A healthy smile starts with consistent preventive care. At Abington Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Dr. Charles W. Dennis, DMD, and our experienced dental team provide thorough dental cleanings, comprehensive oral exams, and personalized preventive treatments for patients of all ages. Whether you are due for a routine checkup or scheduling your child’s very first visit, our Clarks Summit office is here to help your whole family maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums for life.
We proudly serve families throughout Clarks Summit, Scranton, Peckville, Olyphant, Dickson City, Jessup, Archbald, and surrounding communities in Lackawanna County. Call (570) 587-4031 or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Your Preventive Dental Exam: What We Check and Why
Professional dental cleanings (also called prophylaxis) remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that daily brushing and flossing cannot fully address. The American Dental Association recommends most adults and children receive a professional cleaning at least every six months to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health complications.
During your cleaning at Abington Center, our skilled dental hygienists follow a proven step-by-step process designed for both comfort and thoroughness:
Most routine cleanings take approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Our team prioritizes your comfort throughout the process, and we offer options to help patients who experience sensitivity or dental anxiety.
What to Expect During Your Comprehensive Dental Exam
Your dental exam is just as important as your cleaning. While a cleaning focuses on removing buildup and polishing teeth, the exam gives Dr. Dennis and our team the diagnostic information needed to catch problems early, when they are simplest and least costly to treat.
A comprehensive dental exam at Abington Center typically includes:
- Digital X-rays. Low-radiation digital radiographs allow Dr. Dennis to see beneath the surface of your teeth and gums, detecting hidden cavities, bone loss, cysts, tumors, and issues with tooth roots or developing teeth. Digital X-rays produce up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays and are considered very safe for both adults and children.
- Visual inspection of teeth and gums. Every tooth surface is checked for signs of decay, cracks, wear, or damage to existing restorations such as fillings, crowns, or implants.
- Gum disease evaluation. Dr. Dennis assesses gum tissue health, measures periodontal pocket depths, and checks for signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. According to the CDC, nearly 47% of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease, making this screening essential.
- Oral cancer screening. A thorough examination of your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheeks, and the floor and roof of your mouth to detect any abnormalities, lesions, or early warning signs of oral cancer. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
- Bite and jaw assessment. Dr. Dennis evaluates your bite alignment and jaw function to identify signs of TMJ disorder, teeth grinding (bruxism), or other concerns that may affect your comfort or long-term dental health.
- Personalized treatment plan. After reviewing your X-rays and clinical findings, Dr. Dennis discusses his observations with you, answers your questions, and outlines a plan for any recommended treatments or follow-up care. We believe informed patients make the best decisions about their health.
Contact Us About Preventive Dental Care in Clarks Summit, PA Today!
Preventive Dental Care for Children in Clarks Summit
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Starting dental care early helps kids build positive associations with the dentist and allows our team to monitor tooth development from the very beginning. Learn more about our approach on our Children’s Dentistry page.
Children’s preventive visits at Abington Center include gentle cleanings, age-appropriate X-rays, fluoride treatments, and an oral health assessment. We also offer dental sealants, a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) that shields them from the bacteria and acids that cause cavities. Sealants are one of the most effective preventive measures available for school-age children.
Our team takes extra time with younger patients to explain each step in simple, friendly terms. We want every child who visits Abington Center to leave feeling confident and excited about taking care of their smile.
Why Preventive Dentistry Matters for Your Overall Health
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Starting dental care early helps kids build positive associations with the dentist and allows our team to monitor tooth development from the very beginning. Learn more about our approach on our Children’s Dentistry page.
Children’s preventive visits at Abington Center include gentle cleanings, age-appropriate X-rays, fluoride treatments, and an oral health assessment. We also offer dental sealants, a thin protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) that shields them from the bacteria and acids that cause cavities. Sealants are one of the most effective preventive measures available for school-age children.
Our team takes extra time with younger patients to explain each step in simple, friendly terms. We want every child who visits Abington Center to leave feeling confident and excited about taking care of their smile.
Insurance & Affordability
Most dental insurance plans cover routine preventive cleanings and exams at 100%, making these visits one of the most valuable benefits in your plan. At Abington Center, we accept most major insurance providers including Delta Dental, MetLife, Aetna, and many others. We also offer flexible payment options and financing to help make dental care affordable for every family.
Not sure if your plan is accepted? Call our office at (570) 587-4031 and our team will verify your coverage before your appointment. You can also visit our Contact page to reach us online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventive Dental Care
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
The American Dental Association recommends professional dental cleanings at least every six months for most patients. However, if you have a history of gum disease, smoke, or have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, Dr. Dennis may recommend more frequent visits (every three to four months) to keep your oral health on track.
What happens during a dental cleaning at Abington Center?
Your visit begins with an initial oral assessment by one of our dental hygienists. From there, the hygienist performs scaling to remove plaque and tartar, polishes your teeth with a professional-grade paste, flosses between every tooth, and applies a fluoride treatment. Dr. Dennis then performs a comprehensive exam, including digital X-rays when needed, to evaluate your overall oral health. Most appointments take 45 to 60 minutes.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Our office uses digital X-rays, which produce up to 90% less radiation than traditional film radiographs. The amount of radiation in a standard set of dental X-rays is extremely small, comparable to the natural background radiation you receive in a single day. Digital X-rays are safe for adults, children, and pregnant patients when clinically indicated, and they are essential for detecting issues that are invisible to the naked eye.
Does dental insurance cover routine cleanings and exams?
Most dental insurance plans cover preventive cleanings and exams at 100% with no out-of-pocket cost to you. We accept most major dental insurance providers, including Delta Dental, MetLife, and Aetna. If you are unsure about your coverage, our team is happy to verify your benefits before your visit. We also offer flexible payment options for patients without insurance.
When should my child start getting dental cleanings?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child's first dental visit by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in. Regular cleanings and exams from an early age help establish healthy habits and allow our team to catch any developmental concerns early. Visit our Children's Dentistry page for more details.
How long does a dental cleaning and exam appointment take?
A standard preventive visit at Abington Center, which includes both a dental cleaning and a comprehensive exam, typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. First-time patients should plan for up to 90 minutes, as we take additional time to review your dental and medical history, take a full set of digital X-rays, and discuss your oral health goals with Dr. Dennis.
Schedule Your Preventive Care Appointment in Clarks Summit Today
Your smile deserves consistent, expert care. At Abington Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Dr. Charles Dennis and our team have earned a 4.9-star rating from over 800 verified patient reviews by delivering gentle, thorough preventive care to families across the Clarks Summit and Scranton area for nearly two decades.
Ready to book? Call (570) 587-4031 or schedule your appointment online. We welcome new patients of all ages and offer same-day appointments for urgent concerns.
Abington Center for Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is located at 116 N. State Street, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. We are conveniently located for patients in Clarks Summit, Scranton, South Abington Township, North Abington Township, Peckville, Olyphant, Dickson City, Jessup, Archbald, Chinchilla, Dalton, and the greater Lackawanna County area.