General Dentistry · Pueblo West, CO
Cleanings & checkups
The foundation of lifelong oral health.
Twice-a-year cleanings, exams, digital X-rays, and oral cancer screenings — quietly the most important visits you make.
- Visit time
- 60 min
- Frequency
- Every 6 months
- X-rays
- Digital, low-dose
- Cancer screening
- Every visit
What It Is
The visit you don't skip, even when nothing hurts.
A routine cleaning and exam at Blaskovich Family Dental includes professional plaque and tartar removal, polishing, an updated set of digital X-rays as needed, an oral cancer screening, and a comprehensive exam with Dr. Mark.
These visits catch problems while they're small — small cavities that need a filling, not a crown; gum issues caught early; oral cancer found at a treatable stage. The American Dental Association recommends most adults have these visits every six months. Patients with periodontal disease or higher risk factors benefit from more frequent visits.
Your 6-month cleaning is also when fluoride treatment, sealants for kids, and oral health coaching happen. The most expensive dental procedure is the one you needed five years ago and didn't know about.
The Process
What happens at a checkup visit.
- 01
Health history update
5 minNew medications, medical conditions, or concerns since your last visit are noted. Many medical conditions and medications affect oral health, so this matters.
- 02
X-rays as needed
5 minDigital bitewing X-rays are taken about once per year for most adults to check for cavities between teeth — areas that aren't visible on exam alone. A panoramic X-ray every 3–5 years checks bone health and the roots of teeth.
- 03
Periodontal evaluation
10 minPocket depths around each tooth are measured to check for gum disease. Recession, bleeding, and tissue health are noted.
- 04
Professional cleaning
20–30 minHardened plaque (tartar) is removed using ultrasonic and hand instruments, teeth are polished, and you get fresh-from-the-cleaning teeth that you couldn't have produced at home.
- 05
Oral cancer screening
5 minVisual and tactile examination of the soft tissues — tongue, cheeks, palate, throat, lips, and lymph nodes. Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early; this screening is one of the best reasons not to skip checkups.
- 06
Doctor exam and findings review
10 minYour dentist reviews X-rays, exam findings, and any concerns. You receive a clear summary of what's healthy, what to watch, and what (if anything) needs treatment.
Patient Trust
5 stars across 580+ Google reviews.
Blaskovich Family Dental is a small, doctor-owned practice — not a corporate chain — and our patients have made us the most-reviewed dental office in Pueblo West.
FAQ
Cleanings & Checkups — questions answered.
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How much does a cleaning and checkup cost in Pueblo West?
A routine adult cleaning, exam, and bitewing X-rays at Blaskovich Family Dental typically cost $200–$300 total. Most PPO insurance plans cover preventive visits at 100% with no deductible — meaning many patients have nothing out of pocket. We bill your insurance directly as a courtesy.
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How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Every 6 months is the standard for most adults. Patients with active periodontal disease or specific risk factors (diabetes, smoking, history of gum disease) often benefit from cleanings every 3 to 4 months. Dr. Mark and your hygienist will recommend the schedule that fits your needs.
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Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Modern digital dental X-rays expose you to a tiny fraction of the radiation that older film X-rays did — less than the radiation you receive from a single cross-country flight. The diagnostic value (catching cavities, infections, and bone issues invisible to the eye) far outweighs the minimal exposure. Lead aprons are used. Pregnant patients can defer non-essential X-rays.
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Does the cleaning hurt?
For most patients, no. Some sensitivity is normal if you have inflamed gums, exposed roots, or haven't been in for a while. Tell your hygienist — they can adjust technique, use desensitizing products, or offer topical anesthetic. Cleanings should never be excruciating.
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What if I haven't been to the dentist in years?
You're welcome here without judgment. We see plenty of patients who haven't had dental care in 5, 10, or even 20 years. The first visit is about figuring out where you are now and creating a plan to get you healthy — at a pace that works for you. Many "I haven't been in years" patients are surprised that their situation isn't as bad as they feared.
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Are kids welcome?
Yes. Blaskovich Family Dental is a family practice and we see children. We recommend a child's first dental visit by age 1, or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in. Routine cleanings start around age 3 in most cases.
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What's included in a cleaning?
A standard preventive visit (D1110 or D1120) includes plaque and tartar removal, polishing, fluoride treatment if appropriate, an oral cancer screening, periodontal evaluation, doctor exam, and necessary X-rays. Patients with gum disease may need a different type of cleaning called scaling and root planing — a deeper, therapeutic cleaning.
Ready to talk it through?
Call us, request online, or stop by the office at 332 Orchard Springs Dr, Suite 110, Pueblo West. Most consultations are quick, and many can happen the same week you call.
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