Dental Exams & Cleanings in Somerville, MA
Gentle Thorough Care for Your Routine Visits
At Anthony P. Parrella, DMD, your preventive care begins with our Dental Exams & Cleanings service—an essential foundation for lasting oral health. Whether it's your first visit or a routine check-up, every appointment includes a detailed assessment and professional cleaning, customized just for you.
What to Expect During Your Exam
Your appointment begins with a comprehensive exam conducted by Dr. Parrella and one of our experienced hygienists—either Kim or Lynne. We review diagnostic X-rays (as needed) to detect signs of decay, cysts, tumors, or bone loss that aren’t visible to the naked eye. We perform a full oral cancer screening, checking your face, lips, tongue, throat, and gums. Then we assess your gums and bone levels to look for early signs of periodontal disease, followed by an evaluation of each tooth for decay and inspection of any existing restorations, fillings, crowns—anything that might need closer attention
If a deeper analysis is warranted, we offer a chairside BANA bacterial test and can arrange an advanced bacterial culture through Temple University to better understand your risk and tailor your care plan
What Happens During Your Cleaning
Your cleaning is performed by a registered dental hygienist dedicated to patient comfort and thorough care:
- Removing tartar buildup—both above and below the gum line—to eliminate bacterial colonies known to cause gum disease.
- Disrupting bacterial plaque and biofilms in subgingival areas using ultrasonic scalers with antibacterial irrigation.
- Polishing your teeth to lift stains and smooth surfaces that attract plaque
These steps help keep your teeth clean, your gums healthier, and reduce the risk of decay or disease between visits.
Why Regular Exams & Cleanings Matter
Routine cleanings and exams help catch small issues before they become bigger problems. By identifying early signs of decay or gum disease, we can often avoid more invasive, expensive treatments later.
Additionally, regular dental visits help manage dental anxiety—getting familiar with the office and team goes a long way toward making each visit more comfortable
Added Value From Early Detection
By maintaining routine exams and hygiene appointments, you benefit from professional monitoring of your oral health. We screen for oral cancer, assess the integrity of restorations, detect early cavities, monitor bone levels, and help keep periodontal risk in check. This proactive care helps preserve your natural smile, prevent future issues, and contributes to overall well-being
Caring for Nervous Patients
We understand that dental anxiety is common, and our team takes extra steps to ensure each visit is calm and supportive. You’ll never feel rushed—we’ll explain every step and offer relaxation tips or sedation if you need it. Your comfort is a top priority.
Schedule Your Routine Care
Stay proactive—schedule your six-month dental exam and cleaning today. Whether you're maintaining good oral health or have concerns about gingivitis or cavities, we tailor your visit for maximum comfort and long-term benefit.
We’ll confirm your visit and answer any questions.
Let’s Connect — We’d Love to Hear from You
Whether you have a question, need to reschedule, or are ready to book your first visit, our friendly team is here to help. Reach out anytime — we're happy to assist you.
Phone: (617) 625‑3022
Email: office@drparrella.com