the Price of a Dental Cleaning and Check-up

I got a routine teeth cleaning and dental check-up with X-rays.

My teeth were cleaned, the gums were checked (the hygienist read off whatever the mysterious numbers are that measure something about my gums), flossed, X-rays were taken, and the dentist came in and looked at the X-rays.

I paid for this because my dental insurance thought it was too soon for me to have a cleaning.

I love my dentist. She is professional and friendly and remembers details about me that just baffle me. The hygienists are chatty (must they ask questions when they have their hands in my mouth?) and thorough. I have really sensitive teeth and gums, so sometimes they put some topical anesthetic on my gums. They always remember that I have that problem.

The hygienist made the teeth cleaning the most pleasant experience that a teeth cleaning can be. The dentist came to check on my X-rays, and to reassure me that everything was OK.

If you're a wimp about dentists, like me (sensitive teeth), then a good, compassionate dentist is really important. I would recommend choosing a dentist based on the recommendations of people you know. Also, if you are nervous at all, have the hygienist explain everything to you before he or she actually does it.

Also, make sure that you know the details of your dental insurance coverage. I thought that mine would pay for two cleanings a year but it turns out that they will only do that if they are 6 months apart. Because of scheduling, they were closer together and I had to pay for one.