Dental Cleanings & Checkups in Moses Lake, WA
Twice-yearly dental cleanings and exams are the foundation of a healthy mouth. Most dental problems, including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, can be caught and managed more easily when they are found early. That is exactly what a routine checkup appointment is designed to do.
Dr. Nick Smith, DDS, and our hygiene team at Moses Lake Family Dentistry see patients of all ages for preventive visits. Our hygienists Kaitlin, Lisa, and Yesenia each bring years of clinical experience and take time with every patient. Appointments are thorough, unhurried, and welcoming.
We are open from 7:00 AM on most weekdays and until 7:00 PM on Wednesdays. Call 509-765-4351 to schedule your cleaning, or use the request form on our website.
Open from 7:00 AM. Wednesday hours until 7:00 PM. Call 509-765-4351 to schedule your cleaning and exam.
What Happens During a Cleaning and Exam
A typical checkup at Moses Lake Family Dentistry includes several components. Here is what you can expect.
Digital X-Rays (as Needed)
Your appointment often begins with digital X-rays. These images show what is happening between and beneath the teeth, areas that cannot be assessed by looking alone. We do not take X-rays at every visit. How often you need them depends on your oral health history, age, and current risk factors. Our digital system produces sharper images with a fraction of the radiation used by traditional film.
Periodontal Assessment
One of our hygienists will measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth using a small probe. This takes only a few minutes and tells us whether your gum tissue is healthy or showing early signs of disease. We record these measurements at each visit so we can track changes over time.
Professional Cleaning
The cleaning removes plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces, including areas below the gumline that a toothbrush cannot reach. We use hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler to break up calculus deposits. After scaling, we polish the teeth to remove surface staining and leave the enamel smooth.
If your gum pockets are deeper than 3 millimeters or tartar has accumulated below the gumline in significant amounts, our hygienist will flag this for Dr. Smith and discuss whether additional periodontal treatment is appropriate.
Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is part of every checkup at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. Dr. Smith and our hygienists visually examine the soft tissues of your mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, lips, and throat, for any changes in color, texture, or size. Oral cancer found in early stages is significantly more treatable than cancer discovered late. This screening adds only a few minutes to your visit.
Exam by Dr. Smith
Dr. Smith reviews your X-rays, the periodontal measurements, and the hygienist's clinical notes before conducting his own exam. He checks for cavities, cracks, wear patterns, bite issues, and the condition of any existing restorations like fillings or crowns. If he finds anything that needs attention, he explains what it is, what the options are, and what the timeline looks like for addressing it.
Fluoride Treatment
A professional fluoride treatment is offered at the end of the appointment for children and for adults who benefit from it (including those with dry mouth, a history of cavities, or current orthodontic treatment). The fluoride is applied directly to the teeth and left for a short period.
Home Care Discussion
Our hygienists are happy to talk through brushing technique, flossing, electric toothbrush options, and products that may help with your specific situation. This is not a scripted lecture; it is a practical conversation based on what we see in your mouth.
How Often Should You Come In?
The American Dental Association recommends most people visit for a cleaning and exam every six months. This interval works well for patients who maintain good oral hygiene and have no significant history of gum disease or frequent cavities.
Some patients benefit from more frequent visits. If you have a history of periodontal disease, are prone to tartar buildup, have certain health conditions like diabetes, or are undergoing cancer treatment, Dr. Smith may recommend three to four visits per year. He determines the right schedule based on your individual situation, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Our Hygiene Team
Three experienced hygienists work at Moses Lake Family Dentistry.
Kaitlin graduated from Wenatchee Valley Community College and Pierce College and has over five years of dental hygiene experience. She is originally from Coulee City and brings a genuine care for patient comfort to every visit.
Lisa has over 30 years of dental experience and trained at Yakima Valley College. She knows the practice thoroughly and gives every patient her full attention.
Yesenia grew up right here in Moses Lake and earned her BAS in Dental Hygiene from Columbia Basin College in 2020. She also has background in orthodontic assisting. Her local roots mean she understands this community and the families she sees.
When you come in for a cleaning, you are not just getting a routine procedure. You are seeing someone who knows your history and takes the time to do the visit right.
Children and Cleanings
Moses Lake Family Dentistry sees children starting from a young age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first dental visit happen by age one or shortly after the first tooth comes in. Early visits help children get comfortable with the dental environment and allow us to catch any developing issues while they are minor.
Pediatric cleanings are gentle and adapted to the child’s comfort level. We take extra time to explain what we are doing, and our team knows how to make kids feel at ease.
Insurance Coverage
Most dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental (which we are in-network with), cover two cleanings and exams per year at little or no cost to you. X-rays are typically covered on a scheduled basis, and fluoride treatment for children is commonly covered as well.
Diane, our financial coordinator, verifies your benefits before your appointment and helps you understand what is covered. She has been doing this for nearly 20 years and is the right person to call with any billing or insurance questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings
Does a cleaning hurt?
Most cleanings are comfortable. You may feel light pressure or minor sensitivity in areas where tartar has built up near the gumline. Patients with sensitive gums sometimes experience brief discomfort during probing. Let us know if anything is uncomfortable during your visit and we will adjust our approach.
How long does a cleaning and exam take?
A routine adult cleaning and exam typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. If it has been a longer period since your last visit, or if X-rays are due, it may take a bit longer. We do not rush. Every patient gets the time the visit requires.
What if I have not been in for a few years?
We see this often, and there is no judgment at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. The more important thing is that you come in now rather than waiting longer. If it has been several years since your last cleaning, there may be more tartar buildup than usual, and we may schedule a follow-up appointment to complete treatment in a comfortable way. Either way, our team will explain exactly where things stand and what we recommend.
Do you see new patients for cleanings?
Yes. We welcome new patients at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. Call 509-765-4351 to schedule. New patient visits typically include a comprehensive exam and a cleaning, along with any X-rays that are appropriate for your history.
Call 509-765-4351. We are open early mornings and late on Wednesdays to fit your schedule.