Everyone needs to see a dentist at least every 6 months to stay ahead of dental problems.  When you become a new patient, a full set of dental radiographs will be used, along with a thorough visual exam, to determine if your teeth and gums are healthy.  I can also use intraoral photographs to show you your teeth.  A basic cleaning, or prophylaxis, is recommended to remove plaque and calculus which you have been missing at home.  For patients with more build-up or active gum disease, more frequent cleanings are recommended.