Dental Exams & Cleanings in Red Bank, NJ
A solid home routine matters, but it cannot replace the in-office exams at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine, which are essential for preventing disease and catching problems early. Through thorough, proactive care rooted in a holistic approach to dentistry, Dr. Glenn A. MacFarlane and his team help patients in Red Bank, NJ achieve their oral health goals.
What it is
A professional dental cleaning paired with a comprehensive oral examination, working together to evaluate and maintain your oral health.
Who it's for
Every patient. To stay on top of routine evaluation and cleaning, the ADA recommends seeing the dentist at least twice a year.
Our approach
At every visit we keep whole-body wellness in mind, using fluoride-free polishing pastes and biocompatible materials.
Ready for your next checkup? Schedule your exam and cleaning with Dr. MacFarlane today.
What's Included in a Comprehensive Dental Exam
Conditions such as periodontal disease or tooth decay can quietly affect your oral health, and many patients have no idea they are present. Routine comprehensive dental examinations let us maintain healthy smiles, catch problems early enough for successful intervention, and prevent emergencies before they happen.
Every dental examination involves both an intraoral and extraoral evaluation, looking beyond the teeth and gums to the lips, cheeks, and other areas where signs of oral cancer may exist. To see what the eye cannot detect, we rely on digital X-rays. The dentist also checks any previous restorations, including veneers, crowns, bridges, and fillings, to confirm they remain fully intact.
Diagnostic Evaluation
- Intraoral and extraoral evaluation covering teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, and soft tissues
- Checking for oral cancer warning signs and other abnormalities
- Digital X-rays that reveal issues invisible to the naked eye
- Assessment of bite alignment and jaw joint (TMJ) function
Restoration Review
- Review of existing veneers, crowns, bridges, and fillings
- Spotting early signs of tooth decay or gum disease
- Treatment recommendations personalized to what we find
- A conversation about your concerns and overall oral health goals
Professional Dental Cleanings
Maintaining good oral hygiene depends in part on in-office cleanings. Once plaque hardens into tartar or calculus, daily brushing at home can no longer remove it, and the bacteria left behind can begin to drive whole-body inflammation if untreated. Using a professional cleaning, our trained and skilled dental hygienists clear plaque, tartar, and calculus from the surfaces of your teeth and gums, reaching the spots a toothbrush struggles with. In keeping with our holistic approach to your care, our polishing pastes contain no fluoride, flavorings, oils, or dyes.
For routine evaluation and cleaning, the American Dental Association recommends that patients visit the dentist no less than twice a year. We recommend a professional oral cleaning every six months at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine, which removes plaque build-up, prevents infection, and keeps your smile healthy for life.
Has your last cleaning slipped past the six-month mark? Book your professional cleaning today.
Dental Hygiene Tips for a Healthy Smile
Our team works hard to improve your oral health during your time at our office, but what you do between visits matters just as much, and consistent oral hygiene at home keeps your smile on track. To help your smile stay in optimal health, Dr. MacFarlane recommends these basic steps:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, or after each meal. A soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride-free toothpaste are what we encourage.
- Floss at least once every day. Bedtime, just before you sleep, is the most important moment to do it.
- Eat a balanced diet. Cutting back on sugary and acidic foods helps prevent tooth decay.
- Maintain regular visits to the dentist every six months. Each visit pairs professional teeth cleaning with a thorough dental exam so we can provide any needed preventive or restorative treatments.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your Exam & Cleaning Visit
- Welcome and health review: We go over your medical and dental history, noting any medications or changes since your last visit
- Digital X-rays: Using low radiation, this imaging captures a detailed view of your teeth, roots, and jawbone
- Comprehensive exam: Dr. MacFarlane carries out a thorough intraoral and extraoral evaluation, with an oral cancer screening included
- Professional cleaning: Plaque, tartar, and calculus are removed by our dental hygienist, who then polishes your teeth with fluoride-free paste
- Review and recommendations: Dr. MacFarlane walks you through the findings, answers your questions, and outlines any recommended treatments
Good to Know
- Plan on roughly 45 minutes to one hour for a typical exam and cleaning appointment
- Come with a list of current medications and any dental concerns you'd like to discuss
- Fluoride, flavorings, oils, and dyes are all absent from our polishing pastes
- Most dental insurance plans are accepted, and we offer flexible payment options
- Should additional treatment be needed, we will review all options and create a personalized plan
Regular checkups are where a healthy smile begins. Contact us to schedule your next exam and cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
A healthy smile is built on preventive care. Schedule your exam and cleaning at The Center for Holistic Dental Medicine in Red Bank, NJ.