Protect Your Smile with Professional Dental Cleanings!
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires more than daily brushing and flossing. Even with the best oral hygiene habits, harmful bacteria and plaque buildup can collect below the gum line, leading to gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. That’s why professional teeth cleanings, also known as dental prophylaxis, are an essential part of protecting your long-term oral health.
At Wright Perio & Implants in San Clemente, Dr. Raymond L. Wright Jr. and his experienced team specialize in professional dental cleanings designed to prevent and manage periodontal disease. Serving patients in San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, and Mission Viejo, our dentist near you offers advanced preventive care to help you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
Call us today at (949) 361-4867 to schedule your teeth cleaning appointment.
What Is a Dental Prophylaxis?
A dental prophylaxis is a comprehensive cleaning procedure performed by a dental hygienist or periodontist to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Unlike at-home care or over-the-counter products, professional prophylaxis targets plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing simply cannot remove.
At Wright Perio & Implants, dental prophylaxis is used to:
- Stop gingivitis and periodontal disease from progressing.
- Remove hardened tartar and plaque deposits both above and below the gum line.
- Polish away stains for a brighter smile.
- Reduce halitosis (bad breath) caused by bacteria and food particles trapped in gum pockets.
Dr. Wright recommends routine dental cleanings twice a year for most patients. However, for individuals with periodontal disease, we may recommend deep cleanings every 3–4 months to effectively manage the condition.
Why Professional Teeth Cleanings Are Important
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Even with proper brushing and flossing techniques, it’s nearly impossible to remove all dental plaque at home. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which requires professional tools to remove. If left untreated, this buildup can damage tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay.
A Healthier-Looking Smile
Stained and yellowed teeth from coffee, tea, or tobacco can make your smile look older and less attractive. Professional dental cleanings polish away stains, restoring a brighter smile and improving confidence.
Fresher Breath
Persistent bad breath often indicates advancing gum disease. By removing harmful bacteria and food particles from below the gum line, professional cleanings reduce infection and noticeably improve breath.
Gum Disease Management
Periodontal disease cannot be fully reversed, but it can be controlled. Through scaling and root planing or routine prophylaxis, Dr. Wright helps patients maintain healthy gum tissue, prevent gum recession, and avoid tooth loss.
What Happens During a Professional Dental Cleaning?
When you schedule a professional teeth cleaning at Wright Perio & Implants, you can expect a thorough, step-by-step process:
- Comprehensive Dental Exam – Dr. Wright or our dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of gum disease, cavities, or other oral health issues.
- Dental X-Rays (if needed) – These help us detect hidden problems like decay, bone loss, or gum infections.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal – Using advanced scaling instruments, we remove plaque buildup and tartar deposits from the teeth and along the gum line.
- Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) – If needed, we clean below the gum line and smooth the root surfaces to encourage healing of inflamed gum tissue.
- Polishing – Stains are polished away to leave you with clean teeth and a healthier-looking smile.
- Fluoride Treatment – Strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent future decay.
- Oral Hygiene Education – We’ll review proper brushing and flossing techniques to help you maintain results between appointments.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
- Most adults: Every 6 months for routine dental cleanings.
- Patients with periodontal disease: Every 3–4 months to manage infection and protect gum health.
- High-risk patients (smokers, diabetics, or those with a weakened immune system): May need frequent cleanings to prevent complications.
Cost of Professional Teeth Cleanings
The cost of dental cleaning varies depending on your needs and treatment plan:
- Standard Dental Cleaning: $100–$200
- Deep Dental Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): $200–$400 per quadrant
- Periodontal Maintenance: $150–$300
- Full Mouth Debridement: $200–$400
Most dental insurance plans cover routine dental cleanings twice yearly, though coverage for scaling and root planing or periodontal therapy depends on your insurance provider.
At Wright Perio & Implants, we also provide financing options to make treatment affordable, so you never have to delay the preventive dental care you need.
Call our dentist in San Clemente (949) 361-4867 today to discuss your treatment plan and insurance coverage so that you can take advantage of the benefits of dental cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most patients, professional dental cleanings are not painful. You may feel mild sensitivity or pressure, but local anesthesia can be used during deep cleanings to ensure comfort.
Yes. While routine cleanings prevent tooth decay and gum disease, scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance are designed to manage periodontal disease and protect your gum health.
A routine teeth cleaning usually takes about 30–60 minutes. If you require deep cleanings or periodontal treatments, your visit may take longer or require multiple appointments.
Schedule Your Professional Teeth Cleaning in San Clemente, CA
Your smile deserves the highest level of preventive dental care. At Wright Perio & Implants, Dr. Wright provides advanced dental prophylaxis and professional cleanings to help patients in San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, and San Juan Capistrano maintain healthy teeth and optimal oral health.
Call our San Clemente dentist’s office today at (949) 361-4867 to schedule your professional teeth cleaning appointment and take the next step toward a healthier smile.