Cleanings & Checkups in Pflugerville, TX
A dental cleaning and checkup in Pflugerville at Radiant Dentistry ATX takes about an hour: a professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, a comprehensive exam by Dr. Richa Wahi, digital X-rays when needed, and a clear plan. Most PPO plans cover preventive visits in full.
Preventive visits are covered at or near 100% by most PPO plans. No insurance? Ask about our new patient special. Insurance & financing.
Why the checkup matters more than it seems
Almost every expensive dental problem started as a cheap one. A cavity caught at a checkup is a small filling; the same cavity two years later is a crown or a root canal. Gum disease is silent until it isn’t — about 4 in 10 U.S. adults aged 30 or older have some level of it, according to the CDC, and left untreated it can lead to tooth loss.
A regular cleaning and exam is the single most cost-effective thing you can do for your mouth. It is also, for most people with PPO insurance, free.
What happens at your visit
- A conversation first. What’s bothering you, what you want your smile to do, and anything that has changed in your health or medications.
- Digital X-rays, when needed. Low-dose digital images show cavities between teeth, bone levels and anything hidden below the gums. We only take them as often as your risk warrants.
- The cleaning. We remove plaque and hardened tartar above and below the gum line, then polishes. If you are sensitive, say so — we can numb the gums.
- The exam. Dr. Wahi checks every tooth, your gums, your bite and the soft tissues of your mouth, including an oral cancer screening.
- A plan you understand. If anything needs attention, you leave with a written plan, the cost, and what your insurance covers — before anything is scheduled.
The whole visit usually takes about an hour. New patients should allow a little longer for the first one.
Regular cleaning vs. deep cleaning
| Compare | Regular cleaning | Deep cleaning (scaling & root planing) |
|---|---|---|
| For | Healthy gums | Gum disease (periodontitis) |
| Where | Above and just below the gum line | Below the gum line, on the roots |
| Anesthetic | Usually none | Local anesthetic |
| Visits | One | Usually two |
| Insurance | Typically 100% preventive | Typically covered as basic/periodontal care |
If we recommend a deep cleaning, it is because the exam and X-rays show bone loss or deep gum pockets — not as an upsell. We will show you the measurements.
If it’s been a while
Many people put off dental visits because of anxiety, embarrassment or concern about cost. Our approach is straightforward: you will get a clear picture of where things stand and a plan that starts with the most important thing first. Many patients who come in after years away need less than they feared.
Who this is for
- Adults and children who are due for routine care
- New residents of Pflugerville, Wells Branch or Round Rock looking for a family dentist
- Anyone who has noticed bleeding gums, bad breath, sensitivity or a rough spot on a tooth
- Patients with diabetes, pregnancy or heart conditions, for whom gum health matters even more
Cost and insurance
Most PPO plans cover two cleanings and exams per year at 100%, with X-rays covered on a schedule. We verify your benefits before your visit and file the claim for you. Without insurance, our new patient special bundles the exam, X-rays and cleaning at a set price — see insurance and financing.
Cleanings & Checkups: your questions answered
For most adults, every six months. If you have gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, diabetes or you smoke, we may recommend every three to four months. The American Dental Association advises that the right interval is individual, so we set yours based on what we see, not a default.
It shouldn't. You may feel pressure and a little sensitivity, especially if it has been a while. Tell us if anything is uncomfortable — we can numb the gums, slow down or take a break at any point.
A regular (prophylactic) cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gum line and is for healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes below the gum line to treat gum disease and is done with local anesthetic, usually over two visits.
We publish a set new patient fee that covers the exam, X-rays and cleaning — see our new patients page or call for the current price. It is one of the most affordable things you can do for your health, and far cheaper than treating a problem later.
Not at every visit. We take digital X-rays — which use a fraction of the radiation of older film — only as often as your risk requires, typically every one to two years for a full set, so we can see between the teeth and below the gums where the exam can't reach.
Yes, Saturday appointments are available by request. Call or book online and choose a Saturday slot if one is shown; if not, call and we will do our best to fit you in.
Often considered together
Emergency Dentist
Same-day care for toothache, broken teeth, swelling and lost fillings — call and we'll get you comfortable fast.
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Dental Crowns & Bridges
Protect a damaged tooth or replace a missing one with a crown or bridge that looks and feels like your own.
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Teeth Whitening
Lift years of coffee, tea and wine stains in one visit — safely, with your enamel protected.
Learn moreWhat our patients say
“Best dental clinic experience I've had in Austin. Appointments are smooth and quick, staff are professional and friendly, and Dr. Wahi is amazing!!! Highly recommend.
“Saw me same day on a Saturday and was very informative and accommodating and made sure I was comfortable. I never leave reviews but this was a great experience will be back for all my dental needs
“Great first visit! Super kind dental staff and no upselling. After having a horrible experience at a prior dentist this one made feel comfortable and taken care of!
Ready to talk about cleanings & checkups?
Book online in about two minutes, or call and speak with our team. We are happy to answer any questions before your appointment.