Who dental exams and cleanings are for
Everyone with teeth, at every age. Regular exams matter just as much for adults with crowns, bridges or dentures as they do for children with new molars.
You should schedule sooner than six months if you notice bleeding gums, a tooth that is sensitive to cold or sweets, a rough or broken edge, or a sore that has not healed in two weeks.
How it works, step by step
- We review your health history and ask about anything that has changed or is bothering you.
- We examine each tooth for cavities and other signs of decay, and check existing fillings and crowns.
- We inspect your gums for gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease.
- We take X-rays when they are needed to see between teeth and below the gumline.
- We remove plaque and tartar, then polish your teeth.
- We apply topical fluoride when it will help prevent cavities.
- We go over what we found and answer your questions before you leave.
What to expect at our Hanford office
A routine visit is comfortable for most people. If your gums are inflamed or you have not had a cleaning in a while, some areas may feel tender, and we can pause or numb an area if you need it. Tell us if dental visits make you anxious. We reserve the appointment time for you and do not double book, so there is room to go at your pace.
Before you leave you will know what we saw, whether anything needs attention, and when we suggest coming back. If treatment is recommended, we explain why, what the options are and what each would cost.
Benefits
- Cavities are found while they are small and simple to fix
- Gum disease is caught early, when it is most treatable
- Tartar that brushing cannot remove is cleaned away
- You get a regular chance to ask questions about your oral health
Aftercare
You can eat and drink normally after a cleaning. If fluoride was applied, we may ask you to wait about 30 minutes first.
Mild gum tenderness for a day is normal after a thorough cleaning and usually improves with regular brushing and flossing.
Cost and insurance
Many dental plans cover routine exams and cleanings at a higher level than other treatment, but every plan is different. Bring your insurance information and we will help you understand your benefits.
If we find gum disease, a standard cleaning may not be enough, and we will explain what deeper care would involve before doing anything.
You can pay your bill online, and our new patient page explains what to bring to your first visit.
Your dentist: Daniel W. Unzicker, DDS
Dr. Daniel Unzicker, DDS, provides dental exams and cleanings at our Hanford office. He is a general dentist who was born and raised in Hanford, graduated with high honors from the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in 2012 and completed a general practice residency at Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center.
Page last updated November 10, 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. If you have significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma to the head or jaw, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
