Preventive Care, Incredible Value
Routine Checkup & Cleaning
30 - 60 minutes
Immediately
Immediately
$30 - $60
What is a Routine Dental Checkup and Cleaning?
A routine dental checkup and cleaning (also called prophylaxis or scaling and polishing) is a preventive dental procedure designed to maintain optimal oral health and catch problems before they become serious. During this comprehensive visit, your dentist examines your teeth, gums, tongue, and oral tissues for signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues, while a dental hygienist removes hardened plaque (tartar) and surface stains that regular brushing can't eliminate.
Why is a Routine Dental Checkup and Cleaning Necessary?
Most people don't realize that many dental problems develop silently without causing pain or visible symptoms until they've progressed to serious stages. Small cavities, early gum disease, and even oral cancer can exist in your mouth for months without you noticing any discomfort. By the time you experience tooth pain, the problem often requires more invasive and costly treatments like root canals, crowns, or extractions.
Prevent Cavities and Tooth Decay
Protect Against Gum Disease
Save Money in the Long Run
Detect Oral Cancer Early
Maintain Overall Health
The Dental Checkup and Cleaning Process: Step-by-Step
Medical History Review and Consultation (5-10 minutes)
Your visit begins with a review of your medical and dental history. Your English-speaking dentist will ask about any current concerns, medications you're taking, previous dental work, and symptoms you've experienced. This consultation ensures your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and helps identify any special considerations before beginning the examination.
Comprehensive Oral Examination (10-15 minutes)
The dentist performs a thorough examination of your entire mouth, checking each tooth for signs of decay, cracks, or worn fillings. They'll evaluate your gums for inflammation, bleeding, or recession, examine your tongue, cheeks, and throat for abnormalities, and assess your bite alignment. Using a dental mirror and explorer, they can detect problems that aren't visible to the naked eye. This is where early-stage cavities that haven't yet caused pain are identified.
Digital X-Rays (5-10 minutes, if needed)
New patients or those who haven't had X-rays in over a year typically receive dental radiographs. We use low-radiation digital X-rays that reveal problems hidden between teeth, below the gumline, and in the jawbone. These images show cavities in their earliest stages, impacted wisdom teeth, bone loss from gum disease, abscesses, and abnormalities in tooth roots. Bitewing X-rays focus on the upper and lower back teeth, while panoramic X-rays capture your entire mouth in one image.
Ultrasonic Scaling (15-25 minutes)
The dental hygienist uses an advanced ultrasonic scaler that produces high-frequency vibrations (32,000-40,000 Hz) to break up hardened tartar deposits. The instrument's rounded tip is kept in constant motion and sprays cool water to wash away debris. This modern technology is more comfortable than traditional hand scaling and thoroughly removes buildup from tooth surfaces, between teeth, and below the gumline. The micro-vibrations are gentle on tooth enamel while being highly effective at eliminating bacterial deposits.
Polishing (5-10 minutes)
A soft rotating brush or rubber cup applies prophylaxis paste to polish your teeth. This fine-grit paste removes surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and other foods while creating a smooth, lustrous finish that's less prone to future plaque accumulation. Modern prophylaxis pastes also contain fluoride to strengthen enamel and reduce cavity risk.
Total appointment time: 45-90 minutes depending on the extent of cleaning needed and whether X-rays are taken.
How Much Does a Dental Checkup and Cleaning Cost in Vietnam?
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Vietnam for dental care is the exceptional affordability without sacrificing quality.
-
Routine Checkup
$10 -
Routine Cleaning (Mild)
$15 -
Routine Cleaning (Moderate)
$20 -
Routine Cleaning (Severe)
$30
You save 60-70% compared to Western countries without compromising quality.
Why Picasso Dental Clinic?
Why Patients Trust Us?
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Mon-Sun: 8.30 AM - 6.00 PM
Common Questions About Dental Checkups and Cleanings
The American Dental Association and Vietnamese dental professionals recommend checkups and cleanings every six months for most patients. However, if you have a history of gum disease, wear braces, are a heavy smoker, or drink a lot of coffee and tea, your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings every 3-4 months. Patients with excellent oral health and minimal plaque buildup may only need annual cleanings, though six-monthly visits remain the gold standard for prevention.
Booking an appointment in advance is strongly recommended. We offer online booking through websites, WhatsApp/Zalo messaging, or phone calls with English-speaking staff. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available for routine cleanings, unlike in Western countries where you might wait weeks for an appointment.
Routine teeth cleaning is generally painless. Most patients describe the sensation of ultrasonic scaling as ticklish or slightly uncomfortable rather than painful. You may feel vibrations and cold water spray during the cleaning, but this shouldn't cause significant discomfort. If you have sensitive teeth, inflamed gums, or extensive tartar buildup below the gumline, you might experience mild discomfort or temporary sensitivity.
Professional cleaning removes surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and certain foods, restoring your teeth to their natural color. However, cleaning is not a whitening treatment and won't change your teeth's inherent shade. If you're dissatisfied with your natural tooth color, discuss professional whitening options with your dentist.
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Ready to experience affordable, professional dental care in Vietnam?
Scheduling your routine checkup and cleaning is simple, fast, and can often be done for same-day or next-day appointments.