Dental Cleanings in New York City

Having a routine dental cleaning twice a year is just as important as your home oral care routine. Just flossing and brushing is not enough to combat damaging plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth, which can lead to bacterial infections, cavities, discoloration, and other problems. You should have a professional dental cleaning (also known as prophylaxis or scale and polish) at least twice a year. Our general and cosmetic dentist in New York, NY, Dr. Andrew Reingold, will use state-of-the-art dental tools, including ultrasonic instruments and electronic hand pieces to carefully remove the plaque and tartar that have built up on your teeth's enamel. Once the teeth are clean, we will polish the enamel to keep your teeth healthy and bright. Dental exams are usually performed after the teeth have been professionally cleaned. Dental cleanings at Everlasting Smile are essential to a clean, healthy mouth and preventing oral health concerns (decay, disease, irregularities) with regular checkups.

Dental cleanings are generally painless, but if a patient has sensitive teeth or gums a topical numbing cream can be used. If the patient has trouble getting through a dental cleaning due to anxiety or a strong gag reflex, mild sedation options are also available. A cleaning may begin with an ultrasonic instrument that helps to loosen plaque and tartar before the dentist switches to fine hand tools (scalers and curettes) to carefully scale or scrape the build up from the gumline and enamel. Once the deposits are removed from the teeth, the dentist can polish the teeth using a special toothpaste and tool. If needed, the dentist can go over good home oral care routines and help the patient with their brushing and flossing technique for better check-ups.

After the teeth are cleaned, the dentist may perform an oral exam to check for signs of oral cancer and gum disease. To keep their teeth smooth and healthy, patients should establish a home routine that includes brushing and flossing their teeth at least once a day. The dentist may offers suggestions or specific instructions, like a special mouthwash or toothpaste to treat the patient's specific concerns. Patients should be sure to schedule their next dental cleaning before leaving the office for six months or when their dentist recommends they return. Waiting too long between cleanings can lead to longer appointments and more invasive treatments.

Since a professional dental cleaning twice a year is considered a necessary preventative care procedure, most dental insurance carriers will cover 100% of the cost. Our office will check with each patient's insurance company to determine their coverage before billing the patient directly. Patients without dental insurance should ask about our financing options.

If you put off cleaning anything, whether it's your house, your car, or your teeth, the harder and longer the chore becomes. To get your healthiest smile, schedule a professional dental cleaning with Dr. Reingold at least twice a year. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that have built up over time to help you avoid gum disease, cavities, and infections. A cleaning also gets your teeth whiter and brighter by polishing the enamel and removing stains. Getting a professional cleaning today at Everlasting Smile to save yourself time and trouble later.