Dental Cleanings & Exams in Harrisonburg
Dental exams and teeth cleanings are the foundation for healthy, disease-free smiles. Dr. Joan Anderson and her friendly team at Rocktown Family Dental Care in Harrisonburg are excited to meet your family and ready to work with your unique needs.
We welcome all ages and and hope you consider us a trusted partner in helping your family achieve and maintain healthy smiles. Our dental care team is here to support you in your goals, and we look forward to getting started!
The Power of Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry at our Harrisonburg, VA, dental office involves a proactive approach to dental care. The goal is to detect and treat potential issues before they become complex or costly to correct.
We agree with the American Dental Association’s recommendation to see your dentist for dental exams and teeth cleanings every six months. If you have a history of gum disease or an increased risk of cavities, more frequent checkups may be needed to ensure your smile stays healthy.
What Does a Dental Exam Include?
First, we will ask if you’ve noticed any changes since your last visit or have any specific concerns. Then Dr. Anderson performs a comprehensive dental exam that includes:
- Evaluating your teeth, gums, and overall oral health
- Screening for oral cancer, gum disease, and signs of tooth decay
- Assessing your bite and jaw function
- Reviewing your dental history and discussing any concerns you may have
- Taking digital x-rays and intraoral photos to identify issues we can’t see with a visual exam.
We understand that not everyone takes perfect care of their teeth. If there are dental issues, Dr. Anderson will share her recommendations and explain your treatment options.
You can be confident we will consider your unique needs when developing your individualized treatment plan. We aim to make it as easy and convenient as possible for you to achieve a beautiful smile and excellent oral health!
Why Do I Need Professional Teeth Cleanings?
Removing every trace of plaque is difficult, even if you brush and floss conscientiously. And you can't get rid of hardened plaque called tartar, which can only be removed by a hygienist using specialized instruments.
Our professional teeth cleanings in Harrisonburg are gentle yet thorough and leave your mouth feeling healthy and refreshed. During your hygiene appointment, our skilled hygienists take the following steps:
- Check your gums for signs of periodontal disease
- Remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Polish your teeth to a sparkling shine
- Provide personalized oral hygiene tips
Prevention for Kids: The Foundation for Healthy Smiles
Preventive care is as essential for children as it is for adults. We want to help your little one get excited about dental care, and our amazing team is skilled at creating a fun, nurturing environment where kids feel safe and at ease.
Along with routine exams and teeth cleanings for kids, we offer fluoride treatments and dental sealants. Both services strengthen and protect young teeth and help set the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Smile
Preventive dentistry in Harrisonburg involves more than cleaning and exams every six months; it’s also about maintaining oral health between visits. Here are a few tips to keep your family’s smiles strong and healthy:
- Brush at least twice daily and floss once to remove plaque and food debris.
- Maintain a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
- Avoid sugary and acidic foods and beverages.
- Drink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and bacteria.
When you take these steps, you can enjoy a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles.
Join Our Family at Rocktown Family Dental Care in Harrisonburg
If you are experiencing a problem or are due for your next routine teeth cleaning, please call our Harrisonburg, VA, dental office to schedule an appointment. The friendly team at Rocktown Family Dental Care is eager to help you and your family achieve the best possible oral health.
We are pleased to serve Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County, including Broadway, Bridgewater, Dayton, Timberville, Penn Laird, Elkton, McGaheysville, Grottoes, and all surrounding communities.
Dental Cleanings: The Foundation of the Essential Care for a Healthy Smile
Regular dental cleanings and exams promote optimal oral health through cleanliness and preventive and preemptive care.
Periodontal Care
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease and related complications.
Early Detection
Regular cleanings and exams allow your dentist to spot and proactively treat early signs of decay or dental disease.
Fresher Breath
By removing plaque and tartar, dental cleanings help keep your breath smelling healthy, fresh, and clean.
Meet Our Doctor:
Dr. Joan Anderson
Dr. Joan Anderson is the skilled and dedicated owner and dentist of Rocktown Family Dental Care. As the sole owner and dentist of the practice, Dr. Anderson is responsible for all treatment planning for patients, supervising staff members, and providing patient care. She prides herself on being a good employer, creating a dental home that people want to be a part of, and mentoring her employees to succeed even if their career plans take them elsewhere.
Having graduated from dental school in 2008, Dr. Anderson practiced in Georgia and South Carolina ...
Frequently Asked Questions
The length of time a teeth cleaning takes can vary based on several factors, including the condition of your teeth and the type of cleaning you need. However, a standard teeth cleaning for an adult usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. This includes the time taken for plaque and tartar removal, polishing, and possibly a fluoride treatment.
What to Expect at a Teeth Cleaning
For those with good oral hygiene and no major oral health concerns, a regular cleaning can be a quick process. However, if you have gum disease, significant plaque or tartar build-up, or other dental problems, the cleaning process may take longer. Multiple appointments may sometimes be necessary to address these issues entirely.
The Importance of Routine Teeth Cleanings
Regularly scheduled teeth cleanings are essential to maintaining oral health and preventing future dental issues. At Rocktown Family Dental Care, our teeth cleaning services are readily available to meet the needs of every patient, from routine cleanings to periodontal treatments like scaling and root planing.
Schedule Your Teeth Cleaning in Harrisonburg, VA Today!
Routine teeth cleanings and exams are crucial for maintaining good oral health, preventing dental problems, and keeping your smile bright.
Call Rocktown Family Dental Care today to schedule your next appointment!
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact time that a certain dental treatment takes until we understand your oral health needs. However, we understand you’re busy and need an idea of how much time to set aside for your dental appointment.
Average Times for Dental Appointments
Please note all times mentioned below are approximate.
- Dental exams — A routine dental exam usually takes about 30 minutes. If you are a new patient or have more complex issues we need to evaluate, it may take up to 60 minutes.
- Teeth cleanings — A standard teeth cleaning typically lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on factors like your oral hygiene habits, gum health, and the extent of tartar buildup.
- Scaling and root planing — This deep cleaning procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and treatment times vary widely. Total average treatment times are 1–4 hours; however, the procedure is performed in quadrants of the mouth and divided over multiple appointments.
- Fillings — The time to complete a tooth filling varies based on the size and location of the cavity, but most can be completed in 30-60 minutes.
- Crowns and bridges — Getting a crown or bridge typically requires two appointments. The first includes tooth preparation and taking impressions, and takes about one hour. The second appointment involves removing the temporary and adjusting the restoration for a comfortable fit, which takes 30-60 minutes.
- Root canals — The length of root canal treatment depends on the tooth and the number of canals. Thanks to our advanced technology, we can complete most root canals in a single appointment that lasts about an hour.
Schedule an Appointment So We Can Help You
It is always best to call our dental office before your appointment to get a more precise idea of how long it will take. We are here to help you, so please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Featured Blog Posts - Dental Cleanings & Exams
Why Are Routine Dental Cleanings Important?
Routine dental cleanings are important because they help prevent costly and time-consuming oral health issues. Additionally, they lower your gum disease risk. Dental cleanings are part of your twice-yearly preventive dental visit, which also includes:
- A comprehensive dental checkup
- Periodic x-rays
- An oral cancer screening
- A conversation with the dentist
Routine dental cleanings work best when accompanied by excellent oral hygiene between dental visits.
About Dental Exams in Harrisonburg, VA
Most dentists agree that you should have dental exams twice yearly. This schedule has been shown to lower your risks for most preventable conditions.
The dental exam ...