What Happens During a Dental Exam and Cleaning?
A preventive visit gives our team a chance to evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work. Your appointment may include a professional cleaning, a dental exam, and any recommended X-rays based on your needs.
During your cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing and flossing cannot fully remove on their own. We may also polish your teeth and talk with you about home care, gum health, sensitivity, bleeding gums, or any changes you have noticed.
During your exam, Dr. Vince Riggio will look for signs of cavities, gum concerns, tooth wear, cracked teeth, damaged fillings or crowns, and other issues that could affect your comfort or long-term oral health.
Why Preventive Dental Visits Matter
Preventive care is not only about keeping your teeth clean. It is also about staying aware of what is happening in your mouth so you can make informed decisions before small problems become bigger ones.
Dental exams and cleanings can help with:
- Cleaner teeth and fresher breath
- Healthier gums
- Early detection of cavities or tooth damage
- Monitoring older fillings, crowns, bridges, or other dental work
- Understanding changes in sensitivity, bleeding, or discomfort
- Keeping your smile on a consistent care schedule
These visits are also a good time to ask questions. If you have noticed tooth sensitivity, jaw soreness, bleeding when brushing, bad breath, or changes in the way your teeth feel, we can talk through what may be causing it and what next steps make sense.
If It Has Been a While Since Your Last Cleaning
Many patients delay dental care because life gets busy, they feel nervous, or they are worried about what the dentist might find. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone.
At Sunset Tower Family Dentistry, our goal is to make your visit feel comfortable, clear, and manageable. We will meet you where you are, explain what we see, and help you understand your options without making you feel embarrassed or pressured.
The first step is simply scheduling a visit. From there, we can help you build a plan that supports your current needs and long-term oral health.
Preventive Dental Care for Families
Sunset Tower Family Dentistry welcomes both adults and children for dental care. Routine exams and cleanings can help children build healthy habits early while giving parents a chance to ask questions about brushing, flossing, tooth development, and changes they may notice at home.
For adults, regular dental visits help monitor gum health, tooth wear, aging dental work, and changes that can affect comfort or function over time. Whether you are scheduling for yourself, your child, or your family, our team is here to make preventive care feel simple and supportive.
A Thoughtful Approach With Dr. Vince Riggio
Dr. Vince Riggio, DDS believes dentistry should be personal, transparent, and comfortable. During preventive visits, he focuses on helping patients understand their oral health and feel confident about any recommended next steps.
If treatment is needed, he will explain what he sees, answer your questions, and discuss your options clearly. If your smile is healthy, we will help you stay on track with ongoing care.
No Insurance? Ask About the Sunset Advantage Plan
For patients without dental insurance, Sunset Tower Family Dentistry offers the Sunset Advantage Plan, an in-house membership option designed to support preventive care and provide savings on additional treatment.
If you have questions about the plan, our team can explain how it works and help you decide whether it may be a good fit for your needs.
Preventive Dental Care in Sunset Hills
Sunset Tower Family Dentistry provides dental exams and cleanings for patients in Sunset Hills, South County, and nearby St. Louis communities. Whether you are staying consistent with routine care or getting back on track after time away, our team is here to help you feel comfortable, informed, and confident about your smile.
Request an Exam and Cleaning
If you are due for a dental cleaning or want to get back on track with preventive care, contact Sunset Tower Family Dentistry to request an appointment. Our team is here to help you care for your smile with clear guidance, comfortable visits, and preventive care you can feel good about.
