Dental Cleanings & Preventive Care
Maintain your oral health with regular cleanings and preventive treatments
Professional Dental Cleanings
Regular professional dental cleanings are a crucial component of maintaining excellent oral health. Even with diligent brushing and flossing at home, plaque and tartar can build up in hard-to-reach areas, leading to tooth decay and gum disease if left untreated.
At Englewood Family Dentistry, our skilled dental hygienists use specialized tools to gently and thoroughly remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth. This comprehensive cleaning helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues while leaving your smile feeling fresh and looking bright.
We recommend most patients schedule professional cleanings every six months, though some may benefit from more frequent visits depending on their individual needs and oral health status.
Benefits of Regular Cleanings
Prevent Tooth Decay
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities, helping to maintain healthy teeth and prevent the need for fillings or more extensive restorative treatments.
Gum Disease Prevention
Regular cleanings help prevent gingivitis and more serious periodontal disease by removing bacteria-laden plaque and tartar from along and below the gumline.
Brighter Smile
Professional cleanings remove many surface stains, resulting in a brighter, more confident smile without additional whitening treatments.
Early Problem Detection
Regular dental visits allow us to identify potential issues early, when they're easier and less expensive to treat.
Better Overall Health
Good oral health is linked to better overall health, including reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions.
Cost Savings
Preventive care is much less expensive than treating dental problems after they develop, saving you money in the long run.
Our Preventive Services
Comprehensive Dental Exams
Our thorough dental examinations include:
- Visual inspection of teeth, gums, and oral tissues
- Evaluation of existing dental work
- Oral cancer screening
- Examination of jaw and bite alignment
- Digital X-rays (as needed) to detect issues not visible to the naked eye
Professional Dental Cleanings
Our gentle yet effective cleaning process includes:
- Removal of plaque and tartar (scaling)
- Polishing to remove surface stains
- Flossing between teeth
- Personalized oral hygiene instructions
Fluoride Treatments
Professional fluoride treatments strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars. We offer quick, painless fluoride applications that provide added protection against cavities for both children and adults.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants are thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) where decay often starts. They seal off grooves and pits that are difficult to clean, providing an extra layer of protection against cavities. Sealants are particularly beneficial for children but can be appropriate for adults as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my teeth cleaned?
For most patients, we recommend professional cleanings every six months. However, if you have gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or certain health conditions like diabetes, we may suggest more frequent cleanings every 3-4 months.
Are dental cleanings painful?
Most patients find dental cleanings to be painless or only mildly uncomfortable. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let us know, and we can take extra steps to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
How long does a dental cleaning take?
A routine dental cleaning typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar buildup and how long it's been since your last cleaning.
Are X-rays necessary at every visit?
No, X-rays are not needed at every visit. For most patients with good oral health, we recommend bitewing X-rays once a year and a full set of X-rays every 3-5 years. However, this schedule may vary based on your individual oral health needs.
Does dental insurance cover cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover routine preventive care, including regular cleanings and exams. In many cases, these services are covered at 100% with no out-of-pocket cost to you. Our office staff can help verify your specific coverage before your appointment.
Schedule Your Cleaning Today
Regular dental cleanings are one of the best investments you can make in your long-term oral health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Book Your Appointment