Preventive
Dental Cleanings
Removing the hardened buildup a toothbrush cannot reach, before it turns into a problem.
Plaque hardens into tartar within a couple of days, and once it does, no amount of brushing will shift it. A cleaning removes it from above and just below the gumline, polishes the surfaces so new plaque has less to cling to, and gives your hygienist a chance to spot changes early.
A routine cleaning takes about forty minutes. You will hear an ultrasonic scaler — it vibrates and sprays water rather than scraping — followed by hand instruments for the detail work, then polishing and floss.
If your gums have been bleeding for a while and there is buildup below the gumline, a standard cleaning is not the right treatment. We will tell you that during the visit rather than doing a surface clean and sending you away. See gum disease treatment for what that path looks like.
Is this right for me?
- It has been six months or more since your last cleaning.
- You can see or feel rough buildup, especially behind your lower front teeth.
- Your gums bleed a little when you brush but are not sore or receding.
What to expect
Gum check
Before anything else we measure the pockets around each tooth. Those numbers decide whether a routine cleaning is the right treatment today.
Scaling
Ultrasonic first for the bulk of the buildup, then hand instruments along the gumline and between teeth. Tell us if any area is tender and we adjust.
Polish and floss
A gritty paste smooths the surfaces, then we floss every contact to clear what the polish loosened.
What to do at home
We show you the two or three spots you are actually missing, using your own photos. Generic brushing advice helps nobody.
Your comfort
Sensitive teeth make cleanings uncomfortable for some people. Say so at the start — we can apply a topical numbing gel, work in shorter stretches, or use warm water in the scaler. None of that is unusual to ask for.
Insurance and payment, sorted before you sit down
We take all PPO plans, Medi-Cal Dental and most Medicare Advantage dental plans, and we check your benefits before treatment so the estimate is in writing. If you need to spread the cost, we work with CareCredit, Cherry and Sunbit.
Apply for financing — Cherry Avenue Office
- CareCredit®Apply online in a few minutes. Decision is usually immediate.
- CherryApply on your phone. The pre-qualification check does not affect your credit score.
- SunbitApplied for at the front desk when you come in — takes a few minutes.
Questions patients ask
Why do my gums bleed during a cleaning?
Bleeding is inflammation, usually from plaque sitting along the gumline. Gums that are healthy do not bleed when they are cleaned. It often improves within a week or two once the buildup is gone and you are cleaning that area daily.
Will a cleaning whiten my teeth?
It removes surface stain from coffee, tea and tobacco, so teeth often look brighter afterwards. It does not change the underlying color of the tooth — that is what whitening does.
How long does it take?
About forty minutes for a routine cleaning. If it has been several years, expect longer, or we may split it across two visits so it stays comfortable.
My insurance covers two a year. What if I need three?
Some plans cover more when there is a documented gum condition, and we submit the measurements that support it. If yours does not, we will tell you the out-of-pocket cost for the extra visit before you decide.
Can I eat right afterwards?
Yes. If we applied fluoride, wait thirty minutes before eating or drinking so it has time to work.
What patients say
Always a great experience at Dr. Zamiri's office. I've gotten 2 crowns and a couple fillings along with my regular cleanings. They are always friendly, and always professional. Highly recommend.
Related services
Thinking about Dental Cleanings?
Send a request and we'll call you back to find a time. You'll get a written estimate before anything is booked in the schedule.