cannot
Even if you brush and floss every day, some tartar buildup is unavoidable. Tartar is hardened plaque that sticks to your teeth and cannot be removed with a toothbrush alone. Only professional dental instruments can remove it completely. If you don't remove tartar, your risk of gum disease and tooth loss increases over time.
Preventive Care Can Save You Money
A 2024 study by the Delta Dental Institute found that preventive dental care plays a critical role in reducing serious oral disease and lowering dental costs. At Pryor Dental, this matches our experience. Patients who visit regularly often save money in the long run because we can catch and treat developing issues before they require complex procedures.
How Often Should You See the Dentist?
Most people should see their dentist every six months for an exam and cleaning. However, the American Dental Association recommends working with your dentist to create a schedule that fits your individual needs. Some patients with specific health concerns or dental conditions may benefit from more frequent visits. Dr. Pryor works with each patient to determine the right schedule for their situation.
The Importance of Regular Dental Exams and Teeth Cleanings
Routine dental visits are a cornerstone of systemic wellness. Emerging research consistently links your oral health to your overall physical health, making these biannual visits a vital protective measure for your entire body.
Regular exams and cleanings do more than just keep your smile bright. They also give us an opportunity to identify and treat minor issues, such as early enamel erosion or localized inflammation, quickly and painlessly. These evaluations also let us confirm the structural health of your jaw, screen for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and perform potentially life-saving oral cancer screenings.
Teeth Cleanings and Dental Exams in Winston-Salem, NC
If you are in the Winston-Salem area and are ready to schedule your next preventative visit, please contact Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr. and our dedicated team today to reserve your appointment. We look forward to welcoming you into our practice family!