Dental Cleanings Done Right — Routine Care That Actually Protects Your Smile
A professional cleaning does more than make your teeth feel polished. It's your best defense against gum disease, cavities, and costly restorative work down the road. At Westlake Dental Associates, we believe preventive care should feel unhurried, thorough, and actually personalized to where your oral health is today.
Whether it's been six months or six years since your last cleaning, we meet you where you are — no judgment, no lectures, just the kind of routine care that keeps your smile healthy for life.
Catch problems early
Most cavities and gum issues are painless in the early stages. A routine exam catches them when they're simple and inexpensive to fix.
Protect your whole body
Oral health is linked to heart health, blood sugar control, and overall wellness. Keeping your gums healthy supports more than just your smile.
Save on future work
Preventive cleanings cost a fraction of what crowns, fillings, and periodontal treatment require. Routine care is the single best dental investment you can make.
Your professional cleaning, step by step
If it's been a while — or you're new to our practice — here's exactly what happens during a standard hygiene visit. Every step is paced to your comfort level.
- Health history and quick check-in We review any changes in your health, medications, or dental concerns since your last visit. Small details matter and often shape how we proceed.
- Gum measurement and assessment A painless check of your gum tissue and pocket depths gives us an early read on gum health — the best predictor of long-term dental issues.
- Professional cleaning (scaling and polishing) Your hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, then polishes your teeth to remove surface stains.
- Exam with the dentist and next steps Your dentist checks for cavities, wear, and anything unusual, and talks you through any recommendations — no pressure, just clear information.
What kind of cleaning do you actually need?
Most patients only need a routine cleaning. But if gum health has slipped, a deeper cleaning may be recommended. Here's the difference.
Regular Cleaning
A standard preventive cleaning for patients with healthy gums. This is the six-month hygiene visit most adults need to stay on top of their oral health.
- Plaque and tartar removal above the gumline
- Professional polishing
- Gum health check
- Typically one 45–60 minute visit
Deep Cleaning
Also known as scaling and root planing — a more intensive cleaning for patients with early to moderate gum disease. Helps reverse inflammation and prevent further bone loss.
- Cleaning below the gumline
- Smoothing of root surfaces to help gums reattach
- Often done with local anesthetic for comfort
- May span two visits depending on severity
Your ideal cleaning schedule isn't one-size-fits-all
For most patients, every six months is the right rhythm. But certain situations — gum issues, orthodontic appliances, or ongoing medical conditions — may mean your smile benefits from more frequent visits.
More than just a cleaning
A complete preventive visit includes several evaluations designed to catch issues early — many of which are bundled into your routine appointment.
Comprehensive Exam
Your dentist checks for cavities, wear patterns, alignment issues, and anything else that could affect your oral health.
Digital X-Rays
Low-dose digital imaging lets us see between teeth and under the gumline — catching decay and bone loss earlier than exams alone.
Oral Cancer Screening
A quick visual and tactile check of the mouth, throat, and surrounding tissues. Early detection is the most important factor in outcomes.
Gum Health Check
Measuring and monitoring your gum tissue helps us catch early periodontal issues while they're still reversible.
Fluoride & Sealants
When appropriate, we may recommend fluoride treatments or sealants — especially for younger patients or anyone at higher cavity risk.
Personalized Home Care Plan
We take time to review brushing, flossing, and product recommendations specific to your mouth — because no two routines should be identical.
From first tooth to every tooth — we see your whole family
Our hygienists are as comfortable with a four-year-old's first cleaning as they are with a longtime patient's 40th. We adapt every visit to the age, comfort level, and needs of each patient — and coordinate family appointments so you can check everyone off in one visit.
If you're looking for a practice that can care for every member of your family, learn more about our approach on our family dentistry page.
Nervous about coming back? You're not alone.
We see a lot of patients who've been putting off the dentist — sometimes for years. There's no judgment here. We go at your pace, explain everything before we do it, and make the first visit as comfortable as we can.
Your return visit doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to happen.
Dental Cleaning FAQs
Most routine cleanings take 45 to 60 minutes, which includes your exam, gum assessment, cleaning, polishing, and X-rays when needed. If you're due for a more thorough deep cleaning, plan on a longer visit or sometimes two separate appointments.
A routine cleaning shouldn't hurt, though some patients feel mild sensitivity if they have inflamed gums or haven't been in for a while. Let your hygienist know — we can adjust pace, use numbing gel, or break things into shorter sessions if needed. Comfort matters.
For most adults, bitewing X-rays are taken once a year to catch decay between teeth. A full set of X-rays is typically only needed every few years, or when something new comes up. Our digital X-rays use significantly less radiation than older film-based systems.
Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive cleanings per year at 100% or close to it. We accept most major dental plans and will file claims on your behalf. Visit our financial options page for the current list of accepted plans and payment options.
A routine cleaning (prophylaxis) is preventive care for patients with healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a therapeutic treatment for patients with early to moderate gum disease — it goes below the gumline and often requires local anesthetic. We only recommend a deep cleaning when the gum health check shows it's genuinely needed.
Yes — and we're glad when you do. We see patients who've gone 5, 10, or even 20 years between visits. There's no lecture, no judgment. We start by understanding where you are, then build a plan to get back on track at a pace that works for you.
Absolutely — and we encourage it. Family appointments save time and make it easier for everyone to stay on schedule. Let our front desk know when you book and we'll coordinate the timing.
Experienced dentists and hygienists who take the time to know you
Great preventive care depends on the people delivering it. Our dentists and licensed hygienists are trained to spot the small things that matter — and to explain what they find in language that makes sense.
We'd rather spend an extra ten minutes answering your questions than rush you out the door. That's the difference a practice makes when relationships matter more than volume.
Stay ahead of your oral health
Routine cleanings are the easiest, most affordable investment you can make in your smile. Book your next visit with Westlake Dental Associates and let's keep things on track.
Schedule Your Cleaning
Comprehensive Family Care
The tradition of family is central to every visit at Westlake Dental. Our goal is to treat patients with the same care and compassion we would our own families. As general dentists who do not believe in one-size-fits-all care, Drs. Constantinou, Reichard, and McClendon consult with each patient, from children through adults, to provide comprehensive treatment solutions unique to each person.
3-D Guided Implants
When it comes to dental implants, accuracy is everything. With the latest 3-D imaging, implants at Westlake Dental are taken to a new level of precision. Dr. Constantinou has traveled the country to study at some of the foremost implant facilities in the world in order to understand the wave of innovation and advancement in the field. Drs. Reichard and McClendon are also trained in the latest technology and methods..
Same-Day Crowns
With Westlake Dental Associates’ state-of-the-art CEREC machine, patients can receive beautiful crowns, often during just one appointment, instead of waiting weeks to get their crowns back from the lab. Teeth are quickly restored without any messy impressions, which means a lower cost and better results than with traditional treatment.
