Cleanings
Even great brushing and flossing can't reach everything. Professional cleanings remove the plaque and tartar that build up in hard-to-reach areas, especially along the gumline and between teeth. It's one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent cavities and gum disease.
What Happens During a Cleaning
Your hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from all surfaces of your teeth, including below the gumline. After scaling, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel. A fluoride treatment may be applied for extra cavity protection.
Throughout the cleaning, your hygienist checks for signs of gum inflammation, recession, or other concerns and shares what they find with Dr. Lee for a complete picture of your oral health.
Most routine cleanings take 30 to 45 minutes. If it's been a while since your last visit, your first cleaning may run a bit longer. That's completely fine.
How Often You Should Come In
Every six months is standard for most patients. If you have gum disease or a higher cavity risk, Dr. Lee may recommend every 3 to 4 months. We'll let you know what makes sense for your situation and help you stay on schedule.
Regular cleanings do more than keep your teeth looking good. They give us a chance to catch small problems before they turn into big ones. A cleaning today can save you a filling, a crown, or something more involved down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cleanings. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Give us a call.
For most patients, not at all. If you have sensitive teeth or inflamed gums, you may feel some minor discomfort. Let your hygienist know and they'll adjust. We can also apply a topical numbing gel if needed.
A routine cleaning focuses on surfaces above and just below the gumline and is for patients with healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a therapeutic treatment for patients with gum disease and goes much further below the gumline.
Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive cleanings per year at 100%. Our team verifies your benefits before your appointment so you know what to expect.
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Learn MoreReady to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to learn more about cleanings. Our team will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.