Teeth Cleaning

Looking for professional teeth cleaning service in San Diego? Look no further! Our experienced dentists offer comprehensive teeth cleaning services that will leave your smile looking and feeling great.

What are professional teeth cleaning services in San Diego?

A professional teeth cleaning is a preventive measure that helps maintain good oral health by removing plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth with a licensed dental hygienist or dentist. 

Typically recommended every six months, regular cleanings can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems, and keep your smile looking its best.

If you're in San Diego and are due for a teeth cleaning, scheduling an appointment with your local dentist is easy!

Why are teeth cleanings important?

Teeth cleanings are essential for optimal oral hygiene and a healthy smile, including:

• Preventing cavities.
• Preventing gum disease.
• Early detection of dental problems.
• Freshening breath.

Additionally, regular teeth cleanings have been linked to better overall health and a stronger immune system to fight off infections.

What happens if you don't get regular teeth cleanings?

Several issues may arise if you do not get regular teeth cleanings, including:

• Plaque and tartar build-up: Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove and leads to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Gum disease: Bacteria in plaque and tartar cause inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss.
• Cavities and tooth decay: Plaque and tartar can also lead to cavities, which can be painful and require dental fillings or other treatments.
• Bad breath: Bacteria in your mouth can cause bad breath or halitosis.
• Stained teeth: Regular cleanings can help remove these stains and keep your teeth looking their best.

Also, many people may not be aware that during a dental exam, your dentist will perform an oral cancer screening to look for signs of oral cancer, which can be life-threatening if not detected early.

The benefits of regular dental cleanings

Regular dental cleanings not only promote a healthy mouth but also limit oral health concerns such as periodontal disease. Additional benefits include:

• Early detection of oral health problems.
• Regular oral cancer screening.
• Prevents the development of gum disease.
• Cavity and tooth loss prevention.
• Prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar.
• Freshens breathe and brightens teeth.
• Improves your overall well-being.
• Saves money by reducing future dental work.
• Boosts confidence and self-esteem.

How much does it cost to have teeth cleaned in San Diego?

The cost of teeth cleaning in San Diego can vary depending on several factors, including the location, the dental office, and the extent of cleaning needed.

Typically, a standard dental cleaning can cost between $75 to $200 in San Diego, but this may vary based on the factors mentioned above.

If additional treatments are needed, such as x-rays, deep cleaning, or periodontal therapy, the cost may be higher, so always check with your provider for a cost breakdown. 

What to expect during a dental cleaning?

During a professional dental cleaning, most people can anticipate a relatively painless and fast appointment.

A typical dental cleaning in a San Diego office will typically involve the following:

• Dental exam: Will examine teeth, gums, and mouth to check for any signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
• Scaling: The hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gum line.
• Gritty toothpaste polishing: After scaling, the hygienist or dentist will polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains and make your teeth look and feel smooth.
• Flossing: The hygienist will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining debris and help prevent gum disease.
• Rinsing: A final rinse will get rid of any lingering debris.
• Fluoride treatment: In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to your teeth to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

Throughout the cleaning process, the hygienist or dentist will explain what they are doing and answer any questions you may have, as well as provide tips for improving your oral hygiene at home, such as proper brushing and flossing techniques.

How long does cleaning teeth at the dentist take?

In general, a routine dental cleaning typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour but can vary depending on several factors, including the extent of cleaning needed, the individual's oral health, and the dentist's or hygienist's technique.

How do you know when you need a deep cleaning?

The most common signs that will alert you that you may need a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, include:

• Bleeding gums.
• Persistent bad breath.
• Loose teeth.
• Significant tartar buildup.
• History or diagnosis of gum disease.

Ultimately, the best way to know if you need a deep cleaning is to schedule a visit with your dentist. 

How often should you clean your teeth?

To keep your teeth healthy, it is generally recommended to brush them twice a day, every day, for two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste, and to floss between your teeth to remove plaque and food particles that may have been missed by your toothbrush.

Also, it's important to visit your dentist for regular cleanings and check-ups. Most dentists recommend visiting the dentist every six months for professional cleaning, although your dentist may recommend a different frequency based on your individual needs.

What are the different types of professional teeth cleaning?

There are several types of professional teeth cleaning that a dental hygienist or dentist may recommend, depending on your individual needs:

Regular Teeth Cleaning

Prophylaxis cleaning is a routine cleaning that is typically done every six months for patients who have healthy teeth and gums. It involves scaling the teeth to remove plaque and tartar buildup and polishing the teeth to remove surface stains.

Deep Teeth Cleaning

Scaling and root planing cleaning is a deep cleaning treatment that is typically recommended for patients with gum disease. It involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots to prevent further buildup and promote gum healing.

Periodontal maintenance cleaning is recommended for patients who have already undergone scaling and root planing treatment. It involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums and monitoring the patient's gum health.

Full mouth debridement is a cleaning that is recommended for patients with a severe plaque and tartar buildup who may require deeper cleaning, but it is difficult to evaluate the overall condition of their oral health.

A healthy mouth is a healthy smile!

Knowing the benefits of professional teeth cleanings services in San Diego is an essential part of maintaining optimal oral health and beautiful teeth!

Contact Smiles by Design and book your appointment today!