
Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Routine cleanings and checkups are essential for maintaining oral health, not just for your teeth but for your gums and overall mouth. Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Hygienists reach areas that brushing and flossing can’t, while exams allow dentists to spot potential issues early, preventing painful and costly problems.
Regular cleanings also naturally brighten your smile by removing stains from coffee, tea, and other sources.
- Eliminates plaque, preventing enamel erosion.
- Removes tartar buildup, reducing the risk of gum disease.
- Clears stains for a brighter smile.
- Helps detect early signs of gum recession, chipped teeth, and infection.
Benefits of Regular Cleanings:
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Your gums are essential for supporting your teeth and framing your smile. During your cleaning, we’ll carefully examine your gums, teeth, tongue, and the rest of your mouth, focusing on the gum line to ensure everything is healthy. We’ll check for any signs of inflammation or gum disease, but don’t worry—we won’t be too hard on you about your flossing habits!
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that forms on your teeth, and if not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar, which is harder to remove. Tartar is often darker and builds up in areas like the gumline. Our hygienist will use special tools to gently scale away plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach spots. Afterward, we’ll polish your teeth to remove stains and leave your smile gleaming.
Dentist Exam
Once your cleaning is done, your dentist will review your chart and X-rays, paying special attention to any problem areas or patterns. The dentist may suggest additional treatments or offer tips to help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, or inflammation. If you’ve had any discomfort, sensitivity, or dental pain, we’re here to listen and answer any questions you have.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in Laurens
Routine checkups and cleanings are one of the best ways to prevent dental issues, which is why most insurance companies cover them almost completely, typically every 6 months. If you don’t have dental insurance, the cost of a cleaning usually ranges from $120 to $300, depending on factors like your first visit or how long it’s been since your last cleaning.
- Your current oral health
- Whether new X-rays are needed
- The amount of time required by our dental team
- The equipment and supplies necessary for your specific needs
Factors That Affect the Cost of Your Treatment:
These routine appointments are crucial for maintaining your oral health. We consider them the most effective way to prevent more complex treatments, reduce the risk of painful dental issues, and help keep you happy and healthy.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We typically recommend coming in every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. However, if you have specific oral health needs, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits. In some cases, we may schedule appointments further apart for reasons related to insurance or cost.
Don’t wait! If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort, call us as soon as possible. Cleanings are great for prevention, but they’re not the only time to address problems. Even if it seems minor, it’s always best to have it checked out before it becomes a bigger issue.
Absolutely. Checkups are for your entire mouth—not just your teeth. If you wear dentures, we still want to see you regularly to make sure your dentures are fitting properly, in good shape, and to monitor your overall oral health, including your gums and bones.
Most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes and an hour, and the procedure is done while you relax in a comfortable dental chair.
Yes! Use tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. While brushing is important, dental floss is essential for removing plaque between your teeth, where tartar tends to build up. Rinsing daily with an antiseptic mouthwash can also help kill the bacteria that cause plaque.
With a regular cleaning, you can eat right after your appointment. Just avoid foods or drinks that are acidic or abrasive. If you had a fluoride treatment during your cleaning, wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
Yes! Brushing and flossing after your cleaning is the best way to maintain the results and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Keep up with your routine to preserve the work your dentist has done.