The Essentials
What it is.
The American Dental Association recommends a professional cleaning and exam every six months — it’s the single most effective habit for keeping small problems small. Every exam here includes an oral cancer screening.
Finding decay early is the point of a checkup: a careful exam and digital imaging catch cavities and cracks between teeth while they are still small — and everything is shown to you chairside, in plain English.
Why It Matters
Sound familiar?
- Decay between teeth is invisible to the eye until it’s large
- Gum disease is painless in its reversible stage
- Oral cancer found early is highly treatable
- Small fillings cost little; crowns and root canals don’t
The Process
What to expect.
- The cleaning
A hygienist removes plaque and tartar, then polishes — checking gums and enamel as they work.
- The imaging
Digital X-rays as needed — shown to you, chairside, in plain English.
- The exam
The doctor reviews everything with you and answers every question. No lectures, no pressure — a plan.
Real Results
Before & after.
A preventive care case from Dr. Paulson’s files is being prepared for this page.
Every case on this site is a real Arbor Dental patientGood To Know
Questions, answered.
Do I really need to come twice a year?
Six-month intervals catch gingivitis while it’s still reversible and cavities while they’re still small. It’s the cheapest dentistry there is.
What if I haven’t been in years?
No judgment — genuinely. Come in, we’ll take stock together, and build from wherever you are.
Ready when you are.
New patients are welcomed with an unhurried, comprehensive first visit — photographs, a conversation about your goals, and a plan you'll understand completely.
Schedule a Consultation