Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Routine teeth cleaning and checkups are crucial for preserving oral health, including your teeth, gums, and entire mouth. Cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause decay, gum disease, and bad breath. A hygienist can reach areas that brushing and flossing miss, providing an opportunity for your dentist to monitor your oral health and address potential issues before they become painful and costly.
Regular cleanings also help your teeth look naturally whiter and brighter, without the need for bleaching.
- Eliminates plaque, which contains bacteria that erodes enamel.
- Removes tartar build-up, preventing gum disease.
- Gets rid of stains from coffee, tea, and other foods.
- Checks for receding gums, chipped or broken teeth, and signs of disease or infection.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Your gums are crucial for supporting your teeth and framing your smile. We’ll thoroughly examine your tongue, gums, teeth, and the entire mouth, paying close attention to the gum line to ensure there’s no inflammation or early signs of gum disease. Don’t worry, we won’t be too hard on you about flossing habits!
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on teeth. If not cleaned away, it can harden into tartar, which often forms around the gumline and can only be removed by a hygienist. Using specialized tools, we’ll carefully scale away plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach spots, then polish your teeth to remove stains and leave them gleaming.
Dentist Exam
After cleaning, your dentist will review your chart and x-rays to focus on problem areas. They may recommend additional treatment or offer tips to slow or reverse tooth decay, inflammation, or gum disease. We’re happy to address any questions or concerns about discomfort, sensitivity, or dental pain you’ve experienced.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in Richmond
Routine checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing dental issues, and most insurance companies cover them nearly completely, typically every 6 months. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can expect to pay between $200 and $400, especially if it’s your first visit or your first cleaning in a long time.
When determining the actual cost of your treatment, we consider a few key factors:
- Your current oral health
- Whether new x-rays are needed
- The time required by the dental team to meet your specific needs
- The equipment and supplies needed for your care
These routine appointments are crucial, as they are the most effective way to avoid invasive treatments, prevent serious dental pain, and keep you as happy and healthy as possible.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We typically recommend coming in every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. However, if you have specific needs, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits, or we may schedule appointments further out for insurance or cost reasons.
Don’t wait! If you experience any pain or discomfort, call us right away. Cleanings are great for preventing problems, but they’re not the only time to address issues. Even minor problems should be reported so we can address them early.
Yes, checkups are important for your entire mouth. If you wear dentures, we still want to examine your dentures for proper fit and condition, as well as check your gums, tongue, and overall oral health.
Most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour, typically performed in a comfortable dental chair while you are lying down.
Use tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. While brushing is important, dental floss is the only way to remove plaque between teeth and keep tartar away from hard-to-reach areas. Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash daily to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
After a regular cleaning, you can eat right away, but avoid foods or drinks that are acidic or abrasive. If you had a fluoride treatment, wait at least 30 minutes before eating.
Yes, continuing to brush and floss after your cleaning is the best way to maintain your dentist’s work and keep your teeth healthy.
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