Professional Teeth Cleaning

Maintaining a healthy smile requires more than just brushing and flossing at home. Regular dental cleanings done at SohoSmile are essential to ensuring your oral health stays in top shape.

But what exactly is a dental cleaning? Why is it so important? Let’s dive into the world of dental cleanings and explore the benefits, types, and everything else you need to know.

What is Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleaning is a general and preventive dental treatment that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. It helps to keep your gums healthy and your teeth sparkling.

It’s much more than just a “polish”—it’s a thorough cleaning that goes deep, targeting bacteria that can lead to serious dental problems if left unchecked.

Why is Dental Cleaning Important?

Ever wonder why dentists recommend regular cleanings? Dental cleaning plays a critical role in maintaining oral health. It prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss. Plus, it helps detect potential issues before they become serious (and expensive) problems.

Types of Dental Cleanings

Not all cleanings are the same. Depending on your oral health needs, you may require a specific type of cleaning. Let’s explore the three most common types.

Prophylaxis (Regular Cleaning)

What is Prophylaxis?

Prophylaxis, or regular cleaning, is the standard cleaning most patients receive during their dental checkup. It removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline, leaving your teeth feeling smooth and clean.

Best Candidates for Prophylaxis

If you have generally healthy teeth and gums without any signs of gum disease, you’re a great candidate for regular prophylaxis cleanings.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

What is Deep Cleaning?

Also known as scaling and root planing, deep cleaning is a more intensive cleaning that targets bacteria below the gumline. It’s typically recommended for patients with gum disease or excessive tartar buildup.

Best Candidates for Deep Cleaning

If you’re experiencing gum inflammation, bleeding, or deep pockets around your teeth, a deep cleaning may be necessary to prevent further damage.

Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning

What is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning for individuals who have undergone treatment for gum disease. It’s more frequent and thorough than a regular cleaning, ensuring that your gums stay healthy.

Best Candidates for Periodontal Maintenance

Patients with a history of gum disease or who are at a higher risk for periodontal issues are ideal candidates for this type of cleaning.

The Dental Cleaning Process

So, what happens during a dental cleaning? The process at SohoSmile is straightforward, but it involves multiple steps to ensure your teeth are as clean as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Regular Cleaning

1. Initial Examination – Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to assess your oral health.
2. Plaque and Tartar Removal – Plaque and tartar are scraped off your teeth, focusing on hard-to-reach areas.
3. Polishing – Your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and smoothen your enamel.
4. Fluoride Treatment – In some cases, fluoride may be applied to strengthen your teeth.

Step-by-Step Guide to a Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning is similar to regular cleaning but involves cleaning below the gum line and smoothing the roots of your teeth to prevent bacteria from reattaching.

Tools Used During Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings rely on specialized tools to effectively remove plaque and tartar.

Manual Tools

Dentists use hand scalers to scrape away plaque and tartar from your teeth manually.

Ultrasonic Tools

Ultrasonic tools use vibrations and water to break up and remove hardened tartar.

Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Why should you make regular dental cleanings a part of your routine? Let’s take a look at some key benefits.

Prevention of Gum Disease

By removing plaque and tartar, dental cleanings help to prevent gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated.

Reduced Risk of Cavities

Regular cleanings help prevent cavities by eliminating plaque that leads to tooth decay.

Early Detection of Oral Issues

During a cleaning, your dentist can spot early signs of oral issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or even oral cancer.

Fresher Breath and Whiter Teeth

Who doesn’t love the feeling of a clean, fresh mouth? Dental cleanings help reduce bad breath and brighten your smile.

Dental Cleaning Frequency

The frequency of cleanings varies depending on your age, oral health, and risk factors.

• Recommendations for Children: Children should have a dental cleaning every six months to ensure that their teeth are developing properly and stay healthy.
• Recommendations for Adults: Most adults benefit from bi-annual cleanings, but those with a history of gum disease may need more frequent visits.
• Recommendations for Seniors: Seniors should maintain regular cleanings to protect against gum disease and tooth loss.

Dental Cleaning for Special Cases

Some patients require additional considerations during a dental cleaning.

• Dental Cleanings with Braces: Cleaning around braces can be challenging, but your dentist will ensure all areas are properly cleaned.
• Dental Cleanings for Implants: Dental implants require special attention to prevent plaque buildup around the implant site.
• Dental Cleanings During Pregnancy: Pregnancy can increase your risk of gum disease, making dental cleanings even more important.

Dental Cleaning Costs and Insurance

The cost of dental cleanings varies, but they’re often covered by insurance.

• Average Cost of Regular Cleaning: A regular cleaning costs between $75 to $200, depending on location and provider.
• Does Insurance Cover Cleanings?: Most dental insurance plans cover two cleanings per year as part of preventive care.
• Financing Options for Uninsured Patients: If you don’t have insurance, many dental offices offer financing or payment plans.

Dental Cleaning Aftercare and Maintenance

Your oral health doesn’t stop when you leave SohoSmile's dental office. Here’s how to maintain that fresh, clean feeling.

• Importance of Daily Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing daily are essential to keeping plaque and tartar at bay.
• Diet Tips for Maintaining Clean Teeth: Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that can lead to plaque buildup.
• Long-Term Oral Health Care: Regular dental visits combined with good oral hygiene practices are vital in maintaining a healthy smile.

SohoSmile: Your Trusted Provider for Dental Cleanings

Looking for top-notch dental care in Soho, NYC? Look no further than SohoSmile! Led by Dr. John Koutsoyiannis, our team of experts is dedicated to providing personalized biologic dental care tailored to your unique needs.

At SohoSmile, we combine cutting-edge technology with a holistic approach to optimize your oral health and enhance your smile. Whether it’s a routine dental cleaning or more complex dental work, we’ve got you covered.

Experience dental excellence with a biologic twist—because at SohoSmile, your smile is our masterpiece. Contact us today!

Conclusion

Incorporating regular dental cleanings into your routine is crucial for maintaining a bright, healthy smile. Whether you’re due for regular cleaning or require something more extensive like deep cleaning or periodontal maintenance, keeping up with your oral hygiene will protect your teeth and gums for years to come.

Ready for your next cleaning? Book your appointment today with SohoSmile!