Gentle, High-Quality Care for the Entire Family
Teeth Cleaning Services Near You
At our practice, we’re dedicated to helping you and your loved ones maintain bright, healthy smiles. Explore a range of professional dental cleaning options available at our Lincoln, NE clinic, tailored to meet the needs of every family member.
Teeth Cleaning Options Near You: What’s Involved and When You Need Them
A common question we hear from patients is about the different types of dental cleanings. Many come in expecting a routine “teeth cleaning,” only to learn they require a deeper cleaning than expected. This can lead to unexpected costs, leaving patients feeling confused and surprised. At Nebraska Family Dentistry, we’re here to ensure you fully understand the process, so there are no surprises. Our goal is to provide clear, transparent care every step of the way.
Regular Dental Cleanings
(or a Prophylaxis)
A routine cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a standard procedure designed to prevent dental issues like gum disease or bone loss. It also helps identify early signs of problems, such as cavities, before they develop into more serious concerns. Dentists recommend scheduling a prophylaxis cleaning every six months, alongside a strong at-home oral care routine. This combination helps ensure your smile stays healthy and your mouth remains in top condition.
Facts Regarding Routine Cleanings
✔ Routine teeth cleanings are only suitable for a healthy mouth, meaning they cannot be performed on individuals with gum disease or bone loss.
✔ A routine cleaning effectively removes plaque, the sticky film that continuously forms on your teeth.
✔ Regular teeth cleanings help remove calculus, which is plaque that has hardened on your teeth.
✔ A routine prophylaxis or cleaning helps remove stains from your teeth.
✔ A dental hygienist carries out routine dental cleanings.
Deep Teeth Cleaning
(or Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing)
A deep “teeth cleaning near me” is a non-surgical procedure performed in a dental office to treat gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque, which, if left untreated, hardens into tartar or calculus—harmful to both your gums and teeth. The goal of a deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing, or SRP) is to remove tartar buildup from between your teeth and gums, as well as from the roots of your teeth, to restore oral health.
Signs That You May Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning
✔ Gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
✔ Puffy, red gums.
✔ Tartar has formed small pockets between your gums and teeth, where harmful bacteria can accumulate.
✔ Gums that have begun to pull back or recede from your teeth.
✔ Teeth that have become loose or are starting to fall out.
✔ Persistent bad breath despite regular oral hygiene efforts.
Periodontal Maintenance Teeth Cleaning
After procedures like gum surgery or scaling and root planing, routine cleanings (prophylaxis) may no longer suffice. In such cases, periodontists or dentists often recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings. These follow-up cleanings are specifically designed to help prevent the recurrence of gum disease and maintain oral health.
What You Should Know About Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings
✔ They help prevent the growth of bacteria that lead to gum disease.
✔ Periodontal maintenance cleanings are usually recommended for individuals who have undergone gum surgery or scaling and root planing in the past.
✔ Periodontal maintenance cleanings are typically recommended every three to four months, based on your dentist’s advice.
Debridement
If it’s been a year or more since your last “teeth cleaning near me,” you may need a dental debridement. However, it’s important to note that a debridement is not the same as a routine cleaning. It’s a procedure used to remove excessive tartar buildup, allowing your dentist to properly evaluate the health of your gums, teeth, and bone.
Signs you might need a dental debridement
✔ Signs You May Need a Dental Debridement
✔ You haven’t had a cleaning from a hygienist or dentist in over a year.
✔ You have a heavy buildup of tartar and plaque on your teeth.
✔ The buildup is present both above and below the gum line.
Frequently Asked Questions for your…
Teeth Cleaning
After procedures like gum surgery or scaling and root planing, routine cleanings (prophylaxis) may no longer suffice. In such cases, periodontists or dentists often recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings. These follow-up cleanings are specifically designed to help prevent the recurrence of gum disease and maintain oral health.
How Much Does a Teeth Cleaning Cost?
As with any medical procedure, the cost of a dental cleaning can vary depending on several factors. One of the biggest influences on the price is your dental insurance coverage. In most cases, routine dental cleanings are fully covered by dental insurance, meaning you won’t have any out-of-pocket costs.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that if additional services are needed, such as x-rays or extra exams, these may not be covered by your insurance, which means you’ll be responsible for the cost of these procedures.
What Does a Hygienist or Dentist Do During a Teeth Cleaning?
During a teeth cleaning, your hygienist will remove tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth, between your teeth, and along the gum line. Depending on the level of buildup, they may use a handheld scaler or an ultrasonic scaler to clean your teeth.
How Long Does a Teeth Cleaning Take?
On average, a routine dental cleaning takes between 30 minutes to one hour. However, if you’re visiting a dental clinic for the first time, your initial cleaning may take closer to an hour or slightly longer. Dentists often prefer to be thorough, so they may also take additional x-rays or perform exams to fully assess your dental health and ensure you receive the best care moving forward.
In the end, a provider who takes their time to thoroughly evaluate your oral health is typically a good choice. Early detection of potential issues can save you from costly and painful problems later on.
Should You Brush Your Teeth Before a Teeth Cleaning?
While it’s not essential to brush and floss right before your dental visit, it certainly won’t hurt. Brushing and flossing could save your hygienist a few minutes, but any leftover food or stains will be effectively removed during the cleaning if you don’t have time to freshen up beforehand.
Understanding the different types of dental cleanings and knowing when each is necessary can be very helpful. With the right knowledge, you’ll have realistic expectations when visiting the dentist and be better prepared for any costs. Most importantly, this understanding reinforces that your daily oral hygiene routine, combined with regular cleanings by your dentist or hygienist, is your best defense against gum disease. Take charge of your oral health today!
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Nebraska Family Dentistry Has 7 Locations
Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry
402-890-8000
South Lincoln Family Dentistry
402-413-7700
Preserve Family Dentistry
402-413-7000
Lincoln Family Dentistry
402-467-1000
NorthStar Dental
402-742-0000
Coddington Dental
402-438-5555
SouthPointe Dental
402-423-3333