Dental Cleanings in Charlotte NC

Click to Scroll for More

Routine dental cleanings are not simply a “careful toothbrushing” performed by your dentist or hygienist in Oakhurst. Teeth cleanings (or “prophylaxis”) are an opportunity for dental health professionals to remove stains and bacterial deposits. These deposits are impossible to remove at home while you brush your teeth. Without a dental checkup, they will continue to collect and cause disease

Dental disease due to the absence of professional cleanings can destroy the teeth and gums and destroy the bone that anchors the teeth. Routine exams provide an opportunity for your dentist to check for cavities and other oral diseases that are almost always painless until significant and irreversible damage has already been done to the tooth enamel and gum line.

Even with professional intervention, not all dental cleanings are created equal

Some people require a more thorough “deep cleaning” procedure to stop the development and progression of severe gum disease (or “periodontitis”). Some examples of people who often need these more detailed cleanings (or “scaling and root planing”) are those who may have neglected seeking routine dental care, those who use tobacco products, people with certain health conditions (e.g. diabetes), or those people who have a genetic predisposition to developing severe gum disease. 

“Regular” dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar cannot be performed until the gum disease has been treated.

What is Included in Teeth Cleaning?

Routine dental prophylaxis includes removing bacteria and stains from the teeth above and immediately below the gumline. Deposits that have collected deep under the gums and between the teeth require scaling and root planing (“deep cleaning”) to properly remove. Once these have been removed, the teeth are polished with a special paste to help prevent the collection of more bacteria and stains and subsequent tooth decay in the days following the appointment.

Is a Dental Cleaning The Same as a Dental Exam?

A dental cleaning is separate from the exam, though an exam often precedes or follows a cleaning. As cleaning is a medical procedure, it must be prescribed by a doctor who takes responsibility for monitoring your oral health. An exam may be conducted by a dental hygienist and usually involves taking dental x-rays.

How Much Does a Dental Cleaning Cost?

Dental cleanings, diagnostic images, and exams are very often completely covered by dental insurance. Our staff is always happy to check with your insurance to see if there is any out of pocket cost to you for any of the services we provide.

How Long Do Dental Cleanings Take? 

Dental cleanings’ exact duration will depend on the amount of plaque buildup present and the need for gingivitis or periodontitis evaluation. Cleanings are not as simple as brushing and flossing, and can take under 30 minutes or over two hours.

How Often Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned?

For most people, the recommended “every 6 months” rule is appropriate to prevent excessive buildup of bacterial collections. Certain health issues and dental conditions require more frequent cleanings to prevent the same buildup. Dr. Turner is always happy to educate his patients on their oral health status and make recommendations for improving or maintaining a healthy smile!

Oakhurst charlotte, NC dental cleanings

Contact Us

Don’t wait until a dental problem progresses before getting professionally diagnosed and treated. Our staff offers teeth cleanings in Oakhurst, Charlotte, North Carolina. Schedule a teeth cleaning today to support your oral health and prevent dental problems.