Dental CLEANING PROCEDURE

what to expect as part of your dental cleaning procedure at our office.
What is Regular cleaning?
  • Regular cleaning is Recommended for patients every 4 to 6months. Patients who have had cleaning done within the last 6months. If you have not gotten a cleaning done recently- you will most likely need a deep cleaning. Routine cleaning will be done and during the procedure the dentist can evaluate and give you an estimate for a deep cleaning.
  • There may be a wait time—while your x-rays are taken processed, procedure is setup and the dentist gets to you.
  • This procedure involves cleaning teeth above the gum line and polishing teeth
  • Cleaning procedure is short 10-15mins.
  • Cost is significantly less compared to other deep cleaning procedures
  • During the procedure we may use an ultrasonic cleaning machine---which dispenses water and makes sound. This may be uncomfortable (water spray on face and neck/ unpleasant sound to certain patients)
  • During the procedure we may use sharp instruments to clean buildup—which may make uncomfortable scratching sounds or cause some pain and sensitivity
  • During the procedure we use a polishing paste-that may may not be flavored—the taste and texture may be uncomfortable to some patients
  • If you have build up( plaque, tartar, calculus) attached to and under your gums---routine cleaning will be “PAINFULL” and you will need deep cleaning under local anesthesia.
  • A routine dental prophylaxis involves the removal of plaque and calculus above the gum line and will not address gum infections below the gum line called gingivitis or periodontal disease. Some bleeding after a cleaning can occur.
During the regular cleaning procedure—if the dentist finds plaque and calculus attached to your gums and below the gum line---the plaque and buildup will be left behind and you will be advised to get a deep cleaning and cost will be provided. Attempt to clean this will not be made—as it will cause pain and discomfort.

If you have paid and scheduled for a regular cleaning--please expect the procedure to be done as above. If you are expecting a thorough detailed and long cleaning appointment and paid and scheduled for a regular cleaning( you may be disappointed)--you will need a deep cleaning and will have to pay for it and schedule it as a separate procedure. Please note some insurances may not cover a deep cleaning( will need a prior approval)

What is a deep cleaning?
  • Deep cleaning or scaling & root planning is done on patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease when there is build up at your gum line or under your gums
  • Involves cleaning under your gums to remove the plaque and calculus build up
  • Involves procedure using topical or local anesthetic
  • Recommended for patients who are not on a routine cleaning schedule with a dentist office. After this procedure, most patients are put on a regular cleaning schedule every 4 to 6months
  • This is a more expensive procedure
  • The treatment time for this procedure is longer between 40mins to 1hr 30mins
  • During the procedure we use ultrasonic devices and sharp instruments as above but this time around your gums and under your gums
  • you may expect bleeding in your gums for multiple days to multiple weeks as your gums heal up post procedure
  • you may need to a see a gum specialist(periodontist) for additional treatments if the deep cleaning does not help sure your gum/periodontal disease. dentist will make a determination for referral at follow up visits.
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