At PDG Dentistry, each cleaning includes an examination of your entire mouth and surrounding tissues. Our experienced hygienists, Renee Murray, RDH, and Michelle Boesche, RDH, bring over 25 years of expertise in dental care and specialty practice support. They look beyond the surface to identify early signs of concern and coordinate referrals to appropriate healthcare providers for follow-up and treatment.
Through their careful attention and clinical expertise, many patients have benefited from early detection and timely treatment of skin and oral cancers.
Depending on your individual oral health needs, we recommend professional dental cleanings every three or six months. Patients with a history of periodontal (gum) disease benefit from more frequent three-month maintenance visits, while others may be appropriately seen every six months.
We are often asked what is the difference between 3 or 6 month cleaning? Answer: Based upon the literature, the bacteria associated with gum disease start to build back up under the gums within a few months, which is why a cleaning every three months disrupts the bad bacteria from growing under your gums.
These routine visits allow our team to remove plaque and buildup that brushing and flossing alone may not fully reach, evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, and identify small changes before they develop into more significant concerns.
If it has been longer than three or six months since your last cleaning, now is a great time to get back on schedule. Regular professional care is an important part of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
Your hygiene appointment includes more than removing plaque and buildup. We evaluate your teeth and gums, perform an oral cancer and head and neck screening, and take X-rays when needed. These visits help us monitor changes in your oral health and identify concerns early.
Your hygienist can also help you care for your smile between visits. If you notice bleeding when flossing, recurring sensitivity, or an area that’s difficult to clean, let us know so we can recommend home care that fits your needs.
One of the biggest reasons to stay current with dental visits is simple: many dental problems are easier to deal with when they are caught early.
A small area of decay can grow. Gum inflammation can progress. A worn or cracked tooth may continue to weaken and potentially fracture. An Implant crown may develop an open contact leading to food impaction creating caries and or bone loss on the adjacent teeth. Regular exams give us a better chance to spot these changes before they turn into something that requires more involved treatment.
At PDG Dentistry, prevention has always been a big part of how we care for our patients. If you are due, or overdue, for your cleaning, call our Bethesda office at (301) 652-2300 to schedule your next visit.
“I have been going to the Prestipino Dental Group for 30 years, and everyone in the practice is extremely skilled and professional. Dr. Sfondouris, who now leads the practice, is meticulous in his work. I was treated by Dr. Prestipino for decades prior to his recent retirement. He set such a high bar for dental care that I didn’t know how anyone could meet that, and have come to learn through first hand experience that Dr. Sfondouris clearly meets that high bar. It’s no wonder they became partners. Dr. Sfondouris is exceptional at restoring dental health, as Dr. Prestipino was, including restoration of teeth that need complex care, and teeth that were not properly treated at other practices. The doctors and hygienists are also excellent at maintaining dental health, using the latest and most advanced methods for both treatment and cleaning, and the administrative staff are pleasant, helpful, and efficient. Thank you to Dr. Prestipino, Dr. Sfondouris, Renee, and the whole team at the dental group for the consistently excellent care.”Renata G.
“I have been coming to this office for over 30 years. They have always taken great care of me ever since I was in a bad car accident that left me needing dental implants. As tragic as this was at the time, they were always so kind to me and did an amazing job in giving me the best smile and continue to do so to this day. From the office staff, to my fabulous hygienist Renee (she is absolutely the best:) and Dr. Sfondouris I would definitely recommend them for any dental work or cleaning. They will make you smile:)”Jennifer K.
“I just had my teeth cleaned by Michelle and it was the simply the best. My teeth NEVER hurt after they are cleaned and are sparkling white. Also my gums are not sensitive at all!!! Cant wait to get my teeth cleaned again!!! Such an amazing experience!!!”Tassos S.
“I cannot say enough great things about this practice. They hold to the schedule and make sure they address all your needs. I have never had better cleanings in my life! I also feel they must give me laughing gas as I actually enjoy the appointment with Michelle so much and the front desk crew is exceptional!”Kerry S.
“I have had 2 gum restoration sessions with this team, and each has been professional, friendly, organized and as comfortable as any dental surgery can be. The dentist is incredibly skilled and makes client comfort paramount. He tells you what he’s going to do, does it efficiently and keeps you informed in a conversational way throughout each procedure. The office is very clean and the whole team is friendly and efficient. They tell you what to do when you leave and give you those instructions and medications ahead, so you can clarify any questions you have while at the visit. This is not an inexpensive operation, but after waiting several years to do the first I immediately signed up for the second. The experience was good, and the results are as advertised. If you need this work done, use this team.”Martin S.
“An office where everyone is super nice and punctual besides being great at what they do. What more can one ask for?”Lisa L.
“I cannot speak highly enough about this practice. I have been a patient for over 20 years. Dr. Prestipino and Dr. Standouris have always provided the highest possible level of treatment, they are masters of their work…their staff has remained consistent over all these years and are top notch professionals. They have always been timely and compassionate at all times and have even come in on a weekend to take care of an emergency, what more can a patient ask for. Also, their pain management techniques are superb, I never dread going for check ups or procedures.”Lynn P.
“Who knew that visiting the dentist could actually be enjoyable? Everyone on the team is top notch and makes you feel like a VIP, whether it’s setting your appointment, arriving at the office, or getting seen. They are perfectionists and when it comes to dental care - perfection is key. I’ve never had a cleaning that felt so thorough yet weirdly painless, as I did with Renee. Dr. Sfondouris is friendly and efficient and makes sure you feel seen and heard. And Jen and the whole front office are so fun and felt like instant friends. I have a crown that needs to be replaced and they took all the necessary steps to ensure that I am well informed and confident with next steps. Highly recommend.”Jessica S.