Exams & Cleanings

Serving the Wheelersburg Community

Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial for overall health, and regular dental exams and cleanings are fundamental in preventing dental problems before they become severe. At VZ Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of catching issues early when they are still manageable and less invasive to treat. Our goal is to ensure that your oral health is maintained from your first visit and throughout your life.

Why Regular Dental Visits Matter

Regular dental check-ups are vital because they help keep oral diseases at bay. By visiting Dr. VanZanten at VZ Dentistry twice a year, you ensure that potential problems like infection, cavities, gum disease or oral cancer are identified and managed early. Regular cleanings also prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar, which are the primary causes of gum disease and tooth decay.

During your visit, we look for:

  • Tooth decay (aka “cavities”)
  • Infection
  • Wear and cracks in your teeth
  • Gum disease
  • Signs of oral cancer

These exams are crucial as many dental issues do not present clear symptoms until they are in more advanced stages, which makes regular check-ups a proactive measure for maintaining your health.

Exams & Cleanings

Need To Schedule OR Have A Question?

What Happens During an Exam and Cleaning?

Your exam begins with a thorough assessment of your oral health. Dr. VanZanten uses modern diagnostic tools to get a clear picture of your dental needs. This may include digital X-rays to view structures not visible to the naked eye.

A typical cleaning session includes:

    • Removal of Plaque and Tartar: Using special tools like a scaler, the dental hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth surfaces and below the gum line.

    • Polishing: After tartar removal, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel, which helps prevent further plaque build-up.

    • Flossing and Guidance: The visit often ends with professional flossing and advice on how to maintain oral hygiene effectively between visits.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease affects nearly half of the adult population and can progress without obvious symptoms. Regular cleanings are critical as they help prevent the condition by removing the plaque that causes gum inflammation. Early detection and treatment are vital in preventing the progression of gum disease, which can lead to more severe health issues, including tooth loss and cardiovascular problems.

Schedule Your Visit

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re due for your regular check-up, we at VZ Dentistry are ready to help you maintain optimal oral health. Our friendly staff and relaxed environment aim to make your dental visits pleasant and stress-free. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile.

What Patients Are Saying!

Posted on Google Google
Shell priode profile picture
Shell priode
4 November 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Absolutely did an awesome job as a new patient, they took me right in and took care of whatever I wanted.\n Very professional.\n Easily understanding, very good listener. I loved it
Posted on Google Google
Tim Burton profile picture
Tim Burton
30 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr. J. Nickell made special arrangements to be in the office when I needed help. I got a perfect solution from her, as I have many times before.
Posted on Google Google
Lisa Gay profile picture
Lisa Gay
30 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Beautiful dentist office, professional, friendly staff
Posted on Google Google
Loretta T profile picture
Loretta T
28 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dear Dental Team, I wanted to say a quick thank you for my recent visit. My hygienist did an excellent job and was incredibly thorough. I took notice of how she took her time, and I am very happy with the care I received. Please pass along my sincere appreciation to her. Loretta Thompson
Posted on Google Google
Carol Ruth profile picture
Carol Ruth
27 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I thank Diane.for cleaning my teeth. I have trouble with plaque. She does a wonderful job. My teeth feel fantastic when she is done. Thank you Diane. ❤️ Carol Ruth
Posted on Google Google
Randy Boggs profile picture
Randy Boggs
27 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very Professional Staff and as unenjoyable as the thought of going is, it’s always a good experience.
Posted on Google Google
Paula Cooper profile picture
Paula Cooper
26 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I have an auto immune that causes me to lose my teeth. The staff was so gentle with me and very supportive. I recommend them to everyone.
Posted on Google Google
Teresa Bowling profile picture
Teresa Bowling
24 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
My crown came off, and I was blessed to get in the next day to get it put back on. Thank you for always taking good care of me!
Posted on Google Google
Sheri Mougey profile picture
Sheri Mougey
21 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr. VanZanten and his staff are very supportive and caring. They make you feel comfortable during dental procedures and provide you with all the information you need to have a successful outcome.
Posted on Google Google
michael miller profile picture
michael miller
21 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
New patient that had an appointment within a week. Dr. VanZanten and staff were professional, knowledgeable and caring.
Posted on Google Google
Bonnie Blevins profile picture
Bonnie Blevins
20 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Friendly people and my cleaning went great. This will now be my dentist. I just had my second cleaning. I just realized that I was not nervous like I usually am. It must be the people and their approach to dentistry, which is careful and easy. I really appreciate Dr Nickell and her team.
Posted on Google Google
John Reffett profile picture
John Reffett
15 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Very knowledgeable and quick diagnosis. Everyone was professional and very helpful. I would highly recommend VZ Dentistry!
Posted on Google Google
Jud White profile picture
Jud White
14 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Matt and his team are fantastic. Moving to VZ has been a great choice!
Posted on Google Google
Rowena Cooper profile picture
Rowena Cooper
14 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Diane cleaned my teeth. She always does a good job. I also had some x-rays done & Dr Vanzan, & Diane are always personable, makes me feel comfortable.
Posted on Google Google
Garnet Nelson profile picture
Garnet Nelson
14 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dianne does a great job cleaning my teeth and she is very gentle and friendly.
Posted on Google Google
Courtney Nolen profile picture
Courtney Nolen
13 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Dr. Vanzanten and his staff are wonderful! I’m very particular about my teeth and dentist. I can’t say enough great things about VZ Dentistry. Highly recommended.
Posted on Google Google
Leslie Koehler profile picture
Leslie Koehler
10 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I am so impressed with this dentist office! Everyone is so helpful and courteous, and Dr. Tariq is absolutely the best dentist! He is warm and caring, and clearly communicates each step, which is helpful for people who experience a lot of fear at the dentist (like me). You always feel well informed. He is very light-handed with the numbing shots and equipment, very skilled. His work exceptional.
Posted on Google Google
Jerrie Arnett profile picture
Jerrie Arnett
8 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
VZ Dentistry is amazing! They have a very professional and caring staff. They treat you as if you are one of their own. I'm committed to the hard work they've already put into my dental situation and looking forward to the final situation. I feel so relaxed and in good hands. Feels good to have such a professional team working on my teeth. Thank you to all of you for your professional assistance at VZ Dentistry. I'd refer you all my family and friends in a heartbeat 💓 . Thank you so much.
Posted on Google Google
Pam Coriell profile picture
Pam Coriell
8 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Can you imagine a pleasant feeling at a dentist office? I had my teeth cleaned today and it was quick & easy!
Posted on Google Google
Alexis Miller profile picture
Alexis Miller
7 October 2026
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Filling everything out online, we next to no wait time. The hygienists are sweet, friendly, up front giving helpful tips.Dr. VZ is straightforward, very personable and conservative meaning he's just not about finding any little thing to fill and passing the buck, I very much appreciate that. I will be keeping my family there as long as he's in practice. Thank you very much....all the staff is friendly and very efficient.