A lot of people aren't sure what to expect, especially if it's been a while. Here's exactly what happens when you come in.
When you arrive, our front desk team, Tania or Sandy, will get you checked in and take care of any paperwork. If it's your first visit, we'll go over your health history and any medications you're currently taking.
From there, you'll meet Tara, our dental hygienist with over 33 years of experience. She'll begin with a careful assessment of your gums, checking for any signs of inflammation, recession, or early gum disease.
Next comes the cleaning itself. Tara removes plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline, areas that regular brushing and flossing simply can't reach on their own. She'll polish your teeth and floss between every tooth. If you have any sensitive spots, just let her know.
After the cleaning, Dr. Hinman will come in for your exam. He reviews your X-rays, checks for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, abnormal wear, and any other changes since your last visit. He'll walk you through everything he finds in plain language, with no pressure, and talk through any recommendations before you leave.
The whole appointment typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
It's easy to skip a cleaning when your teeth feel fine. But feeling fine isn't the same as being fine, and that's exactly the point of a routine visit.
Catching problems before they get expensive. Cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer rarely cause pain in their early stages. A routine exam catches these things when they're small and inexpensive to treat.
Removing buildup you can't remove yourself. No matter how diligently you brush and floss, tartar can only be removed by a professional. Left in place, it irritates your gums and creates the conditions for gum disease.
Your mouth and your overall health are connected. Untreated gum disease has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and diabetes complications. Taking care of your teeth isn't just about your smile.
Keeping costs down over time. A twice-yearly cleaning costs a fraction of a filling, root canal, or extraction. Prevention is always the better investment.
For most adults, every 6 months is the standard recommendation. Some patients with a history of gum disease, dry mouth, or certain health conditions may benefit from cleanings every 3 to 4 months. At your first visit, Dr. Hinman will make a recommendation based on what he actually sees, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
If you haven't been to the dentist in years, that's okay. We see patients at every stage and in every situation. There's no judgment here, only a genuine effort to help you get back on track.
For everything else you need to know, see our Patient Information page.
Not having dental insurance shouldn't stop you from getting the care you need. At Vineland Dental we offer:
Ask our front desk about any of these when you call or come in. We'll help you figure out what makes the most sense for your situation.
A lot of dental offices say they're welcoming and judgment-free. We actually mean it.
Dr. Hinman built this practice around 1 standard: no patient ever leaves without knowing exactly what happened and why. Our team, Tania, Sandy, Ashley, Deborah, and Tara, has a combined experience of over 100 years in this practice and in this community. We know this neighborhood, and we care about the people in it.
If you speak Spanish, Tania and Ashley are here for you. Se habla espanol.
A: Most appointments take between 45 and 60 minutes. Your first visit may run slightly longer since we'll be going over your full health history and taking X-rays.
A: For most patients, a routine cleaning is completely comfortable. You may feel some pressure or sensitivity around the gumline, especially if it's been a while. Let Tara know if anything is uncomfortable and she'll adjust.
A: At your first visit, we'll take a full set of X-rays for a complete baseline. After that, most patients have bitewing X-rays taken annually and a full set every 3 to 5 years. Dr. Hinman will only recommend X-rays when there's a clinical reason.
A: Come in. No judgment, no lecture. We see patients who haven't been seen in years. The most important thing is getting started.
A: Just brush and floss before you come in. Don't skip the appointment because you feel like your teeth aren't clean enough, that's what we're here for.
A: Preventive care like cleanings and exams is covered by most dental insurance plans, usually 2 visits per year at little or no out-of-pocket cost. No insurance? See our membership plan.
A: Yes. In fact, regular professional cleanings are one of the most important parts of managing gum disease. Tara is experienced in adapting her technique for sensitive patients.
