The Visit That Saves You the Big Ones
Yes, we do routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays at D Street Dental Group in San Rafael. A cleaning removes the hardened plaque, called tartar, that your toothbrush cannot, and the exam catches cavities, cracks, and gum trouble while they are still small and simple to fix. Most people do well coming about twice a year, though we tailor that to your mouth.
This is where dentistry quietly does its most important work. Plaque left along the gumline hardens into tartar, the gums get inflamed, and over time that becomes gum disease, which research ties to your heart and whole-body health, not just your teeth. A cleaning every few months is one of the cheapest, highest-return things you can do for your health, and it is far easier than treating what shows up when you skip it.
What a Cleaning & Exam Covers
- Removing plaque and tartar the brush leaves behind, above and below the gumline
- A full exam for cavities, cracks, and worn or failing old fillings
- A gum health check to catch early gum disease before it spreads
- An oral cancer screening as a routine part of the exam
- Digital X-rays when needed, to see what the eye cannot
- Fluoride and honest, specific tips for your mouth, not a lecture
If your gums need more than a routine cleaning, we may recommend a deeper cleaning, and we will show you why before we do anything.
What to Expect
- Catch-up & exam We talk through any concerns, then check your teeth and gums for anything that needs attention.
- The cleaning We remove plaque and tartar, smooth and polish the teeth, and go gently where you are sensitive.
- Gum & X-ray check We check your gum health and take digital X-rays only if you need them, to catch what is hidden.
- Your plan going forward We tell you honestly where things stand, apply fluoride, and set the right schedule for you.
Why D Street Dental Group
Dr. Steve Truman
Dr. Steve earned his DDS from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and served as a clinical instructor training first-year dental students. He is not the dentist who finds ten things wrong to pad a bill. He shows you what he sees with photos and X-rays, tells you what actually needs doing and what can wait, and treats your visit as part of your overall health, not just your teeth.
Cost & Membership
We give you a clear, itemized estimate for anything beyond a routine visit. No surprises.
We're out of network for all dental insurance, but our in-house "D is for Dental" membership is built around visits like this. It covers your routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays for the year and takes 20% off other treatment. For someone without insurance, it is usually the simplest way to stay on top of prevention. See membership plans →
Cleaning & Prevention Questions
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
For most people, about every six months keeps plaque and tartar from building up and lets us catch problems early. If you have a history of gum disease or heavy tartar, we may suggest coming more often. We tailor the schedule to your actual mouth rather than a one-size rule.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
For most people it does not. Teeth can be a little sensitive if it has been a while since your last cleaning or if your gums are inflamed, and we go gently and check in with you throughout. If you tend to be sensitive, tell us and we will keep you comfortable, including numbing when it helps.
I haven't been to a dentist in years. Is that a problem?
Not at all, and you are far from alone. We start where you are, with no lecture and no judgment. If a lot of tartar has built up or your gums need extra attention, we may recommend a deeper cleaning first, and we will explain exactly why before we do anything.
What does a cleaning cost in San Rafael, and is it covered by membership?
We give you a clear, itemized estimate. Our in-house "D is for Dental" membership is built around visits like this: it covers your routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays for the year and takes 20% off restorative & major work. For someone without insurance, it is usually the simplest way to stay on top of prevention. Call (415) 453-0744 to get set up.
Why do you take X-rays at a cleaning?
X-rays show what the eye cannot, like decay hiding between teeth or below an old filling and problems under the gumline. Our digital X-rays use a very low dose, and we only take the ones you actually need. Catching those things early is what keeps a small fix from becoming a big one.
Request Your Appointment
Tell us what you need and we'll reach out within one business day. Prefer to talk now? Call (415) 453-0744.
Due for a Cleaning?
New patients are always welcome. We'll reach out within one business day.