Teeth Cleaning & Dental Exams – Dental Q&A
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Most patients need a professional teeth cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease, a history of heavy tartar buildup, or certain medical conditions like diabetes or a weakened immune system, your dentist may recommend cleanings every three to four months. The right interval depends on your individual risk level.
What is involved in a routine teeth cleaning?
A routine teeth cleaning (prophylaxis) involves a dental hygienist removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces and below the gumline, polishing the teeth, and flossing between teeth. The dentist then reviews X-rays and examines your mouth for cavities, gum problems, and oral abnormalities. Most appointments take 45 to 60 minutes.
What is a dental deep cleaning and how is it different from a regular cleaning?
A dental deep cleaning — called scaling and root planing — goes below the gumline to remove tartar and bacterial deposits from the root surfaces of teeth. A regular cleaning treats tooth surfaces above and just at the gumline. Deep cleaning is prescribed when gum disease has caused pockets of 4mm or deeper around the teeth.
Who needs a dental deep cleaning?
You need a deep cleaning if your gum pockets measure 4mm or more, there is tartar buildup below the gumline, or X-rays show bone loss around teeth — all signs of periodontal disease. Your dentist or hygienist determines this during a full periodontal charting exam.
Is a dental deep cleaning painful?
Deep cleanings can cause sensitivity and discomfort, but local anesthesia is used to numb the area being treated so the procedure itself is not painful. After the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage post-procedure discomfort well.
Does teeth cleaning whiten teeth?
A professional cleaning removes surface stains from coffee, tea, and other foods, which can make teeth look brighter and cleaner. However, a cleaning does not change the internal color of teeth. For actual whitening — lightening the natural tooth shade — you need a professional whitening treatment.
Why do my teeth feel sensitive after a cleaning?
Sensitivity after a teeth cleaning is normal, especially if tartar buildup was heavy or gum tissue was inflamed. Removing tartar exposes root surfaces that were previously covered, and those surfaces are more sensitive than enamel. Sensitivity usually resolves within a few days.
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is the clinical name for a dental deep cleaning. Scaling removes tartar and bacterial deposits from tooth surfaces and from the pockets between the teeth and gums. Root planing smooths the root surface to eliminate rough spots where bacteria collect and help the gum tissue reattach to the tooth.
How long can you go without a dental cleaning?
Going more than a year without a cleaning significantly increases your risk of cavities and gum disease, because tartar buildup cannot be removed at home. While some people have naturally lower cavity and gum disease risk, no one is immune to tartar accumulation. Most dentists do not recommend waiting more than 12 months between cleanings.
What is periodontal maintenance cleaning?
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning for patients who have been treated for gum disease. It is typically done every three to four months instead of the standard six, and it includes more detailed measurements of gum pockets and cleaning below the gumline. It is a key part of keeping gum disease from coming back.
Does dental insurance cover teeth cleanings?
Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive cleanings per year at 100% with no deductible. Periodontal maintenance cleanings (for gum disease patients) are usually covered at a different benefit level, sometimes at 80% or subject to the deductible. Check your specific plan for details.
What is dental cleaning in Gahanna like at The Smile Method?
At The Smile Method in Gahanna, a dental cleaning includes a hygienist-performed scaling, polishing, and flossing, followed by a dentist exam, X-rays when due, and an oral cancer screening. We use digital X-rays and an intraoral camera so you can see exactly what the dentist sees. Appointments run on time and the staff explains every step.