Dental Exams & Oral Hygiene

For Healthy Teeth and Gums

Oral Hygiene

Why is oral hygiene so important? Adults over 35 lose more teeth to gum disease (periodontal disease) than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and periodontal disease is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily, along with professional cleanings by a hygienist and regular dental exams.

To see a demonstration of proper brushing and flossing techniques, watch our educational videos:

Dental Exams

You should visit your dentist every 3-to-6 months as recommended by your dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning. At those times, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and provide an evaluation of any dental problems and a proposed treatment plan to return your mouth to health.

Gum Disease

Periodontal disease (gum disease) and decay are both caused by bacterial plaque. Plaque is a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By thorough daily brushing and flossing you can remove these germs and help prevent periodontal disease.

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Preventative Care – Dental Exam FAQ

Learn more about different types of hygiene appointments:

Read our recent blog article about this topic


Q. What is a ‘deep cleaning’?

A ‘deep cleaning’ is an old term that describes periodontal root planing and scaling. It is a non-surgical periodontal therapeutic procedure designed to remove bacteria and calculus accumulations, deep under the gum tissue on the root surface of the teeth. Your dental hygienist provides these services following the administration of dental anesthesia by your dentist. The goal is to help the gum tissue heal, by eliminating inflammation and bleeding, promoting shrinkage of the periodontal pocketing. Oftentimes this prevents the need for gum surgery.


Q. Does dental ‘scraping’ remove enamel from my teeth?

A. When your dental hygienist scrapes your teeth during your cleaning procedure, she is removing accumulations of food, bacterial plaque and hardened calculus. The instruments are specially designed to remove the debris without damaging your teeth. Also, the enamel of a tooth is very hard and in the hands of your professionally-trained hygienist, the enamel is left smooth as glass.


Patient Reviews for Dental Exam and Teeth Cleaning

> Read all of our Reviews

Colony Square Dental Associates

5 out of 5 stars based on 82 Dental Cleaning and Exam reviews.

Patient Review

I have been a patient at Colony Square Dental Associates since 2005. The staff is always very professional and helpful, making it easy to schedule appointments. Cheryl and Karen are both outstanding hygienists. Dr. Diora is also a pleasure to work with. She is very knowledgeable and truly cares about each patient's dental health.

- Conoly F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Everyone at Colony Square Dental Associates are very efficient love Dr Diora. The staff is friendly.

- Michelle P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I came to Dr. Hochberg and Karen (my hygienist) after some previous, unhappy experiences with dentistry. They have been great from the start (15 years!). I've been happy with my treatment (including dental implants) and with the administrative staff. I have complete confidence in their approach and ability to provide the best dental care.

- Holly P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I have been patient of Dr. Hochberg for 16 years. He and his staff are extremely professional, warm, and friendly.

- Tracy

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Have been a patient of the Colony Square Dental Associates for over 25 years. The service is always prompt. The staff members are friendly and professional.

- Sallie C

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

This office, and Karen, were recommended for good reason, and I'm glad I took the recommendation. Enjoyable experience every time. Everyone is friendly and knowledgeable... What more could you ask for?

- Jeremy B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Everyone is always friendly and very courteous. Wouldn't keep coming if staff wasn't the best.

- Aaron S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I've been coming to this office for almost 30 years and I have always been happy with the service provided by the office staff and dentists.

- Mary Beth K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

The staff is great. From answering the phones, to the hygienist, to the docs. Superb service all the way around!! Karen is always nice and pleasant. Keeps your teeth in great shape!! Front office always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Hochberg is the best. Coolest dentist in Atl! You can't find a better dentist office with top quality care! If you want great care and clean teeth then this is the place to be! 5 stars easily!

- Akilah G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I have been coming to the Colony Square office for about fifteen years, and they always treat me like I'm family. Everyone in this office is kind and courteous, and above all, they take extremely good care of your teeth!

- Lauren F

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Everyone is always very friendly. I've been coming here for years and they take good care me.

- Todd M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I have been searching for years for a dental service I could trust and feel confident in. My son said you should try Dr Hochberg. He's been my dentist for a long time and I think you'll find what you're looking for. Indeed I did! I walked into a friendly office and was greeted by staff who like what they do and each other. Dr Hochberg greeted me warmly and welcomed me to his practice. After my visit, I knew I had found my dental "home". Dr Hochberg is the real thing! Clearly professional (he is Chair of a prestigious national professional Dental association) and sincere in caring for his patients. He even checks on them after an extraction or other similar procedure to make sure they are okay!! Remarkable!! Another clue this practice is extraordinary comes from patients in his waiting room, "Oh, is this your first visit? You are going to love Dr Hochberg! I've been coming for years!!." Can't get better than that!!

- Ann B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I have been a patient for more than a decade and I am as satisfied today as I was with my very first visit. I would and do recommend this practice every chance I get.

- Millicentt S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Been coming for 20 plus years and have always been treated wonderfully well. It is a super practice on all levels.

- Barry L

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I have been a patient of Dr. Hochberg's for over 30 years. The entire staff and Dr. Hochberg have always acted in the most professional manner when dealing with me as a patient. I rarely have dental issues, but when they have arisen in the past, the staff and Dr. H got me into the office quickly and resolved the problem. I've recommended the practice to friends and colleagues and will continue to do so in the future.

- lynn a

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Excellent care, service, and no wait time. Always on time which is also very important to me.

- Deborah S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Love this place! Been coming here since I can remember 🙂

- Lena B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Dr. Hochberg and the entire staff always provide excellent care in a relaxed environment.

- Debra S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

I always have a great experience here. The staff are friendly, inviting, and personable. Definitely makes coming to the dentist more enjoyable!

- Jordan S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review

Karen has been my hygienist you years. She is wonderful. My family has also used Phyllis, who is also great! The reception staff are efficient and friendly. Dr Hochberg takes good care of us!

- Suzanne B

5 out of 5 stars on