Dental Exams & Cleanings

Routine exams and professional cleanings are the foundation of good oral health. Our dental team at Russo Family Dentistry & Aesthetics on Clearview Parkway in Metairie checks your teeth, gums, and mouth for early signs of trouble, including cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, then removes the plaque and tartar that daily brushing misses.

A routine visit combines two services. The exam is your dentist’s full assessment of your teeth, gums, bite, and existing dental work, including a screening for signs of oral cancer. The cleaning is performed by our hygienists, who remove plaque and tartar buildup and polish your teeth.

Together, these visits let small problems get caught while they are still small, when treatment is simpler and less costly.

• Early detection. Cavities, gum disease, and other concerns can be found before they cause pain or need larger treatment.
• Professional plaque and tartar removal. Once plaque hardens into tartar, brushing and flossing cannot remove it. Professional cleaning can.
• Gum health monitoring. Early gum disease is often reversible with good care. Advanced gum disease is managed, not cured, so catching it early matters.
• Connections to overall health. Research has linked gum disease to broader health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

Skipping cleanings does not save money in the long run. Problems found late tend to cost more to fix.

Your dentist assesses your teeth, gums, bite, and any existing restorations, and screens the soft tissues of your mouth for signs of oral cancer.

Digital X rays give a detailed view of areas the eye cannot see, including between teeth and below the gumline. Your dentist will let you know when images are needed.

Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar buildup, polish your teeth, and check the health of your gums. If your gums show signs of disease, your dentist may discuss periodontal care instead of a standard cleaning.

You’ll leave with practical guidance on brushing, flossing, and anything specific to your mouth, whether that’s a fluoride treatment, dental sealants, or a night guard if we see signs of grinding. For more on daily home care, see our dental hygiene page.

Many patients do well with an exam and cleaning every six months. Some need more frequent visits, particularly patients with gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or certain health conditions. Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your mouth, not a one size fits all rule.

A routine cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from the visible tooth surfaces and just below the gumline in a healthy mouth. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease by cleaning further below the gumline where tartar has collected on the roots.

If your exam shows signs of gum disease, your dentist will explain why a deep cleaning may be recommended and what it involves. Learn more on our periodontal care page.

Finding something at a checkup is the system working. Depending on what the exam shows, your dentist may discuss:

• A filling for a cavity
• A crown for a tooth too damaged for a filling
• Root canal therapy for an infected tooth
• Periodontal care for gum disease

You’ll get an explanation of what was found, your options, and what happens if you wait, before anything is scheduled.

The cost of a visit depends on whether X rays are needed and whether any additional treatment is recommended. Contact our office to discuss cost and any insurance questions before your visit.

New patients are always welcome, and families are too. We see children as well as adults, so the whole household can be seen in one place. Call ahead or book online, and our front desk team will walk you through anything you need before your first visit.

Russo Family Dentistry & Aesthetics was founded by Dr. Nicole Russo, a Kenner native who earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from LSU School of Dentistry. She is CITA board certified and a member of the ADA, LDA, and NODA. Our team of dentists and hygienists provides exams and cleanings for patients across Metairie, Kenner, and the greater New Orleans area.

The office is located at 4520 Clearview Parkway in Metairie. See our contact page for current office hours.

Whether you’re due for a checkup or it’s been longer than you’d like, the next step is the same: book a visit. Our team serves patients in Metairie, Kenner, and surrounding Greater New Orleans communities.