A cleaning — prophylaxis, if you want the clinical name — is the single most valuable appointment in dentistry, and the one people put off longest. We remove the plaque and hardened tartar that a toothbrush cannot reach, polish away surface staining from coffee, tea and tobacco, and finish with fluoride if your enamel would benefit from it.
The exam matters as much as the cleaning. A cavity found at six months is a filling. The same cavity found at three years is a root canal and a crown. Most of what we catch early costs a fraction of what it would have cost later, and hurts considerably less.
Twice a year suits most adults. If you have gum disease, smoke, or are managing diabetes, we may suggest coming in more often — and we'll explain why rather than simply booking it.
Common questions
Does a cleaning hurt?
For most people, no. If your gums are inflamed it can be tender, and we can numb the area. Tell us before we start, not after.
How long does it take?
About an hour for a cleaning and exam together.
Questions about prophylaxis (cleanings)?
Call the office and ask. We'd rather talk it through than have you guess from a website.