Dental Cleanings and Exams in Bismarck, ND
Gentle Cleanings, Thorough Exams, Every Age
- Creighton-trained,
Bismarck-born dentist - In-house WaterLase
gum disease treatment - Unrushed, gentle
hygiene visits - Family scheduling
for every age
Why Bismarck Families Choose Dental Flossophy
Laser Care, In-House
Your exam is designed to catch early signs of gum disease. When Dr. Hixson finds them, she can treat them right here with the WaterLase® laser, so your care stays in our office.
Unrushed Hygiene Visits
Unrushed appointments are part of how this boutique practice runs. Our hygiene team keeps its cleaning methods deliberately conservative and gentle, so your visit is comfortable from the first pass to the final polish.
Every Age Welcome
We see patients from the moment their first tooth appears through every stage of adulthood. Back-to-back family scheduling lets you bring everyone to our office in a single trip. Dr. Hixson is a mother herself.
New Patient Specials
and Financing
New to Dental Flossophy? Our dentist in Bismarck, ND, is offering special pricing on exams, cleanings, and whitening packages for new patients. Ask our team about current offers when you book.
We know cost matters to families in Bismarck and Mandan, ND. Reach out any time to find out whether we accept your insurance and what a cleaning and exam costs. For treatment insurance does not cover, we accept CareCredit® financing and other payment options, and our goal is that you understand every cost before treatment begins.
“Very professional and high quality establishment. Get your dental work done here!"
— Mason, 5-Star Review
Why Regular
Cleanings Matter
Tartar is the reason a toothbrush is not enough on its own. Plaque forms when bacteria collect on the protein film coating your teeth, and once that plaque hardens into tartar, brushing will not lift it. Those same bacteria turn the starches you eat into acid, and the acid wears enamel down until decay reaches the softer tissue underneath and a cavity forms. Twice-yearly cleanings and exams at our Bismarck, ND, office break that cycle. They also:
- Lower your risk of cavities and gum disease by clearing away the plaque and tartar that feed both.
- Freshen your breath by removing the bacteria behind the odor.
- Catch small problems early, while a filling may still be enough, before decay left untreated leads to root canal infection or tooth loss.
- Save money over time, since early treatment is simpler than the more intensive care that later treatment requires.
Cleanings Can Benefit Overall Health, Too
Decades of research from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research have connected gum disease to conditions well beyond the teeth, including:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Complications during pregnancy
Part of the reason is that oral bacteria can slip into the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue, and the ongoing inflammation of untreated gum disease can affect the rest of the body. A routine cleaning and exam is one of the simplest ways to keep that inflammation from taking hold.
What Happens
at Your Cleaning
We want each of these visits to be as comfortable and beneficial as possible. Feel free to tell us at any time if there is anything we can do to help you feel relaxed under our care as we take time to get a complete picture of your oral health and provide the routine treatment you need.
Your hygienist gently clears away plaque and tartar, including the buildup in the spots your toothbrush never quite reaches. Then your teeth are polished with a specialized toothpaste that brightens your smile and leaves a surface bacteria have a harder time clinging to. Appointments here are not rushed, so your hygienist can work at a pace that suits you.
What Your Dental Exam Covers
After your cleaning, Dr. Hixson takes over. Her exam covers four things:
When her exam identifies a concern, Dr. Hixson recommends treatment. If you have any questions, she will provide easily understood answers to give you a clear understanding of your oral health.
How Often to Schedule Visits
Most patients should see our dentist in Bismarck, ND, for a cleaning and exam at least twice a year. Six-month visits keep tartar from accumulating and give Dr. Hixson two chances a year to find small problems while they are still small.
Some patients need to come in more often, including anyone with recurring decay, a previous gum disease diagnosis, or a history of cancer. Dr. Hixson will tell you which schedule is best for you.
Dental Cleaning and Exam FAQs
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Our hygiene team works with deliberately conservative, gentle methods, and appointments here are not rushed. Your hygienist clears plaque and tartar carefully and then polishes your teeth, so the visit is paced around keeping you comfortable.
How long does a cleaning take?
Our team can tell you what to plan for when you book. Your visit covers the cleaning, the polish, any X-rays that are due, and Dr. Hixson's exam, and none of it is rushed.
When should my child start visits?
We practice family dentistry and begin treating young patients as soon as their first teeth come in. Starting these visits early helps children build healthy habits, and our team works to make each visit a positive experience.
Do I need X-rays every visit?
Usually not. Dr. Hixson typically takes digital X-rays at every other visit. She may also use detailed X-rays or other imaging to evaluate your teeth, jaws, and other structures.
Can I whiten my teeth too?
Yes! Ask our team about it when you book. Our new patient specials include discounts on teeth whitening packages.
