Not all dental cleanings are created equal. Find out why some hygiene appointments cost more, and learn how to save time and money in the dental chair.
What are the Different Types of Dental Cleanings?
A “regular” cleaning is clinically called prophylaxis or a prophy cleaning and is a preventative measure to prevent periodontal disease. This involves removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and just below the gum line. For many Brooklyn patients, this is a quick and straightforward visit. But if it’s been a while since your last appointment, tartar and plaque buildup can be more extensive, sometimes requiring anesthetic, multiple visits, and a higher cost.
In these cases, what starts as a simple cleaning may become both a treatment and a maintenance measure. You might hear your dentist recommend a periodontal cleaning, root planing, or deep scaling. These procedures target the hardened tartar lodged below the gum line that causes irritation, inflammation, and the early stage of gum disease known as gingivitis.
Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums, bleeding, and bad breath—but the good news is it can usually be reversed with professional cleanings and a solid at-home care routine. By keeping up with regular visits to your Brooklyn dental hygienist, you can protect your smile and avoid the more intensive (and expensive) treatments down the road.
Are Dental Deep Cleanings Necessary?
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis. At this stage, tartar builds up between the gum and tooth root creating periodontal pockets that can no longer be cleaned with regular at-home care. A more frequent schedule, usually every three to four months, and specialized equipment, including ultrasonic scalers, can remove the buildup and help the pocket stay clean so no further damage is done. Think of tartar as a wedge between the tooth and the gum. The more it builds up, the harder it is for you to clean yourself. And the more the tartar builds up, the more the gum is pushed from the tooth. It’s a cycle; the only way to effectively clean below the gum line is to have a qualified dental professional remove it with specialized equipment.
Once periodontitis progresses to a point where the bone starts to recede, it is considered an advanced periodontal disease, which includes bone loss due to extensive pocketing. This causes loose teeth, resulting in lost teeth and a shift in your bite if not properly taken care of. If too many teeth are lost, it can radically alter your bite and cause worse problems than a gap in your smile. At this stage, regular cleanings are no longer effective, and we may recommend one of many procedures to help manage the infection, like laser periodontal treatments, bone grafting, or time-release antibiotics placed in the periodontal pocket itself. Each of these treatments requires dedication to an excellent home care routine so the efforts of your hygienist and dentist don’t go to waste.
An Ounce of Prevention
The good news is that gum disease can be prevented with regular professional cleanings and a good home care routine that includes flossing and brushing for two minutes at least twice a day. A little extra time spent on proper home care and regular cleanings can help save a lot of time and money.
Conclusion
Routine dental cleanings are a vital part of keeping your smile healthy, but costs can vary based on several factors unique to your situation. Knowing what influences pricing can help you make confident, informed choices about your care. Here in Brooklyn, we’re committed to providing thorough, personalized cleanings that protect your oral health while giving you the clarity you need about treatment costs.
If you have any questions about the cost of dental cleanings or need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact Metropolitan Dental Arts Brooklyn. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the highest quality dental care and personalized treatment plans.