We’ve all heard that we need to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. But, even daily brushing and flossing may not be enough to keep your dental and periodontal health in check. As a result, regular teeth cleaning (prophylaxis) is a proactive and efficient way to maintain healthy teeth and gums for a healthy smile.
Besides brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings can help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. If you haven’t received a cleaning this year, then contact Metropolitan Dental Care in Denver, CO, to schedule one now. New and existing patients can submit appointment requests online, or they may call our friendly team at (303) 534-2626.
If you have questions about the dental cleaning process, then keep reading. In today’s post, our Denver dentists answer some of your questions about teeth cleaning.
How much does it cost to clean your teeth?
Typically, a patient’s insurance coverage controls the amount of money they spend on teeth cleanings. Without insurance, patients can expect out-of-pocket costs to range between $75 and $200 (with an average of $125).
With insurance coverage, patients may pay no money out-of-pocket, or they may have an affordable co-pay (usually around $20 to $30).
How often should you get your teeth cleaned?
When it comes to dental prophylaxis, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, as a general rule of thumb, experts recommend getting a cleaning at least once every six months.
However, patients who are prone to cavities and gum disease may want to get a teeth cleaning every three to four months. Ask our team for advice on how often to get your teeth cleaned at your next appointment.
Do cleanings hurt?
Our skilled hygienists use ultrasonic tools and modern techniques to gently remove plaque from the teeth and around the gum line. But, even with the gentlest methods and most advanced tools, a dental cleaning can still feel a little uncomfortable for some patients.
However, this discomfort is often the result of inflamed gums (caused by gum disease) or cavities–the very things a teeth cleaning can prevent.
Why do my teeth feel weird after cleaning?
For some patients, this ‘weird’ feeling is the slick, clean sensation that they feel when they slide their tongues across their teeth. This smooth sensation is the result of plaque removal. For other patients, the ‘weird’ sensations they feel may be minor tooth sensitivity or gum inflammation.
Whatever the case, any uncomfortable or weird sensations should dissipate after 24 to 48 hours.
Do teeth move after cleaning?
When plaque builds up around the gum line, it destroys the surrounding gum tissue. As a result, the gum tissue pulls away (recedes) from the teeth, and plaque accumulates in its place.
Removing significantly built-up plaque is like removing scaffolding from a collapsing building–the support is no longer there. As a result, a deep cleaning may cause teeth to feel loose or wiggly afterward. That’s why it is so important to prevent plaque build-up with yearly teeth cleanings.
Does teeth cleaning whiten teeth, too?
Yes and no. Yes, teeth cleaning can remove yellow-hued plaque from the teeth, giving smiles a more vibrant appearance. No, it does not actually lift stains from the teeth. However, our Denver dentists strongly recommend a dental cleaning before a whitening treatment, as a cleaning can enhance whitening results.
Prioritize Dental Prophylaxis–Schedule a Teeth Cleaning Now
Don’t give cavities and gum disease a chance. Schedule a teeth cleaning in Denver, CO, at Metropolitan Dental Care today. Patients can call our team at (303) 534-2626, or they may send us a message online anytime to get started.
