What is Professional Teeth Cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning, also called dental prophylaxis, is a preventive dental procedure performed by our trained dental hygienists at Yakima Healthy Smiles. Unlike your daily brushing and flossing at home, professional cleaning uses specialized tools to remove hardened plaque (tartar or calculus) that has built up on your teeth and below the gumline.

Even with excellent home care, plaque can harden into tartar within 24-48 hours. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed by brushing alone. Regular professional cleanings at our Yakima office ensure that this harmful buildup is thoroughly removed before it can cause cavities or gum disease.

Why Choose Yakima Healthy Smiles for Your Teeth Cleaning?

What Happens During Your Teeth Cleaning in Yakima?

When you visit Yakima Healthy Smiles for your professional cleaning, here's what you can expect during your 45-60 minute appointment:

1. Comprehensive Examination

Before cleaning begins, our dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums, checking for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health concerns. We'll also review your medical history and any changes since your last visit to our Yakima office.

2. Plaque and Tartar Removal (Scaling)

Using specialized instruments including ultrasonic scalers and hand scalers, our hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar from your tooth surfaces, between your teeth, and along the gumline. The ultrasonic scaler uses gentle vibrations and water to break up hardened deposits, making the process more comfortable.

3. Professional Polishing

After scaling, we polish your teeth with a professional-grade polishing paste. This removes surface stains and creates an ultra-smooth surface that makes it harder for plaque to accumulate. Your teeth will feel noticeably cleaner and smoother!

4. Flossing

Our hygienist will expertly floss between all your teeth to remove any remaining debris and polish particles. This also helps us identify any areas where you might need to improve your home flossing technique.

5. Fluoride Treatment

To strengthen your enamel and provide extra cavity protection, we typically finish with a fluoride treatment. This quick, painless application helps remineralize your teeth and protect against decay until your next cleaning at Yakima Healthy Smiles.

How Often Should You Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

The American Dental Association recommends professional teeth cleaning every six months for most patients. However, Dr. Kezele may recommend more frequent cleanings if you have:

• Gum disease or history of periodontal problems
• Heavy plaque or tartar buildup
• Diabetes or other health conditions that affect oral health
• Pregnancy (hormonal changes can increase gum inflammation)
• Tobacco use
• Dry mouth or medications that reduce saliva flow

For these patients, we may suggest cleanings every 3-4 months to maintain optimal gum health and prevent disease progression.

Regular Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

It's important to understand the difference between a regular cleaning (prophylaxis) and a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing):

Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

This is the standard cleaning most Yakima patients receive twice per year. It removes plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of teeth and slightly below the gumline. It's a preventive procedure for patients with healthy gums.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

When gum disease is present, pockets form between the teeth and gums where bacteria accumulate. A deep cleaning is a therapeutic procedure that removes tartar and bacteria from deep below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach. This typically requires local anesthesia and may be done in multiple appointments.

During your examination at Yakima Healthy Smiles, we'll determine which type of cleaning you need based on your gum health.

What to Expect After Your Cleaning

After your professional teeth cleaning in Yakima, you may experience:

• Smooth, Clean Teeth: Your teeth will feel noticeably smoother and cleaner
• Mild Sensitivity: Some patients experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold, especially if significant tartar was removed. This typically resolves within a few days
• Minor Gum Tenderness: Your gums may feel slightly tender if they were inflamed before cleaning. This should improve within 24-48 hours
• Brighter Smile: With surface stains removed, your smile will look brighter and more polished

Maintaining Your Clean Teeth Between Visits

To keep your teeth healthy between professional cleanings at our Yakima office:

• Brush twice daily for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss at least once per day to remove plaque between teeth
• Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Don't use tobacco products
• Consider using an antimicrobial mouthrinse
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months

Our team will provide personalized home care recommendations based on your specific needs during your visit to Yakima Healthy Smiles.

Insurance Coverage for Teeth Cleaning

Great news! Most dental insurance plans cover preventive care, including professional teeth cleaning, at 100% with no out-of-pocket cost to you. Most plans cover two cleanings per year.

Yakima Healthy Smiles accepts most major dental insurance plans. Our friendly staff will verify your benefits and help you understand your coverage before your appointment. Don't have insurance? We offer affordable cash rates and flexible payment options for our Yakima patients.