Teeth Cleaning & Dental Checkups

There are many ways you can play an active role in maintaining your oral health. Having your teeth cleaned regularly is an excellent place to start. Our hygienists and dentist evaluate your gum tissues before thoroughly cleaning your teeth, providing you with information to sustain a happy, healthy smile.

Why is it important to have consistent teeth cleanings and checkups?

Routine checkups are an essential part of dental health. Some of the benefits of regular care includes:

• Healthier gums and bone support
• Longer-lasting teeth
• Early detection and treatment of cancer and other oral health conditions
• Beautiful, healthy smiles.

What happens when we miss teeth cleanings?

Failure to keep up on regular professional care can lead to:

• An impaired ability to eat and digest foods, leading to nutritional and systemic problems.
• Bad breath, resulting from advancing dental infections.
• Negative effects on cardiovascular well-being and overall health.

What to Expect at Your visit

Our dental cleaning appointments last about an hour, and new patient visits typically last a bit longer. We enjoy getting to know each of our patients, tailoring treatments to the health needs and goals of every individual. Here’s what to expect the first time you come to our office:

• Dental History We will gather dental and medical histories so that we have a clear picture of your current health, including any medical conditions that can impact dental treatment.

• Digital X-rays  We take digital x-rays to help us see your teeth and their bone support as part of your evaluation. If you have had x-rays taken within the last 12 months, either you or we can request they be sent to our office. If you are unable to have x-rays taken, please inform the hygienist as you give your medical history.

• Soft Tissue and Dental Exam  We perform an oral cancer screening for signs of cancer and other pathology and infections. We check the fit of fillings, crowns/bridgework and any dental appliances. We evaluate the health of all teeth including checking for decay, fractures, damage from acids and any clenching or grinding habits.

• Gum Evaluation and Teeth Cleaning Our dentist or hygienists will thoroughly evaluate your gums, measuring periodontal pockets and evaluating any areas of gum recession, bleeding and bone loss around the teeth. We’ll recommend the type of cleaning based on your individual needs.

• Oral Hygiene Routine  We end your visit by reviewing your home care routine and products and make any suggestions that will best address your specific oral health needs. 

Oral Hygiene: How to reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease

There are several simple and affordable ways in which you can fight dental disease, the common chronic health conditions:

1. Brush twice and floss once daily.
2. Have dental cleanings and checkups twice a year.
3. Limit frequency of sugar intake.
4. Use fluoridated dental care products
5. Ask your dentist about additional recommendations for your health

The Teeth Cleaning Procedure

When you come in for a cleaning, your dental hygienist identifies and removes plaque—a soft film that can be removed by brushing—and tartar—a hardened plaque that requires dental instruments for removal. We make every effort to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the tiny spaces between your teeth and along gum lines where bacteria gather.

We often complete the cleaning with dental polishing, which removes any remaining plaque and stains from the teeth. We inform you of any areas where plaque and tartar build-up, so you can give those places extra attention by flossing and brushing each day. Our goal is to enable you to easily and effectively care for your teeth.

Are there different kinds of teeth cleanings?

Prophylaxis—a fancy word for preventive teeth cleaning—is the only dental procedure of its kind. Prophylaxis is performed for generally healthy mouths and is usually recommended every six months.

Procedures that are also sometimes called “cleanings” are actually periodontal treatments:

• Full Mouth Debridement—a pre-cleaning for those with severe calculus build up.
• Scaling and Root Planing—a deep cleaning for those with early stages of gum disease.
• Perio Maintenance—a periodontal cleaning for those with a history of gum disease.

The Cost of Teeth Cleaning

Most dental insurance policies include benefits that cover teeth cleanings. After all, not maintaining good oral hygiene will most likely lead to expensive costs down the road Failure to keep up with teeth cleanings often leads to serious and expensive health problems. Every patient’s budget situation is different and we are happy to discuss yours with you. At a consultation, we present any possible costs upfront and can help you navigate your insurance benefits. Our main objective is to help you have a successful oral health experience.