Professional Teeth Cleaning in Woodland Hills, CA

At Woodland Hills Family Dentistry, we live by the motto, “A healthy smile is a happy one”! Regular teeth cleaning is crucial for maintaining excellent oral health. Whether you’re a new addition to our practice or a longtime patient, our team is committed to offering exceptional care to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Let’s dive into why teeth cleaning is vital and what to anticipate during your visit to our Woodland Hills, CA, office!

Why Teeth Cleaning Matters

Teeth cleaning plays a critical role in preventing dental issues and promoting overall health. Here are some key reasons why regular cleanings should be part of your dental routine:

• Prevents Cavities: Plaque buildup causes tooth decay. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar missed by regular brushing and flossing.
• Prevents Gum Disease: Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, can be taken care of with regular cleanings. If left untreated, it can develop into a more serious periodontal disease.
• Freshens Breath: Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Cleanings help keep your mouth fresh and pleasant.
• Brightens Your Smile: Over time, your teeth may get stained from food, drinks, and tobacco. Professional cleanings can help whisk away these stains, leaving you with a brighter smile!
• Early Detection of Issues: Regular visits allow our highly skilled dentists in Woodland Hills, CA, to spot problems early, such as cavities, broken fillings, or gum disease, before they become more serious and costly to treat.

What to Expect During Your Teeth Cleaning Appointment

Knowing what goes on during a teeth cleaning appointment can help ease any anxiety and make you feel more at ease. Here’s a friendly step-by-step guide to what to expect at Woodland Hills Family Dentistry:

1. Examination

The process begins with a thorough examination of your oral health. One of our skilled dental hygienists will use a small mirror to check around your teeth and gums for any signs of inflammation, cavities, or other issues. If any major concerns are found, our dentist will step in to address them before the cleaning continues.

2. Removal of Plaque and Tartar

The hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar around your gum line and between your teeth using a scaler. Tartar, also known as calculus, is hardened plaque that can only be removed by professional dental tools. This step is super important for keeping your gums healthy and preventing cavities!

3. Deep Cleaning

Once tartar is gone, your teeth are polished with a professional grade polishing toothpaste. This polishing step clears away any leftover plaque and surface stains, leaving your teeth feeling smooth and shiny!

4. Flossing

Next, the hygienist will gently floss between your teeth to clear away any loosened debris from earlier. This helps spot areas needing more care in your daily oral routine if your gums happen to bleed.

5. Rinsing

Your mouth will be rinsed thoroughly to clear away any leftover debris. A fluoride rinse or another antimicrobial solution might be used to help fortify your teeth and further decrease plaque buildup.

6. Fluoride Treatment (Optional)

A fluoride treatment is usually the last part of a professional cleaning. This fluoride is there to shield your teeth from cavities. The fluoride is applied as a gel, foam, or varnish and left on your teeth for a bit to work its magic.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Health Between Appointments

Keeping up with good oral hygiene at home is super important to make sure your pearly whites stay shining after your professional teeth cleaning. Here are some friendly tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy until your next appointment:

• Brush Twice Daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Make sure to brush for at least two minutes each time.
• Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
• Use Mouthwash: An antiseptic mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath. Choose one with fluoride for added protection.
• Healthy Diet: Limit sugary and acidic foods, which can erode enamel and cause cavities. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to support strong teeth and gums.
• Regular Check-ups: Visit us every six months for a professional cleaning and examination. This helps catch any issues early and keeps your smile bright and healthy.

What Is the Difference Between Regular Cleaning and Deep Cleaning?

When it comes to dental cleanings, there are two main types: prophylaxis (regular cleaning) and deep cleaning.

• A regular dental cleaning, or prophylaxis, is a type of preventive care that is designed to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the edges of the gums. It is a non-invasive procedure that helps keep teeth clean and healthy. Minor buildup and gingivitis are occasionally present, and our Woodland Hills, CA, hygienist will discuss modified home care techniques to prevent or reverse those issues before the next cleaning.
• Deep dental cleanings, also known as periodontal therapy, is a more invasive procedure used to treat gum disease. It involves scaling and root planing, which goes deeper beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of the tooth roots, where gums have detached from the teeth. This type of cleaning also helps prevent further gum disease and is often recommended for those with existing gum issues. Without a deep cleaning, bacterial deposits will continue to contribute to gum and bone deterioration, which could lead to tooth loss.

Regular dental cleaning is a preventive measure that helps to keep your teeth healthy, while deep cleaning is a more intensive treatment option for those who already have gum disease. Both types of cleanings are important for maintaining good oral health and are recommended depending on your current oral health status.

Are Dental Cleanings Covered by My Insurance?

When it comes to dental cleanings, most insurance plans will cover the cost of regular cleanings (healthy gums)  twice a year (every six months). Regular cleanings are important in preventing cavities and gum disease, as well as ensuring healthy gums and teeth, so it’s beneficial for both you and your insurance carrier to have these visits included under your benefits package.

In some cases, a deep cleaning may be necessary. Deep cleanings focus on the area between your gums and teeth where gum disease already exists. If you have gum disease, a deep cleaning is necessary to get rid of bacteria and reduce inflammation, and a preventative cleaning will not be appropriate. This involves the hygienist scaling down into the pockets around the teeth and roots, removing tartar and bacteria from the area. Deep cleanings are usually partially covered by most insurance plans, though there may be some out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your policy, you may have a copay or deductible to meet in addition to the patient percentage not covered by your insurance policy.

To find out if your insurance plan covers dental cleanings, Woodland Hills Family Dentistry will contact your insurer to check your policy details. Knowing whether or not your regular dental cleanings are covered by insurance and by how much can help you budget for your visits and stay on top of your oral health.

Why Choose Woodland Hills Family Dentistry for Your Teeth Cleaning?

At Woodland Hills Family Dentistry, we’re here for more than just your teeth – we care about your dental health! Here’s why we’re the top pick for all your oral care needs:

• Experienced Team: Our dental hygienists and dentists are highly trained and experienced in providing comprehensive oral care.
• Patient-Centered Care: We take the time to get to know you and understand your unique dental needs and concerns.
• State-of-the-art technology: Our office is equipped with the latest dental technology to provide precise and effective treatments.
• Comfortable Environment: We strive to create a relaxing and friendly atmosphere to make your visit as pleasant as possible.
• Holistic Approach: Our approach to dental care includes educating patients on good oral hygiene practices and overall health.

Let’s Keep Your Smile Healthy!

Excited to discover the perks of professional teeth cleaning? Get in touch with Woodland Hills Family Dentistry now to book your appointment. Our welcoming team is ready to assist with any queries and support you in achieving a healthier, brighter smile!

Thank you for choosing Woodland Hills Family Dentistry – where your dental health is our passion!

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On This Page

• Why Teeth Cleaning Matters
• What to Expect During Your Teeth Cleaning Appointment
• Tips for Maintaining Oral Health Between Visits
• What Is the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and Deep Cleaning?
• Are Dental Cleanings Covered by My Insurance?
• Why Choose Woodland Hills Family Dentistry for Your Teeth Cleaning?
• Common Questions About Teeth Cleaning

Related Topics

• Dental Checkups
• Oral Cancer Screening
• Sealants
• Fluoride Treatment
• Mouthguards
• Dental X-Ray
• Preventative Dentistry

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Common Questions About Teeth Cleaning

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Hear From Our Patients

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Helpful links: WebMD (Dental Care) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)