Affordable Dental Checkups and Teeth Cleanings in Rego Park, NY
A dental checkup and teeth cleaning in Rego Park takes about an hour at Affordable Dental Care PC and is the single most effective thing you can do for your long-term oral health. In one visit our hygienist removes plaque and tartar, and Dr. Marina Pinkhasova examines your teeth, gums, and soft tissue, reviews digital X-rays, and performs an oral cancer screening. We have cared for families from Rego Park, Forest Hills, Astoria, and across Queens at our Queens Boulevard office since 1998.
Most patients should schedule a checkup and cleaning every six months, and both are covered at little or no cost by most dental insurance plans. New patients can start with our New Patient Special. If signs of gum disease are detected, we may recommend our periodontics services. For younger patients, we may also apply dental sealants as a preventive measure. Call our Affordable Dental Care PC team in Rego Park at (718) 897-3434.
Why Dental Checkups Are Important
Oral health is important to overall health. In addition, oral health problems could be indications of other health problems. Gum disease, for example, can affect the immune system. It is also especially dangerous for pregnant women, as it is linked to premature birth and low birth weight.
Identifying and correcting oral health issues early not only helps protect teeth but may also help reduce the risk of other health problems. Most patients should go in for a regular dental checkup once every six months.
“Oral health problems could be indications of other health problems.”
What Happens at a Dental Checkup and Cleaning
A routine visit at our Rego Park office follows the same sequence every time, so you always know what to expect:
- Health update. We review any changes to your medical history, medications, or dental concerns since your last visit.
- Digital X-rays when needed. Adults usually need bitewing X-rays about once a year; children may need them more often to track developing teeth. Digital sensors use a fraction of the radiation of older film X-rays.
- Teeth cleaning. Our hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar from above and just below the gumline, then polishes the teeth to remove surface stains. Flossing and a fluoride treatment finish the cleaning when appropriate.
- Gum evaluation. We measure the pockets between your gums and teeth. Healthy pockets are 1 to 3 mm deep; deeper pockets are an early sign of gum disease and are caught here long before teeth loosen.
- Exam. Dr. Pinkhasova checks each tooth for decay, cracks, worn or failing fillings, and bite problems, and reviews the X-rays with you.
- Oral cancer screening. A quick visual and tactile check of the tongue, cheeks, lips, palate, and throat. Early detection matters, so this is part of every checkup, not an add-on. Read more on our oral cancer screening page.
- Plan and next visit. If anything needs treatment, you receive a written estimate before anything is scheduled. Otherwise, we book your next six-month visit.
“Deeper gum pockets are an early sign of gum disease and are caught here long before teeth loosen.”
Dental X-rays
New patients and those who have not had them done in a while will be asked to have dental X-rays taken of their mouth at their dental checkup. These X-rays are important because they allow dentists to check the roots beneath the gum line, which are otherwise inaccessible. For the X-rays, the patient will bite down on a piece of plastic that is placed between their teeth. A machine will be placed near their cheek to take the image. Their dentist will then review the image to check for any dental concerns. Our office uses digital X-rays, which produce an image instantly and expose you to far less radiation than traditional film. When a more detailed view is needed for implant planning or a complex root canal, we also offer 3D cone beam scans in-house.
“These X-rays are important for your dental team to be able to check the roots beneath your gum line, which could otherwise not be seen during a routine checkup.”
Teeth Cleaning in Rego Park: Regular Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is the cleaning included in a routine checkup. It removes plaque, tartar, and stains from the crowns of the teeth and just under the gumline, and it is what most patients need twice a year.
A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a treatment for gum disease, not a routine service. When pocket measurements show infection below the gumline, the hygienist or Dr. David Malakov, our periodontist, cleans the root surfaces under local anesthetic, usually over two visits, and the tooth roots are smoothed so the gums can reattach. Patients who have had a deep cleaning then move to periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months instead of a standard six-month cleaning. Our periodontics page explains deep cleaning in detail.
If it has been several years since your last cleaning, do not worry about being lectured. We see patients returning after long gaps every week, and the first step is simply a thorough exam to see where things stand.
“A deep cleaning is a treatment for gum disease, not a routine service.”
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What to Do Between Dental Visits
Keep teeth healthy between dental visits by brushing and flossing regularly. Teeth should be brushed at least twice a day with an American Dental Association-approved, soft-bristled brush.
Limit sugary foods and drinks, as these contribute to tooth decay. Floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food from hard-to-reach places between teeth and around the gum line. Tartar buildup in the mouth can be reduced with good oral hygiene. Less tartar means easier dental cleanings and fewer additional dental treatments, such as fillings.
“Keep teeth healthy between dental visits by brushing and flossing regularly.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why dental checkups are important?
Q. What happens at a dental checkup?
Q. What to do between dental visits?
Q. Are affordable dental checkups available in Rego Park?
Q. What is the difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning?
Q. What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
People Also Ask
Q. What are dental sealants? Are they growing in popularity?
Q. What lifestyle choices help promote good oral health?
Q. Why is good oral hygiene important?
Q. What steps should I take to care for my dental health at home?
The Difference Between a Dental Checkup and a Dental Cleaning
Many people do not realize that there is a difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning at all, primarily because dental cleanings often happen during a dental checkup. In reality, the two are completely different but equally important processes. A dental checkup includes a thorough examination of the patient's mouth. The dental team will take X-rays, examine existing restorations, screen for oral cancer, examine for tooth decay, and screen for gum disease.
They may then conduct a dental cleaning to remove any plaque and tartar buildup in the mouth. A dental cleaning is typically performed by a registered dental hygienist. As stated above, a dental cleaning entails the removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum lines. However, it also includes a professional tooth polishing to get rid of plaque and surface stains.
“Many people do not realize that there is a difference between a dental checkup and a dental cleaning at all, primarily because dental cleanings often happen during a dental checkup.”
Affordable Dental Checkups in Rego Park and Queens
Cost should never be the reason a checkup gets skipped. As our name suggests, we keep routine dental care affordable for patients across Rego Park and Queens, and we explain any costs clearly before treatment. If you have dental insurance, twice-yearly checkups and cleanings are often covered with little or no out-of-pocket cost. If you do not have insurance, we will talk through your options so you can stay on top of your oral health without surprises. We accept most major plans and also treat patients through Local 3 IBEW benefits, No-Fault, and Workers Compensation; see our Insurance and Accepted Plans page.
New patients can get started with our New Patient Special, which includes a comprehensive exam, oral cancer screening, dental X-rays, and a cleaning. It is a simple, affordable way to establish care. Most patients should plan a routine checkup every six months, and we keep first visits comfortable and unhurried, so whether you are returning after time away or coming in for the first time, you will know exactly what to expect. Checkups are the foundation of a broader plan of preventative dental care. Families can book children and parents back to back; see our kid-friendly dentist page, or read what to expect at your first dental visit. Our office is next to the 67th Avenue M and R station, a short trip for patients in Forest Hills, Elmhurst, Kew Gardens, and Astoria.
“As our name suggests, we keep routine dental care affordable for patients across Rego Park and Queens.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it OK to go to the dentist once a year?
A. Even if you take excellent care of your teeth at home, you could have dental issues that you cannot see yourself, such as cracked teeth or tooth decay in hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, even if you are healthy, it is still a good idea to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year. If you have dental insurance, these visits are likely covered with no out-of-pocket cost to you.
Q. I do not have any symptoms. Do I still need to see a dentist?
A. You should still see a dentist for a checkup twice a year, even if you are not experiencing any dental symptoms. Removing plaque and tartar from your teeth is important for preventing tooth decay, which can lead to larger dental problems.
Q. Do I really need to floss every day?
A. Yes. Flossing can remove bacteria and plaque from places that your toothbrush cannot reach. Get in the habit of flossing every day. It only takes a couple of minutes.
Q. Is it safe to go to the dentist when I'm pregnant?
A. Yes. Routine checkups and cleanings are safe and recommended during pregnancy, since pregnancy raises the risk of gum inflammation. Tell us you are pregnant when you book. Routine X-rays are usually postponed until after delivery, and if an X-ray is needed to diagnose a problem, a lead apron and thyroid collar make it safe.
Q. Why are dental X-rays necessary?
A. There are many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues that can only be seen with a dental X-ray. These include infections in the bone, gum disease, small areas of decay between the teeth or below fillings, and more.
Q. How much does a dental checkup cost?
A. The cost of a dental checkup varies depending on whether X-rays or additional treatment are needed. If you have dental insurance, routine checkups are often covered with little or no out-of-pocket cost. New patients can also use our New Patient Special, which bundles an exam, X-rays, and a cleaning. Call (718) 897-3434 and we can review your coverage.
Q. How often should I get a dental checkup?
A. Most patients should have a dental checkup every six months. Some patients with gum disease or other risk factors may need to come in more often. We will recommend a schedule that fits your needs.
Q. What should I expect at my first dental checkup?
A. Your first checkup usually includes a full exam of your teeth and gums, X-rays if you have not had them recently, and a cleaning. We take time to answer your questions and keep the visit comfortable and unhurried, so you leave knowing your oral health status and any next steps.
Q. How long does a dental checkup and cleaning take?
A. Plan on about 45 to 60 minutes for a routine checkup and cleaning. A first visit with a full set of X-rays and a comprehensive exam can take a little longer. We run on time so you can fit the visit into a lunch break or before work.
Q. Do you offer teeth cleaning in Rego Park for patients from other parts of Queens?
A. Yes. Our office at 98-120 Queens Boulevard is next to the 67th Avenue M and R station and on several Queens Boulevard bus routes, so patients come for checkups and cleanings from Forest Hills, Elmhurst, Kew Gardens, Middle Village, Astoria, and across Queens.
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Dental Terminology
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A checkup and cleaning every six months is the cheapest dental care you will ever buy, because it prevents the expensive kind. If you are due, or overdue, for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning in Rego Park, our team is here to help. To schedule a dental checkup or for help with your dental questions, please call our team at 718-897-3434.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business, license, and website security
- Affordable Dental Care PC was established in 1998.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Queens
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