Most dentists recommend getting a dental cleaning every six months to remove plaque and tartar that typical brushing and flossing cannot fully eliminate. These regular cleanings can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Patients with gum disease or those with risk factors may consider more frequent cleanings. 

During your routine dental cleaning, our Mask Dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth using specialized tools. Then, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and smooth the enamel. We will also floss between your teeth and may apply fluoride for additional protection. Afterwards, either Dr. Derek Mask or Dr. Justin Alexander will perform an exam to check for any signs of cavities, tooth decay, or other health concerns. 

A routine dental cleaning typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The exact time depends on how much plaque or tartar is present and whether we perform X-rays during your visit. Typically, patients who maintain good oral hygiene will have shorter appointments than those who may need a more thorough cleaning. 

Annual preventive dental cleanings are often fully covered by dental insurance, typically allowing two routine cleanings per year at no cost to the patient. Without insurance, costs can vary depending on factors like whether an X-ray is needed. Our Mask Dental Studio team can provide accurate costs for your routine dental cleaning.

For the vast majority of patients, annual dental cleanings are completely painless. Slight pressure or mild sensitivity while tartar and plaque are being removed can be normal. If gums are inflamed or you have not had a cleaning in a long time, there may be temporary discomfort, but our team will work with you to ensure the process is quick and well-tolerated.

A typical dental cleaning with Mask Dental Studio will include removing plaque and tartar buildup, polishing teeth to remove stains, and flossing between teeth. Most visits will also include an oral health exam by our dentists and sometimes X-rays if needed. Additionally, we may provide a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities. 

A routine dental cleaning generally focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a more advanced procedure that is used to treat gum disease. This process involves cleaning deeper beneath the gums and smoothing the tooth roots to help the gums heal and reduce bacteria. 

Your dental hygienist will typically remove tartar using specialized tools designed to safely break away hardened plaque from the tooth surface. These tools include manual scalers or ultrasonic devices that vibrate and spray water to loosen buildup. Once tartar is removed, the teeth are then polished to smooth the enamel and make it harder for plaque to stick again. 

Yes, you can usually eat right after a dental cleaning. However, if a fluoride treatment was applied, we may recommend waiting about 30 minutes before eating or drinking. After a cleaning, it is best to avoid very hard, sticky, or heavily stained foods, especially if your teeth are sensitive. 

Most dental insurance plans fully cover preventive services such as routine dental cleanings. Most policies allow for two cleanings per year with little or no out-of-pocket costs. While coverage varies by person, our team at Mask Dental Studio can fully explain your insurance plan so you know exactly what to expect.