Dental Exams & Cleanings in Marlborough, MA
A regular checkup, a thorough cleaning, and time to understand your dental health. Dr. Ambereen Fatima sees adults and children at our Marlborough office, with preventive care selected for your needs.
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I’ve had a consistently positive and enjoyable experience with Innova Smiles. So far, I’ve received routine cleanings, fillings, whitening, a root canal, and a crown - all completed through this office (with referrals when needed).
Kailey
Google Review
I’ve had a consistently positive and enjoyable experience with Innova Smiles. So far, I’ve received routine cleanings, fillings, whitening, a root canal, and a crown - all completed through this office (with referrals when needed).
Kailey
Google Review
New Patient Special $0 with PPO · $149 Signature Visit*
Exam, cleaning & X-rays for new patients.
Your visit includes:
The $0 new-patient visit requires a cleaning benefit available this year, in-network or out. Benefits are checked once you book and return your forms. Additional treatment is quoted separately. *0% APR financing is through Cherry, a third-party lender, not Innova Smiles, and is subject to credit approval; not all applicants qualify. Plans run up to 24 months in equal payments, the first due at purchase. Cherry's 0% APR plans carry no deferred interest; if an account becomes delinquent, interest may apply going forward, never retroactively. Your cost and payment depend on your treatment plan and approved offer, and are confirmed in writing at your consultation.
What to expect
Your Exam & Cleaning, Step by Step
A dental exam checks your teeth, gums and soft tissues. We explain what we find and agree on the next steps with you.
Start with your concerns
We review your health history, medications and anything that has been bothering you. Bring your insurance information and any recent dental X-rays.
An exam with Dr. Fatima
Dr. Fatima checks your teeth, gums, bite and existing dental work, including an oral cancer screening. Gum measurements help determine which cleaning is appropriate.
Images when you need them
Digital X-rays are selected based on your history and findings. Intraoral photos let you see what we see and ask questions. X-rays are a separate item from the exam.
Cleaning and clear next steps
A licensed hygienist can provide a regular cleaning and polish at the same visit when appropriate. Cleaning is a separate service; if gum treatment is needed, we explain the recommendation and fees before treatment.
Fluoride varnish, sealants and home-care advice may be recommended based on your risk of cavities. See preventive care FAQs.
Tooth Sensitivity: Causes and What Helps
Why a tooth becomes sensitive
Receded gums or enamel erosion can expose the tooth root, causing sharp sensitivity to cold, air, or acidic foods. Mild sensitivity for a day or two after a cleaning is common and usually harmless (see the FAQs below), and some temporary sensitivity after professional teeth whitening is normal.
What helps
A desensitizing treatment or the fluoride varnish covered in the FAQs, which is often recommended for receding gums that expose root surfaces; a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth; brushing gently with a soft brush; and avoiding very hot or cold foods for a day. Gum grafting is an option for severe cases.
When to book an exam: sensitivity focused on one tooth, pain when biting, or sensitivity that is severe or lasts more than a few days can mean a crack or decay that needs an exam. Sudden, severe tooth pain, or pain with swelling, is covered on our emergency dentistry page.
Costs & insurance
Know Your Costs Before Treatment
We accept all PPO plans and check your benefits once you book and return your forms. Coverage depends on your plan and available benefits.
Insurance & payment optionsWith an available PPO cleaning benefit
$0
For the new-patient exam, cleaning and X-rays when a cleaning benefit is available this year, in-network or out.
Without insurance
$149
The Signature Visit bundles a new-patient exam, cleaning and X-rays.
Your exam determines the care you need. If deep cleaning or other treatment is recommended, we explain the fees and provide a written estimate before treatment.
One dentist for your family
Get to Know Dr. Fatima
Dr. Ambereen Fatima is the only dentist at Innova Smiles. She provides exams and general dental care for adults and children, with cleaning provided by a licensed hygienist when appropriate.
Children are welcome from their first tooth. Care in English, Spanish and Portuguese is supported by our team.
Meet Dr. FatimaNervous About Your Visit?
Each step explained
Tell us what worries you. We explain what we are doing and discuss the findings with you.
Pause whenever you need
Raise your hand at any point to ask a question or take a break.
Comfort options
If an injection is needed, topical numbing gel is used first. Ask us about comfort options before we begin.
Ready for Your Next Checkup?
Book your exam and cleaning online, or call if you would like help choosing a visit.
“Great Experience!!! I have bad dental anxiety and needed a cleaning and a filling. Both times they were very understanding, accommodating, and friendly.”
— Christie Navin
Patient Story
“The technology has been very great as far as doing scanning and x-rays and all that. Everything’s been really great. I can see what’s going on. She explains everything very well.”
Gary Crossman — Exam & Digital X-Ray Patient
Questions About Your Visit
Practical answers about exams, cleanings and preventive care.
How long should I allow for my visit?
Allow about 60 minutes for a wellness visit. Your needs and the type of cleaning recommended may affect the appointment length.
What if I am nervous or have sensitive teeth?
Tell us before we begin. Dr. Fatima explains each step, and you can raise your hand to pause at any time. Let us know about sensitive areas so we can discuss comfort options with you.
How often should I have a dental exam and cleaning?
Most patients are recommended an exam and cleaning every six months. Patients with a history of gum disease are usually seen every three to four months for periodontal maintenance. Dr. Fatima recommends a schedule based on your oral health.
What is the difference between a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes tartar above the gumline for healthy patients. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is required when active gum disease is present. We must clean deep beneath the gums and carefully smooth the tooth roots to comprehensively eliminate harmful bacteria.
How often do I need dental X‑rays?
X-rays are selected based on your dental history, symptoms and exam findings. They are not an automatic part of every exam and are billed separately unless included in an eligible new-patient offer.
When should my child have a first dental visit?
The ideal time for a child's first dental visit is within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early introductory visit helps them build comfort in the dental chair while allowing us to monitor early jaw development.
Does my child really need fluoride treatments?
Yes, professional fluoride treatments provide profound benefits. Fluoride acts as a shield, directly remineralizing weak enamel and making it much more resistant to acid attacks. A quick, comfortable varnish application significantly lowers your child's overall risk of developing painful cavities.
When are sealants recommended?
We recommend dental sealants for children and teenagers as soon as their permanent back molars come in. A sealant is a thin protective coating painted into the chewing grooves of the tooth. It blocks cavity-causing bacteria and makes the surface easier to keep clean.
Why does my tooth feel sensitive after a cleaning?
Mild sensitivity for a day or two after a cleaning is common and usually harmless. It can happen when tartar that had built up along the gumline is removed, briefly exposing the tooth, or if your gums were inflamed beforehand. Using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth, avoiding very hot or cold foods for a day, and brushing gently usually helps. If the sensitivity is severe, lasts more than a few days, or is focused on one tooth with pain when biting, call us so we can check it.
Between visits, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth each day. For more detail, read our fluoride guide or learn about gum disease treatment and children’s dentistry.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ambereen Fatima, D.D.S. — FICOI · FAAIP · practicing in the US since 2013 · Last reviewed · Meet Our Team
Not Sure Which Visit You Need?
Explore your goals with our smile quiz. It can help you choose a starting point; your dentist will assess your treatment needs.
Explore your options
Make Time for Your Dental Health
Visit our ground-floor office at 340 Maple St, Suite 100, Marlborough, MA 01752. Parking is free and the entrance is wheelchair accessible.
Mon–Thu 9–5, Fri 9–1
Directions & parking