X-Rays, Cleanings, & Exams
The Heart of Preventative Dentistry
Most Dental Journeys Start Here
Keep Your Smile Healthy with Professional Dental Cleanings,
Digital X-Rays, and Comprehensive Exams in North Raleigh.
For most people, a routine preventive dental visit is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect their oral health. It's also what most new patient appointments look like at Galligan Family Dentistry.
New patients typically begin with digital dental x-rays, followed by a professional cleaning with one of our hygienists. After reviewing your x-rays, clinical notes, and any concerns you'd like to discuss, Dr. Abigail W. Scanlan will perform a comprehensive exam and, if necessary, recommend treatment options tailored to your needs.
For returning patients, these same appointments allow us to monitor your oral health over time, compare changes from previous visits, update x-rays when appropriate, and help prevent small problems from becoming larger ones. Whether it's your first visit or your annual preventive appointment, our goal is to provide thorough, comfortable care while helping you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.
What Happens During Your Visit?
A typical preventive appointment includes three important parts: digital dental x-rays when needed*, a professional cleaning with one of our hygienists, and a comprehensive examination with Dr. Abigail W. Scanlan.
*For New Patients, Annual Check-Ups, and Recent Developments That may be causing you discomfort.
Digital Dental X-Rays
Most new patients, and many returning patients based on their insurance coverage and clinical needs, begin their appointment with digital dental x-rays.
Dental x-rays allow us to see areas that simply aren't visible during a visual examination alone, including:
- Cavities between teeth
- Bone levels around the teeth
- Existing fillings and crowns
- Developing infections
- Impacted or unerupted teeth
- Changes that may not yet be causing symptoms
These images become an important part of your dental record and allow us to compare your oral health over time, helping us identify changes early when treatment is often simpler and more conservative.
We only recommend the x-rays that are appropriate for your care and use digital imaging for clear, efficient diagnosis.
Professional Dental Cleaning
After your x-rays, one of our experienced dental hygienists will perform a professional cleaning.
Even patients with excellent brushing and flossing habits develop hardened plaque, known as tartar or calculus, that cannot be removed at home. Professional cleanings remove these deposits while helping reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
During your cleaning, your hygienist may:
- Remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Polish your teeth
- Review your brushing and flossing routine
- Document any areas that may need additional attention
- Make recommendations for improving your home care
Our hygienists also take detailed clinical notes for Dr. Scanlan, ensuring she has a complete picture of your oral health before your examination.
Your Comprehensive Dental Exam
Once your cleaning is complete, Dr. Scanlan will review your digital x-rays, your hygienist's clinical findings, and perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health.
This is your opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have, including:
- Tooth sensitivity
- Pain or discomfort
- Changes you've noticed
- Cosmetic concerns
- Questions about previous dental work
- Anything else that's been on your mind
If everything looks healthy, we'll let you know and recommend when to return for your next preventive visit.
If we do find something that deserves attention, we'll explain exactly what we're seeing, why we recommend treatment, and what your options are. We believe patients should understand their dental health before making decisions, and we'll never recommend treatment that isn't clinically appropriate.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Not every finding requires immediate treatment, and not every patient has the same goals or priorities.
If treatment is recommended, we'll walk through your options together, discuss timing, answer your questions, and develop a treatment plan that makes sense for your oral health, schedule, and budget.
Our goal is to help you make informed decisions, not pressure you into unnecessary procedures.
Making the Most of Your Insurance Benefits
Most dental insurance plans, even when using an out of network provider, cover one comprehensive exam and a full set of routine x-rays each year, along with two professional cleanings.
Some plans also cover additional cleanings for patients with certain medical conditions or a history of gum disease.
Our team will verify your benefits, explain what's covered, and help schedule your preventive visits so you can make the most of your dental insurance throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental X-Rays, Cleanings, & Exams
If you have additional questions about dental cleanings, exams, digital x-rays, or what to expect during your visit, please give us a call, contact us online, or ask us during your next appointment. We're here to make sure you feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your dental care.
Preventive Care Today Avoids Bigger Problems Tomorrow
Routine cleanings and examinations allow us to monitor your oral health, detect concerns early, and keep your smile healthy for years to come. Whether you're due for your regular six-month visit or looking for a new family dentist in North Raleigh, we'd be happy to welcome you to our practice.
Call Galligan Family Dentistry at (919) 977-1870 or request an appointment online to schedule your next cleaning and exam.
New Patient? Start Here.
Location
Galligan Family Dentistry
11420 Falls of Neuse Rd
Raleigh, NC 27614
Contact
Hours
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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