What a visit includes
- Digital x-rays
- A full exam — teeth, existing fillings and crowns, bite
- A gum check, measuring where the tissue sits against each tooth
- An oral cancer screening of the tongue, cheeks, throat and jaw
- Cleaning: plaque and tartar removed above and just below the gumline, then polish
At the end you get a plain account of what's going on in your mouth, and anything that needs doing comes with an estimate before treatment is performed.
How often
Many patients are seen about every six months, but the right schedule depends on your oral health. Some people benefit from more frequent visits, particularly when gum disease or other risk factors are present. Dr. Lee will explain the interval she recommends and why.
Preventive benefits vary by dental plan. Insurance & payment.
If it's been years
Come in and we'll see where things stand. A first visit after a long gap often takes longer, and we'll work out what matters first and what can wait.
When a routine cleaning isn't enough
If tartar has built up below the gumline and the gums have started to pull away from the teeth, a regular cleaning won't reach it. That needs a deeper cleaning — scaling and root planing — usually over more than one visit and often with the area numbed.
This is a different appointment at a different cost. The new patient price covers a routine cleaning; if you need periodontal treatment, you’ll be told at the exam.
Bleeding gums
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss can be a sign of inflammation and are worth having checked. In some cases, untreated periodontal disease can damage the bone that supports the teeth. The #1 reason adults lose their teeth is periodontal (gum) disease. Catching problems earlier can make them easier to manage.
“Excellent on everything. She's careful and thorough on the cleaning. She has fixed many of my tooth as well.”
“Dr Lee will spend time with you & answer your questions. You'd never feel like you being rushed out because another patient is waiting.”
Questions about cleanings
Why does Dr. Lee perform cleanings herself?
Dr. Lee trained as a dental hygienist at USC before going to dental school, so preventive care is where her career began. She continues to perform cleanings herself because it gives her more direct time with each patient and lets the cleaning, exam, questions, and discussion happen as part of the same visit. More about Dr. Lee.
Is a cleaning by a dentist different from one by a hygienist?
The preventive purpose of the cleaning is the same. What's different at Irvine Dentistry is the experience: Dr. Lee personally performs the cleaning, so your cleaning, exam, and questions happen with the same person during the same visit.
Will I see Dr. Lee at every routine visit?
Yes, you’ll see Dr. Lee at every visit.
How long is a routine visit?
The first visit is usually about an hour. Subsequent routine visits typically take 30–45 minutes. Our visits are a little faster because you don’t need to wait for the dentist to see you at the end — she’s with you the entire appointment.
What does it cost without insurance?
Your first visit is $150 and covers the exam, x-rays and cleaning. Anything further comes with an estimate before treatment is performed. Insurance & payment.
Spend your cleaning with your dentist.
Send an appointment request and we'll confirm your time.