Skip to main content Accessible Version
Cleanings & Examinations
Preventive Dentistry for Healthy Smiles

Dental exams and teeth cleanings are the foundation to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy.

Cleanings & Examinations | Dentist
Improve your smile today – call to schedule a consultation!
Contact Us

Cleanings & Examinations

Many people wonder if making it to their semi-annual dental appointment is really necessary.

The short answer is—yes!

Good preventive care helps reduce your risk for certain illnesses and can help you achieve and maintain the level of excellent oral health that lets you look and feel your best.

Providing Your Medical History

Your routine visits are an excellent opportunity to tell us about any issues or discomfort you’ve been experiencing in your mouth. You’ll also want to give a detailed description of your medical history and come prepared with a list of any medications you take.

Knowing your medical history allows us to gain a better understanding of your overall health. After all, there is a systemic link between your oral health and the prevalence of many serious health concerns. For example, periodontitis (advanced gum disease) is associated with heart disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and low birth weight in babies born to mothers with the disease.

Examinations

Symptoms of some dental conditions may be so subtle that only a dentist can identify them.

During your visit, we thoroughly examine your mouth and check for signs of tooth decay. We also evaluate you for risk factors associated with illnesses like bone loss and periodontal disease. This way, potential problems can be identified in their early stages while they are easily treatable.

Your dentist will also check your bite and may take x-rays or recommend other diagnostic measures.

Teeth Cleaning

During your visit, we will clean your teeth gently and professionally. Our dental team meticulously removes hard-to-reach plaque. At this time, we may also give you tips on how to improve your at-home care routine, and your hygienist can show you proper procedures for brushing and flossing.

A thorough teeth cleaning not only helps improve your oral health but also makes them look great! A good cleaning can also have a whitening effect on your smile. Your cleaning will leave your teeth looking and feeling great.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Don’t miss your semi-annual visit! Contact our dental office and schedule an appointment.

His staff is always friendly, accommodating, and efficient

Dr. David D. Purlee DDS opened his office in 1984. My entire family has gone there ever since. Dr. Purlee and his entire staff are the best in Illinois! My daughters moved out of the area and have tried other dentists but they travel from Orion, IL and from Clinton, IA to go to the best dentist! He even did braces on my daughters! I have recommended Dr. Purlee to lots of people; he's the best! His staff is always friendly, accommodating, and efficient. ALWAYS A SMILE in that office!

– Martha W. – Morrison, IL

Frequently Asked Questions

Even with excellent hygiene habits, it's easy to miss small areas of your teeth. Over time, the missed plaque will harden into tartar, which can only be removed with a dental hygienist's tools. When tartar accumulates beneath the gum line, the end result is red, puffy, inflamed gums – the beginnings of periodontal disease.

Meet Our Doctor:

Dr. David Purlee

Dr. Purlee is a graduate of Northwestern University Dental School and Monmouth College. He has maintained a General Family Dentistry practice in Mt. Carroll since 1984.

He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Illinois State Dental Society, the US Grant Dental Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Association for Orthodontics, and QCASO Study Club. He regularly attends continuing education classes in general dentistry and orthodontics.

His interests outside of dentistry include golf, music, painting, attending sporting events and spending time with his grandchildren.

He and his wife, Jodi, ...

Getting an appointment is fast and easy!
Get Started!