Sullivan Dental Partners

(615) 373-1012

5015 Harpeth Dr. Brentwood, TN 37027

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Sullivan Dental Partners > In-House Lab > Dental Cleanings and Exams

Prevention is the hallmark of achieving and maintaining healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

Dental Cleanings and Exams in Brentwood, TN

Woman pointing at her mouth, brentwood tn Our dental team encourages prevention and is pleased to welcome patients of all ages.

Dental cleanings and exams are at the heart of a healthy smile. These treatments help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health for life.

Even if you’re a dedicated brusher and flosser (which we applaud the commitment), six-month checkups are still crucial to prevention.

Teeth cleanings help lower your risks for the following oral health conditions or issues:

Tooth Decay
Tooth Loss
Gingivitis
Periodontal Disease
Tooth Infections
Bad Breath

The Benefits of Prevention

Preventive dentistry is all about maintaining your smile's long-term health. Below, we share a few benefits you may not have considered.

Saves You Money

By preventing oral health issues, you save time and money on ongoing dental treatment and maintenance.

Freshens Your Breath

Professional teeth cleanings in Brentwood, TN, remove the bacteria and tartar that cause recurring bad breath.

Keeps You in Candidacy

Today, you may only need checkups, but if you want cosmetic dentistry in the future, prevention helps keep you in candidacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I visit the dentist?

The general rule of thumb is to visit twice a year, but it really depends on your unique smile. Just like hot chicken preferences and honky-tonk playlists, dental care isn’t one-size-fits-all.

For most people, a dental checkup and cleaning every six months helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Plus, regular visits allow your dentist in Nashville to catch small problems before they turn into costly, painful ones.

However, some patients may need more frequent visits. If you have gum disease, a history of cavities, or wear braces, your dentist might recommend coming in more often to keep your teeth and gums in top shape.

On the flip side, if your teeth and gums are in rockstar condition, your dentist may suggest yearly visits—but only if your oral health stays on track between appointments.

Schedule Your Dental Exam and Cleaning in Nashville

At Sullivan Dental Partners, we customize your dental care plan based on what your smile needs. Whether it’s been six months or six years since your last visit, we’re here to help keep your teeth looking and feeling great. Schedule your next appointment today!

We welcome patients of all ages to our dental office in Nashville, and we can't wait to welcome you!

Beyond cavities, what serious conditions is my dentist screening for?

Regular dental visits do far more than check for cavities. During routine exams, your dentist evaluates your entire oral and facial health, seeking to detect serious conditions before their symptoms are noticeable. These screenings play a key role in protecting both your smile and your overall health.

Conditions Your Dentist Is Actively Monitoring

One of the most important screenings is for oral cancer. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes. During an oral exam, your dentist examines your tongue, cheeks, throat, and soft tissues for unusual lumps, sores, or color changes that could signal early-stage cancer.

Dentists also screen for gum disease, which can progress quietly in its early stages. If left untreated, however, gum disease can progress, causing infection and jawbone density and tooth loss. Signs like gum inflammation, bleeding, and pocket depth changes are carefully monitored at each visit.

Jaw joint issues and bite alignment problems are another focus. Conditions like TMJ disorders can cause headaches, facial pain, uneven tooth wear, and even cracking or breakage. Dentists look for signs of teeth grinding and fractures that may not yet be causing pain but can worsen over time.

In some cases, your dentist may also notice indicators of systemic health concerns, such as diabetes or sleep apnea, which can present through oral symptoms. These findings allow for timely referrals and timely, targeted care.

Comprehensive Preventive Oral Exams in Brentwood, TN

If you’re in Brentwood and want to learn more about preventive dental screenings and protecting your long-term oral and systemic health, contact Dr. Richard Sullivan IV and the friendly Sullivan Dental Partners team to schedule your next dental cleaning and exam.

Dental Checkups with Your Brentwood Dentist

Older woman smiling in dental chair, brentwood tn Regular dental checkups enable the dentist to compare oral health changes over time. They also help us diagnose emerging conditions before they pose a serious risk to your oral health. For example, periodontal disease in the early stage of gingivitis is reversible. When it advances to periodontitis, it is merely treatable.

By seeing your dentist every six months for checkups, you’ll also have regular oral cancer screenings for early detection, which often means a more favorable outcome.

Additionally, your checkups include a conversation with the dentist to address any questions or concerns you might have about your dental health. We’ll share any findings with you and discuss all potential treatment plans if warranted.

Educating you about your oral health and giving you the tools to make informed decisions is essential to our team.

Brentwood Dental Cleanings: What to Expect

Your dental cleaning is an excellent opportunity to relax while your hygienist gently removes debris and tartar from your teeth. This is a gentle and non-invasive procedure that uses specialized tools to gently remove cavity-causing ingredients and bacteria from the teeth and gums. We finish with a polish.

You may think that if you brush and floss regularly, you don’t need dental cleanings. Unfortunately, your toothbrush and dental floss can’t remove stubborn tartar or clear bacteria from hard-to-reach areas. For that, you need a professional teeth cleaning every six months.

OUR TEAM

Why Choose Sullivan Dental Partners

Asian family smiling together, brentwood tn We offer a full staff of dentists dedicated to your smile's health. They are skilled, personable, and enjoy helping patients achieve their best smiles. They are proud to serve their friends and neighbors in Brentwood and always look forward to welcoming new individuals and families. With us, you are never just a time slot on the schedule. You are someone we look forward to seeing and catching up with at every dental visit.

Remember, Sullivan Dental Partners is the practice where everybody knows your name.

Is It Time for Your Next Checkup and Teeth Cleaning?

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or it’s time for your next checkup and teeth cleaning, we’d love to welcome you to our judgment-free practice. Call us today at (615) 373-1012 to get started, or request an appointment on our website.

BLOGS

Woman getting her teeth checked, brentwood tn

Why Regular Dental Visits at Sullivan Dental Partners Help You Maintain a Bright Smile

November 20, 2025

You’ve just invested in professional teeth whitening, and you love the results; your teeth look stunning. You’re finally enjoying seeing your smile in photos or catching a glimpse in the mirror. But fast forward three months, and you notice that your smile looks a bit duller. Does this sound like your experience? If so, there are strategies for keeping your new smile bright that go beyond the whitening treatment itself. Regular dental visits also play an essential role in protecting your investment and keeping your teeth white in between treatments.

The ...