Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Routine teeth cleaning and checkups are essential for preserving your oral health, including your teeth, gums, and the rest of your mouth. Cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. A hygienist can reach areas that are difficult to clean with routine brushing and flossing at home. Thorough cleanings and exams allow hygienists and dentists to monitor your oral health and address issues before they become painful and costly.
- Eliminate Plaque: Removes the sticky substance containing bacteria that erodes enamel.
- Remove Tartar Build-Up: Gets rid of hardened plaque that can lead to gum disease.
- Stain Removal: Clears away coffee, tea, and other stains on your teeth.
- Health Monitoring: Checks for receding gums, chipped or broken teeth, and other signs of disease and infection.
Regular teeth cleanings offer several benefits:
Additionally, regular cleanings help your teeth look whiter and brighter naturally, without the need for bleaching treatments.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Your gums are vital for supporting your teeth and framing your smile. We examine your tongue, gums, teeth, and all areas of your mouth, with a special focus on the gum line. This ensures your mouth is healthy and free of inflammation or gum disease. We promise not to be too hard on you about your flossing habits.
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth. If not regularly cleaned away through thorough brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning, it can harden into tartar deposits. Tartar is darker in color and often found in hard-to-clean areas like the gum line. A hygienist has the tools and expertise to carefully remove plaque and tartar from these tricky spots. Afterward, we polish your teeth to remove stains and leave them gleaming.
Dentist Exam
After your teeth are cleaned, the dentist will examine them. They will review your chart and x-rays, focusing on any problem areas or concerning patterns. The dentist may recommend further treatment or provide tips on how to slow or reverse tooth decay, inflammation, or gum disease. We are happy to answer any questions you have or listen to any discomfort, sensitivity, or dental pain you’ve experienced.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in Grand Rapids
Routine checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing dental problems, and most insurance companies cover them almost entirely, typically every six months. Without dental insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $300 or more, especially if it’s your first visit or the first cleaning in a long time.
- Your Current Oral Health: The state of your oral health can influence the complexity of the cleaning.
- Need for X-Rays: New x-rays might be required to assess your dental health thoroughly.
- Time Required: The duration needed by the dental team to address your specific needs.
- Equipment and Supplies: The necessary tools and materials to provide comprehensive care.
The actual cost of your treatment depends on several factors:
These routine appointments are crucial to us because they are the most effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, avoid serious dental pain, and keep you happy and healthy.
Contact Us Today
Schedule an Initial Consultation & Exam
During your consultation, we will examine your teeth, gums, soft tissues, and the shape and condition of your bite. We aim to understand how your entire mouth looks and functions. Before planning your treatment, we want to know everything about the health and aesthetics of your smile. Most importantly, we want to understand your goals so we can help you achieve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
We typically recommend getting your teeth cleaned and having a checkup every six months. However, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have specific needs. In some cases, appointments may be scheduled further apart due to insurance or cost considerations.
Don’t wait! If you have any pain or discomfort in your mouth, call us right away. Cleanings are a great opportunity to prevent problems, but they are not the only time to address them. Even if the issue seems minor, let us know immediately so we can fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour on average and are performed while you lie comfortably in a dental chair.
Yes, you can help prevent tartar by following these steps:
- Choose Tartar-Control Toothpaste with Fluoride: This helps prevent tartar buildup and strengthens your teeth.
- Floss Daily: No matter how well you brush, flossing is the only way to remove plaque between your teeth and prevent tartar in hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse Daily: Use an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill the bacteria that cause plaque and prevent tartar formation.
After a regular dental cleaning, you can eat immediately, but try to avoid foods or drinks that are acidic or abrasive. If you received a fluoride treatment during your cleaning, wait at least 30 minutes before eating anything.
Yes, you should continue to brush and floss your teeth after a dental cleaning. This is the best way to maintain the cleanliness and health achieved during your dental visit.
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