Professional teeth cleaning, comprehensive dental exams, and personalized prevention plans at Big City Dental on Southport Ave.
Teeth cleaning and preventive dentistry in Chicago start with the right dental home. At Big City Dental, routine hygiene appointments are more than a quick polish — they are your first line of defense against cavities, gum disease, and the costly problems that develop when small issues go unaddressed. Dr. Nilay and the team make every hygiene visit thorough, comfortable, and genuinely informative.
What Is Preventive Care? Preventive dental care includes the professional cleanings, digital X-rays, oral cancer screenings, and comprehensive exams that keep your mouth healthy between visits. It is the foundation of a lifetime of strong, comfortable teeth — and the most cost-effective investment you can make in your overall health.
Small cavities and early gum disease are easy and affordable to treat. Left alone, they become root canals, extractions, and implants. Routine visits keep small issues small.
No matter how well you brush and floss at home, plaque hardens into tartar in areas that only a professional hygiene appointment can address. Regular cleanings remove buildup before it causes damage.
Every comprehensive exam at Big City Dental includes an oral cancer screening. Early detection makes an enormous difference in outcomes. It takes less than two minutes and could save your life.
Dr. Nilay will work with you to create a hygiene routine built around your specific risk factors, lifestyle, and oral health history. You leave every visit with a clear plan, not just a pamphlet.
Our digital X-ray technology gives Dr. Nilay a precise view of what is happening beneath the surface — with up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays.
We will review any changes to your health history, medications, or dental concerns since your last visit. This helps Dr. Nilay personalize your care and flag anything that may affect your treatment.
Your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup, clean between your teeth and along the gumline, and polish your enamel to a smooth, fresh finish. Most routine cleaning appointments are completed comfortably in under an hour.
Typically taken once per year, digital X-rays help Dr. Nilay detect cavities, bone changes, and other issues not visible during a visual exam. Results are reviewed with you in real time.
Dr. Nilay will examine your teeth, gums, bite, jaw, and soft tissues. He will walk you through exactly what he finds, answer your questions, and discuss any recommended treatment — without pressure.
Before you leave, you will receive specific guidance on home care, any areas of concern to monitor, and a recommended schedule for your next visit.
Our friendly team is here to help with anything you need — from insurance questions to treatment details.
Contact UsCommon Questions
Most patients benefit from professional cleanings every six months. If you have a history of gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, or other risk factors, Dr. Nilay may recommend visits every three to four months to stay ahead of problems.
Yes. Many of the most common dental problems — cavities between teeth, early-stage gum disease, and even oral cancer — have no noticeable symptoms until they have already progressed. Routine exams catch these issues before they become painful and expensive to treat.
You are not alone, and you will not be judged. Dr. Nilay is focused on helping you move forward, not dwelling on the past. Your first visit will include a thorough exam, a clear picture of your current oral health, and a practical plan for getting things back on track.
Big City Dental accepts Delta Premier. We also offer an in-house savings plan for patients without insurance, which includes two cleanings, a comprehensive exam, X-rays, and 15% off all in-office procedures.
Yes. Big City Dental sees patients 14 and older for routine preventive care.
Explore
Non-surgical treatment for bleeding, tender or receding gums.
A guard made to your bite to protect teeth from grinding and clenching.
Veneers, whitening, bonding and smile makeovers planned around you.
See all services at Big City Dental
Preventive Dentistry
What if the easiest dental problems to treat are the ones you prevent before they start? That is the purpose of preventive dentistry. Regular cleanings, exams, digital X-rays,…
Preventive Dentistry
What does it mean when your dentist recommends a "deep cleaning" instead of your usual hygiene appointment? The phrase can sound more intimidating than the treatment actually is.…
Preventive Dentistry
Your teeth can look perfectly normal in the mirror while important changes are developing in places no one can see directly. Cavities can form between teeth, bone levels…
Happy Patients
Our patients come from across Chicago’s Northside neighborhoods. Here’s what they’re saying about their experience at Big City Dental.
4.8 out of 5 on Google160+ reviews
Very good dental hygienist. Patient, answered all questions and cleaned my teeth with no discomfort
I have been going to Big City Dental for year. The current crew is beyond exceptional. During my most recent appointment, Ashley provided a wonderful cleaning. Dr Patel and I sat down for a consultation for some work we will need to do in the near future. His clam demeanor and extensive knowledge put me completely at ease. I had a scan preformed by Yana she was great. Raquel checked me out in her usual kind and efficient way. She also created an estimate for the upcoming procedures. I highly recommend Big City Dental.
Our family has gone to Big City for decades and we recommend the practice to our family and friends for gentle and comprehensive care. Great location too.
Dr. Kalentsky recently sold the practice to a new dentist, and he's great! Had been a patient of Dr. K for years, and the transition has been pretty seamless.
Always the best care and attention! Everyone is professional and friendly and always accommodating if I need to reschedule an appointment. Also, I really appreciate the reminders about upcoming appointments! Hooray for Big City Dental!
I saw doctor Nilay yesterday for the first time and I had a great experience. He was attentive and guided me through the procedure and made me feel very comfortable. I definitely recommend Dr. Nilay Patel if you are looking for a great dentist!
I've been going to this practice for over 30 years, and my long-time dentist finally retired a few months ago. I'm very happy to report that the new dentist who has taken over is a very sociable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy person. I'll be happy to continue going here for another 30 years!
Ashley does a great job as hygienist- takes the time to explain what she's doing. Dr. Nilay also great and thoroughly explains procedures. Great location!
I can’t say enough good things about this dental office. From the moment you walk in, everyone is kind, welcoming, and professional. The dentist truly takes the time to explain everything, answer questions, and make sure you’re comfortable throughout the entire visit. I always feel like I’m in great hands and that they genuinely care about doing excellent work—not rushing or cutting corners. The quality of care is consistently wonderful, and I leave every appointment feeling confident and well taken care of. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dentist they can truly trust!
Been a patient here for years, and every time I leave, I swear I’m going to floss every day… it lasts about a week, but they never judge me! The hygienists are gentle, esp Abby. Dr. Nilay is awesome, and they somehow make dental cleanings almost enjoyable. Highly recommend this crew!
Big City Dental was clean, efficient, and friendly. I will be requesting Abby every time I go now!
I would definitely recommend Big City Dental to everyone that I know. My Hygienist Ashley was very efficient and thorough and my teeth especially clean. I was totally impressed. I will definitely recommend Ashley to all my family and friends.
A selection of recent 4 and 5 star Google reviews. The rating reflects all reviews.
Get Started
Big City Dental on Southport Ave is accepting new patients. Whether you’re due for a cleaning or ready to transform your smile, Dr. Nilay and the team are here to make it easy!
