Dental Exams and Teeth Cleanings
A routine dental exam and cleaning is the simplest way to keep small problems from becoming painful, expensive ones. Little River Medical Center provides exams and cleanings for adults and children at our dental offices in Little River, Carolina Forest, and Aynor. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, and most private dental insurance, we offer a sliding fee scale if you are uninsured, and we turn no one away for inability to pay. If cost or coverage has kept you from the dentist, we can help. Call 843-663-8000 to schedule, or explore our full dental care services.
What's included in a dental exam and cleaning?
A routine visit has two parts. A dental hygienist cleans your teeth, removing the plaque and tartar that brushing cannot reach, then polishes them. The dentist then examines your mouth, checking for tooth decay, gum disease, worn or damaged fillings, and your bite, and performing an oral cancer screening of your mouth, tongue, and throat. Your team may take X-rays to find problems they cannot see by eye, such as decay between teeth or below the gumline. A typical visit includes:
- A professional cleaning and polish
- A full dental exam
- X-rays when needed
- An oral cancer screening
- A plain explanation of what they found and what you need next
Exam or cleaning, what is the difference?
People use the words interchangeably, but they are two things. The cleaning is the hygienist’s work. The exam is the dentist’s evaluation. When both happen at the same appointment, most people call it a checkup. Usually the cleaning comes first, and the dentist examines your mouth afterward.
How often should you get a dental exam and cleaning?
Most people should have an exam and cleaning twice a year. Some need to come more often, for example if you have gum disease, smoke, or have a condition like diabetes that affects your oral health. Children should be seen on the schedule their dentist recommends. If it has been more than six months, it is worth getting back on track.
What your coverage pays for
Preventive visits are the most widely covered dental service there is, whatever kind of plan you have. Here is what generally applies:
| Your coverage | What generally applies |
|---|---|
| Private dental insurance | Most plans cover two cleanings and exams a year, often at no cost to you. We accept most private dental plans. |
| Medicare | Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental. Many Medicare Advantage plans include a dental benefit that covers preventive visits. Bring your plan card and we will check. |
| TRICARE | Dental coverage runs through a separate dental program rather than TRICARE medical. |
| South Carolina Medicaid, under 21 | Well covered. A cleaning and fluoride application every six months, plus exams, X-rays, and sealants. |
| South Carolina Medicaid, 21 and older | One cleaning per year is covered, within a $1,000 annual benefit that also covers fillings and extractions. If your dentist recommends coming twice a year, the second visit would fall to you, and our sliding fee scale can apply. |
| No insurance | Apply for our sliding fee scale. Your cost is based on household size and income. |
Whatever your situation, call us and we will verify your benefits before the visit. For other ways to reduce what you owe, see our guide to low-cost and free dental care in Horry County. Your team explains your costs before treatment, so there are no surprises.
Preventive care for children and Miles for Smiles
Good dental habits start early, and regular exams help children avoid pain and missed school. Children covered by SC Medicaid receive preventive dental care, including exams and cleanings. For families who cannot easily get to an office, our Miles for Smiles mobile program brings dental care to schools and community sites, so a missed ride does not become a missed appointment.
Your first visit and what to bring
At your first visit, your team reviews your health history, completes your exam and cleaning, and talks through anything you need. Appointments are recommended, and same-day visits may be available for urgent problems. Bring a photo ID, and if you plan to apply for the sliding fee scale, bring proof of your household income from the last 30 days. Because LRMC brings medical, dental, and pharmacy care together, your dental visit is part of your overall health. New here? Start with new patient registration.
Schedule a dental exam and cleaning in Horry County
We provide dental care at three offices, in Little River, Carolina Forest, and Aynor, plus the Mobile Dental Unit for children. Call 843-663-8000 or request an appointment online to book at the office nearest you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a dental exam and a cleaning?
The cleaning is the hygienist removing plaque and tartar. The exam is the dentist evaluating your mouth. Together they are usually called a checkup.
How often should I get a dental exam and cleaning?
Most people, twice a year. Some need more frequent visits based on their health.
Do you take my insurance?
We accept Medicaid, Medicare, TRICARE, and most private dental plans, and we see uninsured patients on a sliding fee scale. Call and we will verify your specific plan before the visit.
Does Medicaid cover dental cleanings in South Carolina?
For members under 21, yes, including a cleaning and fluoride every six months. For adults 21 and older, one cleaning per year is covered within the $1,000 annual benefit.
Does Medicare cover dental cleanings?
Traditional Medicare does not cover routine dental. Many Medicare Advantage plans include a dental benefit that does.
What should I bring to my first visit?
A photo ID, and proof of household income from the last 30 days if you want to apply for the sliding fee scale.
Do you see patients without insurance?
Yes. We offer a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, and we turn no one away for inability to pay.
We accept most insurance plans, including:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Private or commercial plans
- ACA or Healthcare Marketplace plans
ESTABLISHED PATIENTS ONLY:
Same Day / Next Day Appointments
If you are an established patient, we can provide you with a same-day/next-day appointment. If you find it necessary to cancel your appointment, please call us as early as possible so that we may offer your time to someone else. We can offer telehealth visits if transportation or other issues prevent you from keeping your appointment.
After Hours:
If you are sick outside of normal office hours, please call the after-hours number to contact the provider on call. They will provide you with additional instruction. If you are experiencing a health emergency, please call 911.
After Hours: 843.497.3424
