Professional Cleaning
Routine cleaning and exam to remove plaque, tartar, and stains — and catch issues early.
01
Overview
A professional cleaning (also called a prophylaxis) is the foundation of good dental health. Every six months, our hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar buildup, polishes your teeth, and Dr. Infantino performs a thorough exam to catch small problems before they become big ones.
This is the single best thing you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.
02
Who it's for
Everyone over age 1. Cleanings should happen:
- Every 6 months for most adults and kids
- Every 3–4 months if you have gum disease, diabetes, or are pregnant
- Sooner if it's been more than a year — we'll likely recommend a deeper cleaning to catch up
03
How it works
A typical visit takes 45–60 minutes:
- Health review — we update your medical history and any concerns.
- X-rays — every 1–2 years (or as needed) to see between teeth and below the gum line.
- Scaling — the hygienist removes plaque and tartar with hand tools and ultrasonic instruments.
- Polishing — removes surface stains for a clean, smooth feel.
- Exam — Dr. Infantino checks each tooth, your bite, gums, and screens for oral cancer.
- Personalized advice — brushing tips, areas to focus on, fluoride if needed.
04
Recovery and aftercare
There's nothing to recover from — you can eat and drink normally right away.
If your gums were irritated during the cleaning, they may bleed slightly for a day. That's a sign you should be flossing more, not less. Continue your normal home care: brush twice daily, floss once daily, and we'll see you in six months.
05
Cost and insurance
A standard preventive visit (cleaning + exam + X-rays as needed) typically runs $150–$300 out of pocket if you don't have insurance.
Insurance coverage: most dental plans cover two preventive visits per year at 100% — meaning no out-of-pocket cost for you. We're in-network with most major PPOs and will verify your benefits before your visit.
No insurance? Ask about our in-house membership plan, which includes two cleanings, exams, and X-rays for a flat annual fee.
06
Questions, answered.
- 01How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Every six months is the standard recommendation for most healthy adults and kids. If you have gum disease, are diabetic, or pregnant, every 3–4 months is better. Skipping cleanings doesn't save money in the long run — catching small issues early is much cheaper than treating big ones.
- 02Does a professional cleaning hurt?
For most people, no — it's not painful, just a bit of pressure and the occasional jet of water. If your gums are inflamed (a sign you should see us more often), there may be some sensitivity. We can apply a topical numbing gel if needed.
- 03What if it's been years since my last cleaning?
Don't worry — we see this often. We'll likely recommend a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to catch up, possibly split across two visits. After that, regular six-month cleanings keep things on track. No judgment, just a plan to get you back to healthy.
- 04Do I really need X-rays?
Yes, periodically. X-rays let us see between teeth and below the gum line — areas a visual exam can't reach. We follow ADA guidelines and use the lowest possible radiation with digital sensors. For most adults, a full set every 3–5 years and bitewings every 1–2 years is appropriate.