Dr. Lee and his team want to make sure you have all the information you need to feel informed, comfortable, and confident while seeking dental care. Whether you’re a dental hygiene pro or you haven’t seen a dentist in years, we offer a no-judgment zone. Our only goals are to help you smile with confidence and maintain excellent dental health for a lifetime.
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Here’s what you need to know about teeth cleanings and how they can protect your oral health for years to come.
How Often Do Teeth Need to Be Cleaned?
The average person needs a professional teeth cleaning every six months. However, it’s important to remember that each patient is different. For example, you may need more frequent dental cleanings if you have a condition like periodontitis that requires more in-depth care and supervision.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
Your dental insurance should cover the full cost of your , which means you won’t be responsible for paying anything out of pocket. However, before assuming anything, please check with your insurance to confirm we’re an in-network provider. If we’re not an in-network provider, some of the cost may still be covered if you have a PPO plan. Our staff can assist you with this process.
Is it Painful to Get Your Teeth Cleaned?
As long as you’re in good oral health, you shouldn’t experience any pain or discomfort during a teeth cleaning. That being said, you may experience a little sensitivity if you have worn enamel, chips, or other dental concerns. Likewise, patients with gum disease may experience minor discomfort when the hygienist flosses their teeth.
Do Teeth Look Better After Cleaning?
Once we , your teeth should look and feel better. Plaque and tartar buildup often contribute to yellowed teeth. For this reason, you may notice that your teeth are slightly whiter once you leave our office.
Do Dental Cleanings Remove Stains?
Professional dental cleanings may remove surface-level stains. However, you’ll need to schedule a follow-up appointment to address moderate to severe staining. Also, it’s important to remember that certain types of staining can be intrinsic. This means that they go deeper than just the outer layer of enamel. Intrinsic staining affects the structure of the tooth itself.
To improve the appearance of stained teeth, Dr. Lee may recommend professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or other treatment options. Each patient is different and will need to consult with Dr. Lee to determine the best solution.
How Long Does a Teeth Cleaning Take?
In general, the average teeth cleaning takes less than 60 minutes. However, your experience will depend on the state of your dental health. For example, your appointment may take longer if we need to remove a significant amount of plaque and tartar buildup.
How Soon Can I Eat and Drink After a Dental Cleaning?
You may eat and drink right away after a teeth cleaning. No waiting required. If you have a fluoride treatment with your cleaning, you’ll need to wait 30 minutes before eating and drinking.
Schedule Your Next Teeth Cleaning
Ready to take control of your dental health? Dr. Dwight B. Lee is a family dentist in Lebanon, IN, who’s proud to serve patients throughout NW Indianapolis. To schedule your next teeth cleaning, please call (765) 482-2400. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.