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
• Earlier detection of problems, allowing more conservative and less expensive care
• Longer-lasting teeth
• Screening for oral cancer and other oral health conditions

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. 

• 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 diseases, the common chronic health conditions:

1. Brush twice and clean between your teeth once daily
2. Have dental cleanings and exams as recommended by your dental team
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. A combination of ultrasonic and traditional instruments is often used for this.

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. 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:

• Gingivitis Cleaning – when patients have gingivitis, usually two cleaning appointments are needed
• Root Debridement  – cleaning below the gumline, used when periodontal disease is present
• Periodontal Maintenance – cleaning for those with a history of gum disease

The Cost of Teeth Cleaning

Most dental insurance policies include benefits that cover teeth cleanings at some level. 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. We understand that every patient’s budget is different. We will provide you with an estimate of the costs of recommended care and can help you navigate your insurance benefits. Our main objective is to help you have a successful oral health experience.