A routine teeth cleaning may not be the most glamorous appointment on your calendar, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take for your oral health.
More than just polishing your smile, professional cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other issues before they turn into bigger problems.
Here's why, explaining:
If you’re ready to book a teeth cleaning appointment, simply contact West Vancouver Dental or click below to schedule your next dentist appointment online now.
A standard dental cleaning (also known as prophylaxis) is a preventative procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. Here's what usually happens:
Periodontal Maintenance is a specialized dental cleaning for patients who have had gum disease (periodontitis) and have already undergone treatment like scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). It’s designed to maintain the health of your gums and prevent further damage and bone loss.
Unlike a standard cleaning, which focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gum line, periodontal maintenance goes deeper, cleaning beneath the gums where bacteria can hide and cause recurring infection.
Most routine cleanings take between 30-60 minutes, depending on the condition of your teeth and gums. If it's your first cleaning in a while or if there's more tartar buildup, it might take a bit longer.
Wondering how long do teeth cleanings take overall?
Plan for about an hour, especially if you're also getting X-rays or an exam from your dentist.
If you’re wondering how much should a teeth cleaning cost, the answer can vary. With insurance, routine cleanings are often fully covered.
Without insurance, the cost of teeth cleaning without insurance typically ranges from $125 to $200, depending on your location and whether X-rays or exams are included.
At West Vancouver Dental, we offer special packages for patients without insurance. Check out our options and pricing for no insurance dental care here.
If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontal (Gum) disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing), which is different from a routine cleaning.
Deep cleaning is typically more expensive—anywhere from $175 to $400 per quadrant, and it's usually done in multiple visits.
Once your cleaning is complete, you’ll leave with a fresher smile and a clear idea of what steps to take to keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits. You may also experience the following.
It’s not unusual to feel like your teeth hurt after or teeth feeling sore after a cleaning, especially if there was a lot of plaque or tartar buildup.
This soreness should fade within a day or two. To alleviate some of the soreness and expedite the healing process, you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
If your teeth are sensitive after cleaning, it might be due to exposed dentin or aggressive plaque removal.
Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth to ease the discomfort. Ask your hygienist for a sample as offices usually have them.
If you experience bleeding gums when cleaning teeth, it’s usually a sign of inflammation or early gum disease (gingivitis).
This should improve with regular brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings.
If you didn’t get a fluoride treatment, you can eat right away.
If fluoride was applied, it’s best to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
However, at West Vancouver Dental, no wait is required after our fluoride application due to the type of fluoride we use!
Avoid very hot, cold, or sticky foods immediately after, as your teeth may be a bit more sensitive than usual.
One of the most satisfying parts of a dental cleaning is seeing the difference in teeth cleaning before and after. Stains from coffee, tea, and tobacco are often reduced or eliminated, and your teeth feel noticeably smoother and look brighter.
Remember, beyond stain removal and improved appearance, dental cleanings are a critical part of your overall health.
Regular dental cleanings are a vital part of keeping your mouth healthy and preventing more serious (and costly) dental issues down the road. Potentially more important, cleanings are a key part of your cardiovascular and overall health!
Knowing what to expect—from the teeth cleaning price to why your teeth hurt after cleaning—can help ease anxiety and encourage you to stay consistent with your appointments.
If you’re overdue for a cleaning or have questions about the cost of teeth cleaning without insurance, contact West Vancouver Dental—we offer affordable payment options or in-house plans!
