A dental cleaning is when our dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth that regular brushing and flossing just can’t get rid of. This buildup hardens over time and can lead to cavities and gum disease if it’s not removed professionally.
Most people should get a dental cleaning every six months, but if you have gum disease or a history of cavities we might recommend coming in more often. The good news? A cleaning is often quick, painless and your teeth feel amazing afterward. We’ll also polish your teeth and apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your enamel so you leave with a smooth, shiny smile.
Whether you’re really good about coming in twice a year or it’s been awhile since your last dental cleaning, we’re here to help. Regular cleanings help us catch problems early and keep your smile looking and feeling great for years to come.
A professional dental cleaning is one of the best ways to keep your teeth healthy long-term. Even if you’re great about brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can still build up in those hard to reach spaces. Our hygienists use gentle techniques and the right tools to give your teeth a deep clean that actually feels good. Here is what happens during your visit:
Your hygienist uses special tools to carefully remove sticky plaque and hardened tartar from your teeth and along your gumline. This is what causes cavities, gum disease and bad breath if left alone.
After the plaque and tartar are gone, we polish your teeth with a slightly gritty paste that removes surface stains and makes your smile noticeably brighter. This is usually everyone’s favorite part because your teeth feel super smooth afterward.
We floss between each tooth to clear out any remaining buildup and make sure your gums stay healthy. Even if you regularly floss at home, sometimes there’s places you just can’t reach yourself.
For extra protection, especially if you’re prone to cavities or weak enamel, we might apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and help prevent future decay.
Once we are finished, we’ll go over better techniques for brushing and flossing at home and recommend any products or tools that might help based on what we see during your cleaning.
Ready for a fresh, clean smile? Book your appointment and keep your smile healthy.
Starting care with a new dental practice should feel easy and welcoming. Here’s exactly what you can expect during your first appointment at Davis Family Dentistry.
Complete your patient forms and meet our friendly team who will make you feel right at home
Dr. Davis performs a thorough examination using advanced digital imaging technology
We discuss your oral health goals and create a personalized plan tailored to your needs
Get all your questions answered and schedule any recommended follow-up treatments
Experience personalized dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Schedule your appointment with us today and discover why families throughout Indianapolis trust us with their smiles.
Get answers to the most common questions about dental care, treatment options, and what to expect before your appointment.
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Most people should get a dental cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease or a history of cavities, we might recommend coming in every three to four months. We’ll let you know what schedule makes the most sense for you and your oral health.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Nope! Most people find cleanings to be completely painless. You might feel some pressure or slight sensitivity if you have a lot of buildup or sensitive gums, but it should never hurt. If you do feel any discomfort, let us know and we will be more than happy to adjust our approach..
How long does a dental cleaning take?
A typical cleaning takes about 30-45 minutes. If it’s been awhile since your last cleaning or you need a deeper cleaning (often referred to as SRP or scaling and root planning), it might take a bit longer.
What's the difference between a dental exam and a cleaning?
A dental exam is when Dr. Davis checks your teeth, gums, and overall oral health for any problems. A cleaning is when one of our hygienist removes plaque and tartar build up from your teeth. Most patients get both done during the same appointment.
Is a dental cleaning covered by insurance?
Will a cleaning make my teeth whiter?
A cleaning will remove surface stains from things like coffee, tea and tobacco, so your teeth will look brighter and feel smoother. However, If you want significantly whiter teeth you’ll need a professional whitening treatment which is a separate service we offer.
Do I really need a cleaning if I brush and floss everyday?
Yes! Even with great home care, plaque hardens into tartar that can only be removed with professional tools. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease that brushing and flossing alone can’t stop.
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