Regular teeth cleanings are crucial to maintaining the health of your gums and teeth. By scheduling checkups every 6 to 8 months, you can prevent unexpected dental pain and the costly treatments that may arise from untreated issues.
Maintaining regular teeth cleaning and checkup appointments is essential for ensuring the health of your teeth, gums, and overall oral cavity. These routine visits go beyond what daily brushing and flossing can achieve, effectively removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria—the primary contributors to tooth decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. A skilled hygienist can clean those hard-to-reach areas that are often missed during regular at-home care, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
In addition, routine cleanings provide an excellent opportunity for your hygienist and dentist to monitor your oral health, identifying and addressing potential problems early, before they turn into painful or costly issues.
Regular cleanings can also help brighten your smile naturally, removing stains from coffee, tea, and other foods without the need for bleaching treatments. Benefits include:
Eliminating plaque, which contains harmful bacteria that erodes your enamel.
Removing tartar buildup that can lead to gum disease.
Cleaning away stains from coffee, tea, or other substances.
Checking for signs of receding gums, chipped or broken teeth, and other oral health issues.
Your gums are essential for keeping your teeth healthy, so they receive special attention during your cleaning. We will carefully assess the condition of your gums, looking for signs of swelling, tenderness, or gum disease. We also check your entire mouth, including your tongue, to ensure everything is in top condition. If needed, we’ll discuss your flossing habits and provide suggestions for improvement to keep your gums strong and healthy.
Plaque builds up on your teeth every day, and if not removed with regular brushing and flossing, it can turn into tartar. Tartar is a hardened substance that can only be professionally removed by a hygienist. We’ll use specialized instruments to gently clean your teeth and remove any tartar buildup, especially along the gumline where it’s most common. Once that’s done, we’ll polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave you with a sparkling smile.
After your cleaning, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums to check for any potential problems. They will review your X-rays and take note of any changes or areas that may need extra care. Your dentist will discuss any findings with you and offer tips on how to protect your oral health in the future. If you’ve had any issues, like sensitivity or pain, this is the perfect time to mention them, and we’ll work together to address them.
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health and preventing more serious dental issues. In San Diego, the cost of a routine dental cleaning typically ranges from $75 to $200, with an average cost of around $125. However, without dental insurance, the cost can range from $120 to $300 or more, particularly if it’s your initial visit or the first cleaning in a prolonged period.
Several factors can influence the cost of your dental cleaning:
Oral Health Condition: The current state of your oral health may require additional treatments or longer appointment times, affecting the overall cost.
Need for X-rays: If new X-rays are necessary to assess your dental health, this will add to the total expense.
Appointment Duration: The time required to address your individual needs can impact the cost, especially if extensive cleaning or additional procedures are needed.
Equipment and Supplies: The specific tools and materials required for your treatment can also influence the overall price.
Investing in regular dental cleanings not only helps prevent more invasive treatments but also ensures your comfort and well-being by maintaining a healthy mouth.
Typically, we recommend scheduling a teeth cleaning and checkup every 6 months. However, depending on your specific oral health needs, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits or fewer visits, especially if there are insurance or cost-related considerations.
Don’t wait! If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, it’s important to contact us as soon as possible. While cleanings are a great preventive measure, they’re not the only time to address issues. If you have any concerns, even if they seem minor, reaching out early can prevent bigger problems down the line.
Yes, checkups are essential even if you have dentures. Regular visits are necessary to ensure your dentures are properly fitting and functioning, and to check the overall health of your gums, bones, and soft tissues in your mouth.
Typically, dental cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour, and are done while you’re comfortably lying back in the dental chair.
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. After your consultation, we can provide an estimate to share with your provider. We encourage prioritizing this procedure, so feel free to discuss any concerns with us.
Back teeth like molars and premolars usually require a crown for added strength, while front teeth (canines and incisors) may not always need one.