Professional Teeth Cleanings in Summit & Westfield
Regular dental cleanings keep your mouth healthy and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. If you’re due for a dental cleaning, schedule a visit with the dental team at Dental Studios in Summit and Westfield, New Jersey. Dr. Daniel Butensky provides exceptional dental care to optimize your oral health and make your smile look stunning. Call the office or use the online scheduling tool to book your cleaning.
What are cleanings?
A professional cleaning is a procedure performed to remove plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth and keep your mouth in optimal health. They’re also an opportunity for your dentist to periodically check in on your oral health, which is why Dental Studios recommends scheduling your cleanings at regular intervals.
Why do I need a dental cleaning?
There are several reasons professional dental cleanings are important.
First, they’re the only way to remove tartar from your teeth. Tartar forms when plaque stays on your teeth for too long. The minerals in your saliva combine with the plaque, hardening to form crystals that stick to the surface of your teeth. While you can eliminate the buildup of plaque with regular at-home brushing and flossing, tartar requires a professional cleaning to eradicate, which is necessary to avoid tooth decay and gum disease.
Also, when you maintain regular cleanings, the dental team is able to consistently monitor the health of your mouth and address concerns at their earliest stages. By treating dental conditions before they’ve had a chance to develop, your dentist can restore your oral health with simpler, less invasive procedures.
What happens at my cleaning?
First, your dental hygienist uses a special tool called a scaler to carefully and thoroughly scrape off all of the plaque and tartar from your teeth. They go tooth-by-tooth, making sure to clean every side.
Once your teeth are clean, your provider uses a high-powered electric toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste to polish your smile and finishes with administering a professional flossing. If you’re prone to cavities, the team might recommend a fluoride treatment.
After your cleaning, your dentist performs a visual assessment of your oral tissues, looking for signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health concerns. Depending on how long it’s been since your last appointment, they might also recommend taking X-rays to get a deeper look.
How often do I need cleanings?
The general rule of thumb is to have a dental cleaning once every six months, but you should work with your dentist to determine the exact frequency of your visits. You might need to get cleanings more or less often depending on the state of your oral health and your predisposition to certain dental conditions.
Call the offices at Dental Studios or book a visit online, and start your cleanings with their team of dedicated experts today.
FAQs About Teeth Cleanings
What's the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline and is appropriate for patients with healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes further below the gumline to remove buildup and smooth root surfaces — it’s used to treat gum disease. Your hygienist will assess which type of cleaning you need based on your gum health.
My teeth look clean. Do I still need a professional cleaning?
Yes. Tartar (calcified plaque) builds up in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and floss, and it can only be removed with professional instruments. Regular cleanings also allow us to catch early signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer before they become serious problems
Does a teeth cleaning hurt?
For most patients, a routine cleaning is comfortable and painless. Patients with sensitive gums or significant buildup may experience mild discomfort. If you have concerns, let your hygienist know before you start — we can take steps to make the appointment as comfortable as possible.
How long does a teeth cleaning appointment take?
A routine cleaning and exam typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour. If it’s been a while since your last visit or if additional X-rays are needed, the appointment may run a little longer. We’ll give you an estimate when you book.
Does insurance cover teeth cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover two routine cleanings per year at 100% — it’s one of the most commonly included preventive benefits. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit, check your plan to confirm coverage before scheduling.