General & Emergency Care
Teeth Cleaning & New Patient Exams in Nashville
Your first visit is a full exam with one of our dentists, X-rays, and a cleaning with our hygienist. You leave with clean teeth and a clear picture of what, if anything, needs attention, with prices before any treatment.
- Delta Dental in network; we file other plans for you
- No insurance: $499/year membership covers your first visit
- Free parking right outside the door
Teeth Cleaning & Dental Exams at a Glance
- Appointment time:
- 45-60 minutes for cleaning and exam
- Recovery / results:
- None; immediate results and freshness
- Best for:
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- • Routine maintenance every 6 months
- • Preventing cavities and gum disease
- • Early detection of dental problems
- • Family oral health
Understanding Preventive Dental Care
Why Regular Cleanings & Exams Keep Your Smile Healthy
You brush and floss daily, yet plaque still builds up. Hidden cavities form. Gum disease creeps in. Home care alone cannot reach every surface or remove hardened tartar. That is why professional cleanings and exams anchor preventive dentistry. Preventing dental problems costs less than treating advanced decay or gum disease. A cleaning every six months removes what your toothbrush misses, and a thorough exam catches issues early when treatment is simpler.
During a professional cleaning, our hygienists use specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from above and below your gum line. Scaling eliminates bacteria-laden buildup. Polishing smooths tooth surfaces so plaque has less to grip. We then apply fluoride to strengthen enamel. Dr. D'Aoust performs a comprehensive oral exam at every cleaning visit, checking for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and bite issues. She explains what she finds and what she recommends, without pressure. X-rays reveal problems invisible to the eye. Together, these steps catch problems early, prevent expensive treatments, and keep your smile healthy.
First-time patient? Haven't seen a dentist in years? Routine cleanings and exams are the best starting point. Patients of all ages benefit from regular preventive care, especially those with risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or a family history of gum disease. The American Dental Association recommends cleanings every six months, though some patients with severe gum disease need more frequent visits. Prevention costs less than fillings, crowns, or implants. Schedule your teeth cleaning and exam in Nashville today.
At Nations Dental Studio, your trusted Nashville dentist, we provide Teeth Cleaning & Dental Exams along with comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages.
Cost & Coverage
No insurance? Membership is $499 a year and covers your first exam, X-rays, and cleaning, plus your second cleaning and 15% off most treatment. Without it, a first visit is $476.
You get an exact number, with your insurance checked, before any work starts.
- Delta Dental
- We're in network.
- Other insurance
- We see you out of network and file the claim for you.
- No insurance
- Our membership is $499/year for adults and $349 for kids. It covers two cleanings, exams, and X-rays, plus 15% off most treatment.
- Financing
- Sunbit and CareCredit for treatment over $200. See insurance and payment options.
Your First Visit
What Happens at Your First Exam & Cleaning
Before Your Appointment
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Bring your insurance card, or if you don't have insurance, join the membership at check-in or by calling (615) 933-5800
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Make a list of any dental concerns or symptoms you've noticed
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Bring a list of your current medications
During Your Visit
Check-In and Medical History Update
We update your medical history: new health conditions, medications, or changes in your oral health. This information helps us identify factors that may affect your teeth or gums.
Professional Teeth Cleaning (Scaling)
Our hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup, especially below the gum line where your toothbrush cannot reach. This painless process eliminates the sticky deposits that cause decay and gum disease. You will feel a gentle vibration and hear a soft hum as the scaler works.
Tooth Polishing
After scaling, we polish your teeth with a mild abrasive paste that smooths the surface and removes stains. Your teeth feel smooth and look brighter. Polishing also makes it harder for plaque to stick between visits.
Fluoride Treatment
We apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities. Fluoride hardens tooth structure and makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria.
Comprehensive Dental Exam
Our dentist examines your teeth and gums for cavities, gum disease, signs of oral cancer, and bite issues. X-rays detect problems between teeth and below the gum line that visual exams miss. We screen for early-stage gum disease and assess your overall oral health.
Hygiene Instruction and Recommendations
We review proper brushing and flossing techniques and discuss habits that affect your oral health: diet, smoking, and other risk factors. If we identify any issues, we discuss treatment options and costs.
After Treatment
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Your teeth may be temporarily sensitive; avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages for a few hours
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Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine as instructed by our hygienist
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Schedule your next preventive visit in 6 months (or as recommended for your individual needs)
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Contact our Nashville office if you experience any unusual sensitivity or bleeding gums
Routine Care for Everyone
Who Needs Regular Cleanings & Exams
You may be a good candidate if:
- ✓
All adults and children—preventive care is essential for everyone at every age
- ✓
Patients at higher risk due to smoking, diabetes, or family history of gum disease
- ✓
People with a history of cavities or gum disease who need extra monitoring
- ✓
Anyone interested in maintaining long-term oral health and preventing costly dental problems
- ✓
New patients establishing a relationship with a trusted Nashville dental practice
Other options may be better if:
- •
Patients with advanced gum disease may benefit from deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) in addition to routine cleanings
- •
Those with specific concerns identified during an exam may need additional treatments like cavity fillings or gum disease therapy
Due for your six-month checkup? Haven't seen a dentist in years? Start with a professional cleaning and exam to establish your baseline oral health. We will create a prevention plan tailored to your needs.
Your Questions Answered
Common Questions About Teeth Cleaning & Exams
Are you accepting new patients?
Yes. Book a new-patient exam and cleaning online or call (615) 933-5800. We're at 4900 Centennial Blvd, Suite 104, in The Nations, with free parking right outside.
How much does a teeth cleaning and exam cost in Nashville?
For insured patients, most plans cover cleanings and exams at 100%. We're in network with Delta Dental and file claims for other plans. Without insurance, a new patient's first visit (comprehensive exam $153, full X-ray series $189, adult cleaning $134) comes to $476. After that, a routine visit (cleaning, exam, and bitewing X-rays) is $310. Other cash prices: child cleaning $92, periodic exam $77, four bitewing X-rays $99. We accept FSA and HSA payments, and we verify your benefits before your appointment.
What if I don't have dental insurance?
Join our membership. It's $499 a year for adults and $349 for kids, and it covers two cleanings, exams, and X-rays a year, plus 15% off most other treatment. Your first visit alone is $476 without it, so membership pays for itself on day one and your second cleaning is already covered. No claims, no waiting periods, no annual maximums. Join when you check in for your first visit, or call (615) 933-5800 to sign up ahead of time. Membership can't be combined with dental insurance. If your exam shows you need a deep cleaning instead of a regular one, we explain why and give you the price before we start.
How often should I get a dental exam and cleaning?
The American Dental Association recommends professional cleanings and exams every six months for most people. This schedule helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. However, patients with certain risk factors—including smoking, diabetes, a history of gum disease, or immunosuppression—may benefit from more frequent visits, such as every three to four months. During your exam, we'll recommend a schedule tailored to your individual needs and risk factors.
Does insurance cover teeth cleaning?
Yes, dental insurance typically covers preventive care including teeth cleanings and exams at 100% with no copay or deductible. This is true for most traditional dental plans because preventive care saves insurance companies money in the long run by preventing more expensive treatments. Coverage usually includes two cleanings and exams per year. We'll verify your specific coverage before your visit and let you know if you have any out-of-pocket costs. Patients without insurance receive transparent pricing up front.
What is the teeth cleaning procedure?
Professional teeth cleaning involves four main steps. First, scaling removes plaque and tartar from your teeth using an ultrasonic scaler or hand instruments. Second, polishing uses a gritty paste and rotating brush to smooth tooth surfaces and remove surface stains. Third, fluoride treatment strengthens your enamel to prevent cavities. Finally, a comprehensive exam by the dentist checks for cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. The entire appointment typically takes 45–60 minutes.
What's the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gum line during a routine visit. Deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a more intensive treatment for patients with gum disease. It removes tartar and plaque both above and below the gum line, and smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach. Deep cleaning is typically performed in two to four visits and requires local anesthesia for comfort. We'll recommend deep cleaning if gum disease is detected during your exam.
Is teeth cleaning painful?
Professional teeth cleaning is generally painless, though some patients experience mild sensitivity or discomfort, especially if they have significant tartar buildup or sensitive gums. The ultrasonic scaler produces a gentle vibration and humming sensation rather than pain. If you have sensitive teeth or anxiety about dental visits, let our team know before your appointment. We can apply numbing gel, use gentle techniques, and schedule more frequent breaks to ensure your comfort.
What are the benefits of professional teeth cleaning?
Professional cleanings prevent cavities by removing plaque and tartar your toothbrush can't reach. They prevent gum disease by eliminating bacteria below the gum line. Cleanings remove surface stains, leaving teeth visibly brighter. Regular exams catch problems early—like cavities and oral cancer—when they're easiest and least expensive to treat. Most importantly, routine preventive care saves you money by avoiding costly treatments for decay, gum disease, and advanced problems. Patients who get regular cleanings and exams spend far less on dental care overall.
Should I brush before my dental cleaning?
Yes, you should brush your teeth before your appointment. However, don't worry if you can't brush perfectly—our professional cleaning will remove all plaque and tartar regardless. Brushing before your visit is simply a courtesy to our team and helps you feel fresher during the appointment. If you're unable to brush before your visit, come anyway; we're here to clean your teeth thoroughly.
Complementary Treatments
Related Dental Services
Emergency Dentist
Immediate care for dental injuries, infections, or severe pain. Walk-ins welcome. Same-day treatment for toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, abscesses, lost restorations, and knocked-out teeth.
Family Dentist
One-stop dental care for all family members from infants to seniors. Comprehensive services addressing the needs of every age group under one roof.
Gum Disease Treatment
Professional treatment to reverse or stop gum disease progression and save your teeth. Treatments range from deep cleaning for early disease to advanced therapies for more serious cases.
New Patients Welcome
Book Your First Exam & Cleaning in Nashville
Pick a time online or call us. Most insurance covers this visit, and if you're uninsured, membership does. You'll know any costs before treatment starts.
5-Star reviews from our Nashville patients
We have worked with thousands of amazing patients
Nations Dental Studio has over 515 reviews and a 5.0 rating on Google
"This was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. D'Aoust performed my cleaning and examination. The cleaning was very thorough, very gentle, and informative. She told me the purpose of everything she was performing. Dr. D'Aoust is very personable and welcoming. This was the first time I've actually enjoyed going to a dentist."
"Best dental experience I've ever had! I've never left feeling better after a teeth cleaning. As a new patient, I feel completely comfortable and actually excited to return!"
"Today was my first time at Nations Dental Studio and it was far and away the best experience I have ever had at a dental practice. The hygienist was meticulous and made me feel very comfortable throughout. The specialist was just as great, I really felt like they cared about my teeth/ health like nothing I have experienced at other practices. I cannot say enough good things about my entire visit."
"This was the best dental experience I have ever had. Dr. D'Aoust performed my cleaning and examination. The cleaning was very thorough, very gentle, and informative. She told me the purpose of everything she was performing. Dr. D'Aoust is very personable and welcoming. This was the first time I've actually enjoyed going to a dentist."
"Best dental experience I've ever had! I've never left feeling better after a teeth cleaning. As a new patient, I feel completely comfortable and actually excited to return!"
"Today was my first time at Nations Dental Studio and it was far and away the best experience I have ever had at a dental practice. The hygienist was meticulous and made me feel very comfortable throughout. The specialist was just as great, I really felt like they cared about my teeth/ health like nothing I have experienced at other practices. I cannot say enough good things about my entire visit."
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