Teeth Cleaning in Philadelphia, PA

At Derby Dental Group, we provide our patients with a comprehensive menu of specialized periodontal and prosthodontic treatments, and we also place a strong emphasis on preventative dental care. Preventative dental care treatments, such as professional prophylaxis dental cleanings, are the foundation of good oral and overall health.

What Is Prophylaxis?

Generally, prophylaxis means prevention. In dentistry, the term refers to the process of professional teeth cleaning. A dental hygienist uses special tools to perform a prophylaxis cleaning during a routine dental appointment. This cleaning process removes plaque and tartar buildup (calculus) from the surfaces of the teeth that cannot be removed with basic brushing and flossing. 

Understanding How Teeth Cleanings Are Vital to Your Oral Health and Overall Health

A professional teeth cleaning is considered a preventative treatment because it is vital to preventing oral health problems from occurring. Prophylaxis cleanings help to prevent tooth decay, cavities, and periodontal disease (gum disease) by reducing the amount of harmful bacteria living on the surfaces of the teeth and inside the pockets between the teeth and gums. Routine cleanings reduce the risk of patients developing more advanced oral health problems that require complex treatments. 

This preventative treatment is vital not only to your oral health but also to your general health because poor oral health and periodontal disease are strongly linked with poor general health. For example, periodontal disease has been associated with systemic health problems such as:

• Generalized inflammation
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Certain types of cancer
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Dementia
• Reproductive problems
• Chronic respiratory infections

Maintaining your oral health with good oral hygiene and regular professional teeth cleanings will help to safeguard the health of your mouth and the rest of your body. 

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

The American Dental Association recommends that patients with generally good oral health visit the dentist for a thorough, professional teeth cleaning at least once every six months. We might recommend more frequent appointments for patients with particular cases, risk factors, or medical histories.  

Teeth Cleaning Services: What to Expect During a Routine Dental Cleaning

Routine teeth cleaning appointments are focused on prevention, examination, and screening with the goals of preventing oral health problems from occurring and diagnosing and treating them promptly if any issues do develop. 

Scaling and Polishing

The prophylaxis dental cleaning involves two primary steps: scaling and polishing. 

When scaling the teeth, our hygienist uses special dental tools to remove hardened plaque and tartar (calculus) that has accumulated on the tooth enamel. The tools gently scrape and lift away calculus, leaving clean, smooth tooth enamel behind. 

When polishing the teeth, our hygienist uses an enamel polisher with a gritty paste that buzzes over the surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line to remove any remaining bits of calculus, along with surface-level stains and discoloration. 

Some patients who have been diagnosed with active periodontal disease may require a deeper form of prophylaxis cleaning, known as scaling and root planing. This treatment is typically performed with local anesthetic which allows our hygienist to clean deeper below the gum line, removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the gingival pockets while smoothing out the surfaces of the teeth and roots to prevent further bacterial proliferation. 

Dental and Periodontal Examination

A routine dental appointment also typically includes an examination of the teeth and gums, during which one of our prosthodontists examines the patient's oral anatomy for any signs of potential problems such as tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. 

Cancer Screening

Each appointment also includes a routine oral cancer screening where we examine the patient's oral anatomy for abnormalities. A cancer screening typically includes a visual examination in addition to the palpation of the soft tissues in the cheeks, gums, jawline, and neck. We look for abnormalities such as discoloration, sores, and textural changes in addition to lumps and bumps. 

Digital Dental X-Rays

When indicated as appropriate, a dental examination might also include digital dental x-rays which allow us to monitor ongoing oral health issues and screen patients for health issues that are occurring below the gum line or inside of the teeth. 

Patient Education and Instruction

During each appointment, our hygienist provides patients with personalized recommendations, instructions, and guidance for maintaining their oral health and hygiene at home. These recommendations are based on findings during the dental appointment and might include new techniques, dental care products, or specific tools. 

Additional Preventative Care

During dental cleaning appointments, we can also provide patients with additional preventative services designed to strengthen and protect their oral health. For example, we might recommend a professional fluoride application to help reverse early signs of tooth decay or dental sealants to protect your molars from cavities. 

Next Steps and Treatment Recommendations

If we detect any signs of potential oral health issues during your dental examination, we will explain these findings and discuss them with you. We will then answer any questions you might have and provide you with a variety of treatment recommendations and options to help you address these issues and maintain good oral health. 

Insurance Coverage and Finances: How Much Do Dental Cleanings in Philly Cost?

The average cost of a prophylaxis dental cleaning ranges from about $100 to $200. Most dental insurance policies include coverage for at least two teeth cleanings per year and sometimes more when it is deemed medically necessary. Additionally, dental insurance usually includes coverage for other preventative care treatments and services such as dental x-rays, fluoride applications, sealants, and more. 

Our office team can provide you with an estimate for your appointment and help you navigate your insurance policy to better anticipate any out-of-pocket costs you might have. 

Preventative Care Services Available With Dental Cleanings in Philadelphia

In addition to our specialized prosthodontic and periodontal services, we provide patients with comprehensive general and preventative dental services and treatments available during routine teeth cleaning appointments, including:

• Dental Sealants
• Professional Fluoride Treatments
• Nightguards and Athletic Mouthguards

Sedation Dentistry Options for Routine Dental Care

We understand that dental anxiety often prevents patients from visiting the dentist for routine dental care, such as teeth cleanings, and this can lead to the development of advanced oral health problems. That's why we offer our patients a variety of options in sedation dentistry to ensure that every patient has a relaxing, comfortable, and positive experience in our office. If you have a fear of the dentist or feel uneasy during dental appointments, we encourage you to talk with our team to find out if sedation dentistry might be the right solution for you. 

Teeth Cleanings in Philly With Our Skilled and Experienced Dental Hygienist

The Derby Dental Group's dental hygienist has over 20 years of experience, which informs her unparalleled expertise in delivering exceptional patient care with a gentle yet thorough touch. From routine prophylaxis and patient education to deeper cleanings and periodontal maintenance therapy, our hygienists and prosthodontists are fully dedicated to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health. 

To learn more about the importance of routine dental cleanings or to request an appointment at the Derby Dental Group, we welcome you to contact our Philadelphia dental clinic today.