Dental Cleanings & Exams in Chicago, IL

The Foundation of a Healthy Smile

If there's one thing every dentist agrees on, it's this: prevention is always better and less costly than treatment. Routine dental cleanings and comprehensive exams are the cornerstone of good oral health, and at Smile Era Dental, we've made them as comfortable, thorough, and informative as possible.

Whether you're coming in for your twice-yearly visit or it's been a while since your last appointment, our team is here to meet you where you are, with zero judgment and a whole lot of care.

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What Is a Dental Cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning, also called a prophylaxis, goes far beyond what even the most diligent brushing and flossing routine can achieve at home. Over time, plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) build up in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush alone. If left untreated, this buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other more serious oral health issues.

During your cleaning at Smile Era Dental, our dental hygienist will:

Remove plaque and tartar from all surfaces of your teeth, including along and below the gumline
Polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave your smile feeling fresh and smooth
Floss between every tooth to clear debris and check for gum sensitivity
Rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining particles
Apply fluoride treatment if recommended, to strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities

The result? A cleaner, fresher mouth and a smile that feels brand new.

What Is a Comprehensive Dental Exam?

A dental exam is much more than a quick look inside your mouth. At Smile Era Dental, our doctors conduct a thorough, head-to-toe evaluation of your oral health to catch potential issues early, before they become bigger, more costly problems.

Your comprehensive exam includes:

CONSULT

This is the first step in the full arch process. During this appointment, you will meet with your Dr. Kurt O. Bally DMD FICOI to discuss your needs and options for dental implants. The consultation will typically take about an hour. This first and free visit is $525 value.

STEP 1

STEP 2

RECORDS

Your dentist will take a series of records, including dental x-rays, 3D scans, and photographs. These records will be used to create a treatment plan and to fabricate your dental implants.

PRE-SURGICAL CONSULT

This appointment is held before the surgery to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the recovery process. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have.

STEP 3

STEP 4

SURGERY

This is the procedure where the implants are placed into your jawbone. The surgery typically takes about 2 hours per jaw and is done safely with oral anesthesia. All patients leave with their new temporary teeth on the day of the surgery and will return within 1-2 weeks to have their first post-op visit and receive their fist implant prototype teeth. It is important to remain on a very soft diet after surgery and before receiving your first prototype.

PROTOTYPES

1-2 weeks after your surgery you will return to check your healing and receive your first set of implant prototype teeth that will be attached directly to your implants. We allow up to 3 versions of teeth during the healing process to ensure the dentist and patient is happy with the look and feel. As your implants heal your dentist will create a series of prototypes for your implant bridge. These prototypes will be used to test the fit and function of the bridge before it is permanently placed.

STEP 5

STEP 6

HEALING

The implants will need to heal for 4-6 months before the next step can be taken. Dr. Bally will also provide a night guard to help prevent excess pressure from going to your implants. As you heal you will remain on a soft diet.

PROTOTYPING AND VERIFICATION

Once the implants have healed, your dentist will create a final prototype of your dental bridge. This prototype will be verified to ensure that it is the correct size, shape, and color. Before authorizing the fabrication of your new zirconia implant smile.

STEP 7

STEP 8

DELIVERY

This is the appointment where your permanent dental bridge is placed. The procedure typically takes about 1 hour. It's a truly rewarding visit for everyone.

POST-DELIVERY CONSULT AND DOCUMENTATION

This appointment is held after your new zirconia implant smile is installed and your final night guard is given and instructions to maintain your smile are discussed. Final pictures, X-rays and video mark the end of your zirconia implant smile journey.

STEP 9

STEP 10

MAINTENANCE

Your zirconia implant smile will need to be maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it continues to function properly. This may include cleaning, adjustments, and checkups.

Tooth-by-Tooth Evaluation

Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will carefully examine each tooth for signs of decay, damage, wear, or sensitivity, catching cavities and structural issues at their earliest, most treatable stages.

1

Gum Health Assessment

We evaluate the health of your gum tissue and measure periodontal pocket depths to check for early signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis). Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile.

2

Oral Cancer Screening

As part of every comprehensive exam, we perform a thorough oral cancer screening, examining your lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and surrounding tissues for any unusual changes. Early detection saves lives, and this quick, painless check is one of the most important things we do.

3

Bite & Jaw Evaluation

We assess how your teeth come together and check for signs of teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw tension, or TMJ-related issues that could affect your comfort and long-term dental health.

4

X-Rays & Diagnostic Imaging

Where needed, we take digital X-rays or utilize our advanced

5

CBCT 3D imaging technology

to get a detailed look at what's happening beneath the surface, including bone levels, tooth roots, and structures not visible to the naked eye. This level of diagnostic precision allows us to catch issues earlier and plan treatment more accurately.

6

Review of Medical History

Your overall health and any medications you take can have a direct impact on your oral health. We review your medical history to ensure your dental care is fully coordinated with your broader health picture.

7

How Often Should You Come In?

For most patients, we recommend a professional cleaning and exam every six months. However, some patients, particularly those managing gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or other oral health conditions, may benefit from more frequent visits. Our team will recommend the schedule that's right for you based on your individual needs.

What About Patients Who Haven't Been in a While?

If it's been more than a year or several years since your last dental visit, please know that you are absolutely welcome at Smile Era Dental. We see patients at every stage of their oral health journey, and our team approaches every appointment with compassion and understanding, not criticism.

In some cases, patients who haven't been seen in a while may need a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) rather than a standard cleaning. If that's the case, our dentists will walk you through exactly what that involves, why it's recommended, and what you can expect, before anything is scheduled.

Schedule Your Dental Cleaning in Chicago, IL Today

Don't put it off any longer. A healthy smile starts with a single appointment and our team at Smile Era Dental is ready to take great care of you.

Book Your Appointment Today

We welcome new patients and accept most major PPO insurance plans. Same-week appointments may be available. Call to find out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings & Exams

Absolutely — and this is one of the most important questions we get. Many of the most serious dental conditions, including cavities between teeth, early gum disease, bone loss, and even oral cancer, have no visible symptoms or pain in their early stages. By the time something hurts or looks wrong, the problem is often already advanced. Regular exams at Smile Era Dental allow Dr. Philip and Dr. Thomas to catch and treat issues early — saving you significant time, discomfort, and expense down the road.

Not even a little. We see patients at every stage of their oral health journey, and our team approaches every appointment with compassion, not criticism. What matters is that you're here now. In some cases, patients who haven't been seen in a while may require a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) before resuming routine preventive care. If that's the case, Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas will explain exactly what's involved, why it's recommended, and what you can expect — before anything is scheduled.

Yes! We warmly welcome patients of all ages at Smile Era Dental, including young children. We recommend scheduling a child's first dental visit around their first birthday or when their first tooth appears — whichever comes first. Starting early helps establish positive dental habits and makes future visits much easier. Our team is experienced in making young patients feel comfortable and at ease.

Yes, and we feel strongly about this. Oral cancer affects tens of thousands of Americans every year, and when caught early, the survival rate is significantly higher. The screening takes just a few minutes, is completely painless, and is performed as a standard part of every comprehensive exam at Smile Era Dental. It's one of the simplest and most impactful things we do for our patients' overall health — not just their dental health.

A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is a preventive treatment for patients with generally healthy gums. A deep cleaning — also called scaling and root planing — is a therapeutic treatment for patients who have developed gum disease. It goes below the gumline to remove tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces of the teeth. If Dr. Philip or Dr. Thomas determines that a deep cleaning is needed, they will explain the process fully and answer all of your questions before proceeding.

Yes. Smile Era Dental is in-network with most major PPO dental insurance plans, and preventive services like cleanings and exams are typically covered at a high percentage — often at no cost to you. Our team will verify your benefits before your appointment and handle all insurance billing on your behalf. Not sure if we accept your plan? Call us at 773-594-0655 and we'll check for you right away.