Skip to main content
Pryor Dental will be closed until July 30th

We are doing IT updates and have to shut down the office. We will resume regular office hours on Friday July 31st. 

For any emergencies please call 911. 
Teeth Cleanings & Exams
Stay a Step Ahead of Your Dental Problem

Our preventive treatments will help you avoid the inconvenience and discomfort of dental problems.

Dental Cleanings & Exams in Winston-Salem
Have You Had a Cleaning in the Last Six Months?
Schedule Now!

Dental Cleanings & Exams in Winston Salem

toothbrush and floss

Life gets busy, and we completely understand how easy it is for routine dental visits to slide down your to-do list. At Pryor Dental, there is absolutely no judgment. Whether it has been six months or six years since your last cleaning, our team is here to help you get back on track. Proactive care is simply the easiest, most comfortable way to keep your smile healthy and bright for life.

Preventing Dental Problems 

While we cannot predict every dental issue, staying current with your checkups gives your smile the ultimate advantage. Our goal is to catch the smallest changes early, protecting your natural teeth and saving you from more complex, costly treatments later.

During your routine visits, we screen for early signs of gum disease, decay, and other common conditions before they ever have a chance to cause discomfort.

Your Role in a Healthy Smile

Your long-term dental health is a collaboration between you and our dental team. We are in this together! Below, we explore your role in prevention.

Brush Regularly

Of course, brushing after every meal is ideal, but if that's not feasible, shoot for twice daily. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and clean all tooth surfaces.

Floss Regularly

As with brushing, it's always best to floss after every meal. However, if you get busy, try to do it at least once or twice daily. Always use fresh sections of dental floss as you move across your smile.

Schedule Visits

Remember to schedule twice-yearly dental checkups and teeth cleanings with us. Checkups and cleanings catch issues early and help negate the need for costly and ongoing treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you visit your Winston-Salem dentist for a routine dental cleaning, you probably assume they are only looking for signs of cavities and gum disease. However, a comprehensive dental exam and cleaning twice a year can actually detect a wide variety of other oral and systemic health issues.

What Dental Issues Can a Dental Cleaning and Exam Detect?

Beyond identifying tooth decay and early signs of periodontal disease, a routine visit to your dentist is essential because it allows for the early detection of several critical health concerns:

  • Bruxism and TMJ Disorders – Your dentist will examine your teeth for atypical wear facets and evaluate your jaw for problems associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
  • Oral Cancer – A vital part of your checkup includes an oral cancer screening, where your dentist visually examines your mouth and tissues to check for red or white patches, sores, or abnormalities.
  • Occlusal Issues (Misaligned Bite) – Your dentist will evaluate your bite alignment to ensure it isn't causing premature tooth wear, speech difficulties, or issues with your ability to chew.
  • Head and Neck Abnormalities – Your dentist will perform an extraoral exam, palpating your face, jaw, and neck to check for swollen lymph nodes, thyroid asymmetry, or unusual lumps. If anything abnormal is detected, they will provide a referral to an appropriate medical specialist.

Do You and Your Family Need Dental Cleanings in Winston-Salem?

If you are due for a routine dental cleaning or a comprehensive dental exam in Winston-Salem, the team at Pryor Dental is here to welcome you. We look forward to continuing a proud local legacy of trusted, high-quality family dental care under the leadership of Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr.

Call our dental office today at (336) 765-7477 to schedule an appointment for you or a loved one.

Many people avoid trips to the dentist; some suffer from dental anxiety because of bad experiences in the past. Others may be afraid that their dental visit will be painful. Whatever the reason, visiting your Winston-Salem dentist twice a year for a dental exam and cleaning is essential to your oral health. So, will your dental cleaning be painful? Keep reading to find out more.

Do Teeth Cleanings Hurt?

You know it’s important to get your teeth professionally cleaned to maintain your oral health, but if you’re curious whether it will be painful, the short answer is no. It should not hurt to get your teeth cleaned.

However, if you avoid regularly scheduled teeth cleanings, you may suffer from increased sensitivity because of gum inflammation or tooth decay.

If it has been some time since your last dental cleaning, you can offset any potential discomfort by taking over-the-counter medications before your dental visit.

Are You Looking for a Dentist in Winston-Salem, NC?

If you need dental cleanings in Winston-Salem, look no further than Pryor Dental. Our caring and compassionate dental team can help you with everything from dental exams and cleanings to cosmetic and emergency dentistry. Please get in touch with our dental office at (336) 765-7477 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

As a new patient, we value the time to get to know you and understand your unique dental needs. Your initial exam, which includes x-rays, photos, and health history information, may take 30 to 40 minutes, reflecting our commitment to providing comprehensive care. 

As an established patient with Dr. Pryor, your routine exams are designed to be efficient, taking only about 10 minutes unless you have specific concerns. Our biannual teeth cleanings and exams in Winston-Salem are scheduled to respect your time while ensuring your dental health is well-maintained. 

In the event of a dental emergency, we will act swiftly to diagnose and treat your problem. This may involve a 10 to 20-minute process of taking x-rays, gathering information, and making a diagnosis. Our priority is to provide you with the care you need promptly. 

What Does Dr. Pryor Look for During an Exam?

During a routine biannual exam, Dr. Pryor will check the health of your teeth and mouth to spot any concerns early on. He will check the health of your restorations to identify any wear or breakdown that could become problematic in the future. 

He'll also screen you for problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. These issues are much easier to treat with a better prognosis early on. 

Is it time for your next dental teeth cleaning and exam? Contact our team at (336) 765-7477 to book an appointment.  

Everyone in your family should recognize the importance of regular trips to the dentist. However, visiting the dentist for the first time can be a bit unnerving, especially for young children. Here at Pryor Dental, we're here to make sure that every Winston-Salem family's first visit to the dentist is memorable for all of the right reasons.

What should I expect during my family's first visit to the dentist?

Upon arrival, you'll receive a warm and comforting welcome. We'll then start the process of getting to know you by learning about your medical history, including any allergies, medications, health issues, or hereditary risk factors.

Then, the dentist, Dr. Peter Pryor Jr., will carefully examine your teeth, gums, and mouth to check for any issues, after which one of our dental hygienists will clean your teeth, removing any plaque or tartar buildup. Finally, Dr. Pryor and our staff will educate you and your family and offer some tips on how to properly maintain your oral hygiene.

Our goal during every visit, but especially at the start of our relationship with your family, is not only to ensure your dental health but to do so with warmth and care and create an environment in which you and your family always feel comfortable asking questions or expressing concerns.

Family Dentist in Winston-Salem

If you are looking for a family "dentist near me" in Winston-Salem, contact Dr. Pryor and his friendly staff for an appointment

We agree with the recommendation of the American Dental Association that you should schedule checkups every six months. This frequency allows the team at Pryor Dental to stay a step ahead of dental problems by monitoring your oral health on an ongoing basis, proudly continuing a legacy of dedicated family dental care in our community.

Patient smiling in treatment chair for dental exam & cleaning in Winston-SalemWhy Twice Per Year?

Obviously, semi-annual checkups are needed for good oral health, but numerous studies also point to a direct connection between your periodontal wellness and your overall systemic health. Chronic dental conditions like decay and gum disease have been shown to contribute to or worsen serious conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and dementia.

Comprehensive Dental Exams with Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr.

During your dental exams, Dr. Peter Pryor Jr. will thoroughly evaluate your teeth and gums to look for any subtle changes since your last visit. If you are a new patient or don’t have current X-rays, we will recommend a baseline set of low-radiation digital X-rays to accurately monitor your health for future visits.

If Dr. Pryor does find a potential issue, our goal is always to resolve it while it is still small, non-invasive, and easily treatable. To help you make fully informed decisions about your care, Dr. Pryor uses an advanced intraoral camera that displays real-time, high-definition images of your teeth on a chairside monitor. You will be able to see exactly what we see, making it easy to understand your health and your treatment options.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Winston-Salem Dentist

If it’s time for your routine checkup and cleaning, please call us today to arrange an appointment at Pryor Dental, your trusted Winston-Salem, NC dental office. We look forward to seeing your smile!

Comprehensive Dental Exams

If you are a new patient, our dentist will start by meeting with you to discuss your concerns and how you would like us to help. This is an excellent time to share any goals or hopes for your smile so that our dentist can explain how preventive dentistry fits in with those goals. 

Next, Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr. will perform a thorough, gentle evaluation. He will check your teeth and gums, perform a quick and painless oral cancer screening, and use advanced digital X-rays to see exactly what is happening beneath the surface.

Professional Teeth Cleanings

Even the most dedicated brushers and flossers can miss the hidden spots where plaque and tartar love to hide. That is where our skilled dental hygienists come in. Using specialized tools, we gently clear away stubborn buildup that a standard toothbrush simply cannot touch.

These bi-annual cleanings form the absolute baseline of proactive, comprehensive general dentistry in Winston-Salem, ensuring minor issues are intercepted before they require invasive treatment.

During your visit, our team will also check for early signs of gum disease and offer personalized tips for your home routine. Prioritizing these visits twice a year is the single best investment you can make for your long-term smile.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr.

Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr.

Dr. Peter Pryor Jr. was born and raised on a small farm outside Lexington, Kentucky. He completed his undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Psychology at Wake Forest University. Following his graduation, he briefly resided on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands and worked as a dental assistant. This life experience largely contributed to Dr. Pryor's decision to pursue a career in dental medicine. Dr. Pryor graduated from The University of Louisville School of Dentistry, in 2015, and served as an extern within the Seneca Nation Health System, in Irving, New York, prior to this graduation. He ...

Protecting Your Oral Health at Home

dental x-rays being reviewed with dentist

At Pryor Dental, when we talk about prevention, we aren’t referring to some complicated or time-consuming system you must follow. 

There are only three primary components to achieving a healthy smile: 

  1. Proper oral hygiene
  2. Routine preventive dental exams and cleanings
  3. A healthy, nutritious diet

The dental hygiene habits you practice while away from our dental office can mean the difference between a healthy smile and a lifetime of complicated problems.

Dental Exams and Cleanings in the Winston-Salem Area

At Pryor Dental, we believe that premium dental care should be both accessible and stress-free. To help fit quality care into your family budget, we proudly accept CareCredit and offer a convenient in-house dental membership plan for patients without traditional insurance.

Whether you live in Winston-Salem, Clemmons, Lewisville, or Muddy Creek, our team is ready to welcome you. Contact us today to schedule your next visit and experience a different, more comfortable kind of dentistry.

We look forward to helping you achieve outstanding oral health!

Featured Blog Posts - Teeth Cleanings & Exams

April 10, 2023

Why You Shouldn't Miss Your Next Dental Cleanings and Exam

man jogging while listening to music

Updated: July 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, patients should schedule at least two dental exams per year. These routine visits allow our ...

November 17, 2021

The Important Role of Professional Teeth Cleaning

woman smiling with white teeth

A professional teeth cleaning is your first line of defense against preventable conditions like tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss.

Your Winston-Salem, NC dentist Dr. Peter B. Pryor Jr. and the American Dental Association promote two dental checkups per year, and these checkups include professional dental cleanings. Additionally, most ...

August 29, 2021

Lower Your Risks for Cavities and More

woman receiving dental work

Preventive dentistry in Winston-Salem, NC is a way to keep your smile healthy, lower your risks for oral health conditions, and save you time and money in the long run.

The American Dental Association and Dr. Peter Pryor Jr. recommends twice-yearly exams and teeth cleanings to lower your risks.

We Are Taking New Patients in Winston-Salem!
Get Clean Teeth!