Say Hello to Healthier Teeth with Expert Dental Exams and Cleanings
Regular dental checkups with teeth cleanings and good at-home dental care are important for keeping your teeth healthy and preventing inflammation, infection, decay, and tooth loss.
At Byrne Dental, we recommend that patients visit our Rapid City office for a dental exam and dental cleaning every six months. For certain patients, we may suggest more frequent dentist visits, especially if you have a higher frequency of cavities, genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay, as well as gum disease.
More frequent visits help us protect you from oral health issues and will also help evaluate if your at-home dental hygiene habits are working. These visits are important to prevent issues from turning into larger problems with your teeth, gums, and overall health.
Need a reliable dentist in Rapid City? Choose Byrne Dental for all your dental care needs.
Why Choose Byrne Dental?
- A+ Rating by BBB
- Same-Day Appointments
- 5% Senior Discount for 65+
- We Work With Most Insurance Companies
Contact Us
Hours
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Monday - Wednesday 8:30am - 5:00pm
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Thursday 8:30am - Noon
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Friday - Sunday CLOSED
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone should have a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. However, your dentist might suggest more frequent visits based on your oral health needs.
During a dental checkup, Dr. Byrne will:
• Examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of disease or decay.
• Check for any changes in your oral health since your last visit.
• Look for signs of oral cancer.
• Possibly take X-rays to see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums.
A teeth cleaning usually includes:
• Removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
• Polishing of teeth to remove stains and smooth the surface.
• Flossing and sometimes an application of fluoride or other protective measures.
For most people, teeth cleaning does not hurt. However, if you have gum disease or haven’t had a cleaning in a while, you might experience some discomfort. We use techniques and tools to minimize any pain or discomfort.
Typically, a routine checkup and cleaning can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the condition of your teeth and gums.
Many dental insurance plans cover preventive care like checkups and cleanings, often at 100% if you stay within your network. However, coverage can vary, so it’s best to check with your insurance provider.
• Brush and floss before your appointment to remove any loose particles.
• Make a list of any changes in your health, new medications, or concerns about your oral health.
• If you have dental anxiety, discuss this with our team beforehand for accommodations.
Absolutely. We recommend that children begin dental checkups by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears, and continue with regular visits to monitor and guide their dental development.
If you have sensitive teeth, please inform us before the cleaning starts. We can adjust our methods or use desensitizing agents to help make the process more comfortable.
Even with good home care, dental professionals can detect problems that are not visible or symptomatic, such as early decay, gum disease, or oral cancer. Regular checkups help prevent small issues from becoming bigger, more expensive problems.
Yes, you can eat after your teeth are cleaned. However, we recommend avoiding very hot, cold, or hard foods if you’ve had any sensitivity or mild discomfort during the cleaning.