Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Dental Cleanings

Questions for Your Santa Monica Dentist

When choosing a family dentist, Santa Monica offers many choices. We want you to feel confident in the choice to trust your family's smiles to the Vision Dental team.

Asking questions is a natural part of the process of choosing your dentist, and we are here to help in any way we can. If your question is not listed here, the fastest way to get an answer is to pick up the phone and call. One of our friendly team members will be happy to help.

Dental Cleanings

You can expect a painless and even relaxing teeth-cleaning session every six months. The American Dental Association and your Santa Monica dentist recommend twice-yearly dental checkups and teeth cleanings.

woman smiling after dental cleaning in santa monicaThis schedule has been shown to lower oral health risks like cavities, oral infections, gingivitis, and gum disease. If you already have gingivitis or gum disease, your dentist will customize your cleaning schedule to address the condition.

Teeth cleanings are essential even if you brush and floss regularly.

Dental Cleaning in Santa Monica, CA

Teeth cleanings mean relaxing in one of our comfortable dental chairs while the hygienist clears tartar and debris from your teeth. With our special dental tools, we can get to the hard-to-reach areas of buildup and remove stubborn tartar that your toothbrush can’t clear. The tools are noninvasive, and the cleaning is painless.

Your hygienist also does a periodontal check and discusses potential issues with the dentist. The hygienist may talk to you about fluoride treatments or dental sealants to help protect your teeth from decay.  

Contact Us for Teeth Cleaning Near Me

If it’s time for your next dental checkup and teeth cleaning, call us today to book a visit. And always reach out to a team member if you have questions about our dental services.

A routine dental cleaning typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The exact time tends to be case-specific, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar buildup. Additional factors that influence how long your cleaning takes include how long it's been since your last visit, the condition of your gums, and whether any additional diagnostic steps are needed. In cases where x-rays or an oral exam are included, the overall length of the visit may be impacted.

What a Typical Cleaning Includes

Most cleanings involve a straightforward process:

  • Removing plaque and tartar
  • Polishing the teeth
  • Discussion and review of your oral hygiene habits

If your visit also includes a comprehensive exam and x-rays, expect the appointment to run closer to an hour.

Why Some Cleanings Take Longer

Patients with heavier tartar buildup, gum inflammation, or who are catching up after an extended gap between visits may need additional time for a more thorough cleaning.

The best way to know what to expect for your specific appointment is to ask when scheduling, since needs vary from patient to patient.

Dental Cleaning Services in Santa Monica, CA

If it's time for your family’s next round of teeth cleanings in Santa Monica, contact Dr. Will Cheng and the warm, welcoming Vision Dental team to schedule an appointment.

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