Cleanings or Prophylaxis (prophy):

This is a professional cleaning of the teeth by Dr. McDowall. All teeth are scaled and polished. Different types of cleanings are used for different patients depending on the amount of calculus that has built up on the teeth. If there is a lot of build up and Dr. McDowall needs to spend more time, you will be charged more for this specialized cleaning than a routine cleaning.

Periodic Examination:

Each cleaning is accompanied by a periodic examination of the patient's mouth. This examination includes a cancer screening, and a check for cavities, gum disease, and other gum problems. This examination is performed each time a cleaning is done.

Importance of this periodic examination:

Some have questioned the need for this examination since they have their teeth cleaned twice a year. This examination is very important because disease can happen within the year and if the next cleaning is delayed, curable disease can have a bad outcome because it was not caught early.

Therefore, Dr. McDowall will always do an examination with each of his cleanings.

Comprehensive Examination:

This is an initial examination for the first-time patient. Dr. McDowall does a very thorough examination and "inventory" of the mouth. He records the current condition of all your teeth and soft tissues and any past completed dental treatments. See First Visit - to become an established patient.