Dental Cleanings

Dr. Chavez provides a comprehensive variety of dental cleaning services to keep your smile looking its best! 

When it comes to your oral health, knowing what type of cleaning you need is crucial. Many patients want to use “free” cleanings that insurance offers. It’s important to understand that this type of cleaning is a routine (prophylaxis) cleaning to remove plaque and tartar at the gum line and above it on the crown portions of the of the teeth. While many patients will benefit from this type of cleaning, in some cases it may not be possible. If there is evidence of gum disease, bone loss, or tartar and calculus below the gums in “pockets”, then a periodontal maintenance cleaning is required. In more extensive cases where tartar and calculus must be removed from the root surfaces, a cleaning called scale and root planning is necessary. Scale and root planning typically takes more than one visit and may require local anesthetic. 

When you visit Dr. Chavez, he will determine what type of cleaning you need for optimal oral health. If you do need a more advanced cleaning, think about it this way: Would you paint over a rusty car? Of course not. You would remove the rust first. In the same way, you must get rid of the bacteria that produce toxins that invade your mouth and body.