4550 Eldorado Pkwy, Suite 107, McKinney, TX
The Foundation of a Healthy Smile
The single most effective thing you can do for your long-term oral health doesn't involve a complicated procedure or a lengthy recovery. It's a routine visit: a cleaning, an exam, a few minutes with our dentist, done consistently, twice a year.
At West McKinney Dental & Orthodontics, we've built our preventive care around making that visit as thorough, comfortable, and worthwhile as possible. Because when we catch problems early, we can treat them simply. And when we keep your teeth clean, we help prevent problems from forming in the first place.
We welcome patients of all ages for routine dental care, and we're always accepting new patients and families.
Schedule Your Preventive Visit
Professional Dental Cleanings & Comprehensive Exams
Even the most diligent brushers and flossers can't remove everything. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar — a buildup that no amount of brushing at home can touch. That's where professional cleaning comes in. And paired with a thorough exam from Dr. Allen, your routine visit becomes the most powerful tool you have for long-term oral health.
During your cleaning, our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from all surfaces of your teeth, polish away surface stains, floss between every tooth, and provide personalized guidance on your at-home routine. It's not just about leaving the office with a fresh, clean feeling. Professional cleanings play a direct role in preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and other conditions that become far more serious and costly if left unaddressed.
While the hygienist handles your cleaning, our dentist conducts a comprehensive evaluation of your overall oral health, not just your teeth, but your gums, bite, jaw, and soft tissues. Your exam includes:
- Tooth-by-tooth evaluation — checking for decay, damage, wear, and signs of grinding or clenching
- Gum and periodontal assessment — measuring pocket depths and checking for signs of gum disease or recession
- Bite and jaw evaluation — assessing for issues with your bite, TMJ, or jaw alignment
- Digital X-rays (when indicated) — revealing what's happening between and beneath your teeth
- Review of your dental and medical history — because your overall health and medications can directly affect your oral health
After the exam, our dentist will walk you through his findings in plain language, answer every question you have, and only recommend treatment when it's genuinely needed. You'll leave knowing exactly where you stand.
Most patients benefit from a cleaning and exam every six months. If you have a history of gum disease or other risk factors, our dentist recommends a more frequent schedule.
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer is among the most serious conditions that can be detected during a routine dental visit, and early detection makes an enormous difference in outcomes. That's why Dr. Allen includes an oral cancer screening as a standard part of every comprehensive exam.
During the screening, our team will carefully examine:
- The lips, tongue, and floor of the mouth
- The inside of the cheeks and the roof of the mouth
- The throat and the back of the mouth
- The lymph nodes and jaw for any unusual swelling
Who should be screened?
Everyone. While certain factors — including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV exposure increase risk, oral cancer can affect anyone. The American Dental Association recommends regular screenings for all adult patients as part of routine care.
Dental X-Rays
X-rays are an essential diagnostic tool that allow Dr. Allen to see what's happening in areas a visual exam simply can't reach — between teeth, below the gumline, and inside the bone structure of your jaw.
At West McKinney Dental & Orthodontics, we use digital X-rays, which offer several advantages over traditional film:
Significantly lower radiation exposure
up to 80–90% less than conventional X-rays
Instant, high-resolution images
viewable chairside immediately after capture
Easy to store and share
No film processing, no delays
Routine bitewing X-rays are typically taken once a year. Full-mouth or panoramic X-rays may be recommended for new patients or when a more complete picture is needed. We'll always explain why X-rays are being recommended and get your approval before proceeding.
Personalized Preventive Guidance
Every patient who leaves our office gets more than clean teeth. They get a clear understanding of what's happening in their mouth, what they can do better at home, and what — if anything — we want to monitor going forward.
Whether it's technique tips for brushing and flossing, guidance on the right products for your specific needs, recommendations for patients prone to decay, or advice on protecting teeth from grinding, we take the time to make our recommendations personal and practical.
Ready to Schedule Your Next Cleaning?
Whether you're due for your six-month visit, overdue and ready to get back on track, or looking for a new dental home for your family, we'd love to see you.
New patients welcome. All ages. No judgment, ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does a routine cleaning and exam take?
For most established patients, a routine visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. New patient visits typically run a bit longer — around 60 to 90 minutes — since we're doing a full baseline exam and getting to know your dental history.
Q. Does a cleaning hurt?
For patients with healthy gums, a cleaning is typically very comfortable. If you have some buildup or early gum sensitivity, you may feel mild pressure or tenderness in certain areas — but most patients find routine cleanings entirely manageable. If you experience significant discomfort, let your hygienist know, and we'll adjust our approach.
Q. How often do I really need to come in?
Twice a year is the standard recommendation — and there's good clinical evidence behind it. Some patients benefit from more frequent visits; others may be fine with once a year, depending on their risk profile. Dr. Allen will give you a personalized recommendation at your first exam.
Q. Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes. Digital X-rays — which we use at West McKinney Dental & Orthodontics — emit a very small amount of radiation, far less than conventional film X-rays and significantly less than what you're naturally exposed to daily. We also use proper protective equipment and take X-rays only when clinically appropriate.
Q. What is an oral cancer screening, exactly?
It's a visual and physical examination of the soft tissues inside and around your mouth — lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and jaw. Dr. Allen is looking for any unusual changes that may need further evaluation. It takes just a few minutes and is included as part of your comprehensive exam at no additional charge.
Q. My gums bleed when I floss — is that normal?
Occasional minor bleeding when you first start flossing can be normal, but persistent bleeding is usually a sign of gum inflammation — often an early indicator of gingivitis. It's one of the most important things we check during your cleaning. Don't be embarrassed — just mention it, and we'll take a closer look.
Q. Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely. We see patients of all ages and love helping young patients build healthy habits from the start. The earlier children begin regular dental visits, the more comfortable they become — and the better their long-term outcomes.
Q. I haven't been to the dentist in several years. Is it too late to start coming regularly?
It's never too late. We see patients at every stage of their dental journey, including those who haven't been in a while. We'll do a thorough baseline exam, address anything that needs attention, and build a plan to get you back on track — without making you feel bad about where you've been.