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Teeth Cleanings
About the Service
At Archer Dental in Archer Heights Chicago, we provide dental cleanings and examinations to adults and kids. Preventative care is key to keeping your teeth healthy throughout your life and it’s our job as dental professionals to help patients achieve their optimal oral health. The best way to keep your smile happy, healthy, and confident, is to get regular dental cleanings. These cleanings ensure that we get all the hard to reach areas of your mouth, preventing plaque build up, decay, and infection. If you live in the Chicago area, call (773)-581-1345 to schedule your exam and to learn how you can stay healthy year-round.
The Types of Dental Cleaning
Types of dental cleanings
Not all teeth cleanings are the same. There are 4 types of dental cleanings and each different type requires specific tools, lengths of time, and resources to make them happen.
Teeth cleaning for adults
A standard prophylaxis appointment usually lasts 45-60 minutes and is recommended every six months. This type of cleaning is best suited for patients who want to prevent gum disease, prevent tooth decay and dental caries, patients that generally have no or few dental problems.
Teeth cleaning for children
Pediatric dental cleanings are usually shorter, because children have fewer teeth and their teeth are generally smaller. Some children come to their cleaning appointments with the presence of heavy plaque, but tartar is less common in children.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning/SCRP)
Periodontal deep cleanings are nothing like a regular prophylaxis. During a deep cleaning dentists reaches beyond the edges of the gum lines to remove tartar that has accumulated along the root surfaces of teeth. Scaling and root planning helps to stop the progression of gum disease and bone loss. Most deep cleanings are performed in “quadrants” at a time.
Periodontal maintenance
After a patient had their deep cleaning, they will need to follow up with periodontal maintenance appointments every 3-4 month. Periodontal maintenance scaling is needed to maintain gum and bone health and prevent a relapse. This procedure includes removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, all the way down the length of each tooth to where the root, gum, and bone meet.
Here's Some Common Questions We Get
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What is a Regular Dental Cleaning?
Prophylaxis, which is also known as regular cleaning, is probably what you think of when considering going for a dental checkup. During a regular cleaning the dentist will remove plaque, calculus (hardened plaque) and stains from teeth.
This cleaning occurs only on the visible part of the tooth, meaning the dentist will not go underneath your gums to clean out any material, because for the typical, healthy patient is not necessary. In our office, we’ll pair your regular cleanings (recommended twice a year) with an oral exam by the dentist and updates on x-rays as needed. We will also check the health of your gums and surrounding tissues at these visits, which take about one hour.
It’s important to understand that regular cleaning is only recommended for patients who have generally good dental health and do not suffer from bone loss or gum problems like gum bleeding, gum recession or gum infection.
Deep cleaning or scaling & root planning
Scaling & root planing (aka deep cleaning) is a procedure needed if you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. This treatment is quite different from prophylaxis. Deep cleaning involves removal of tartar, bacteria, and toxic deposits from the root of a tooth.
Many people can have periodontal disease and not even know it. Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- bleeding gums
- bad breath
- receding gums
- swollen/red gums
However, many people do not notice any symptoms at all. That’s why it may come as a surprise when your dentist recommends scaling & root planing instead of a regular cleaning. It’s important to understand that this procedure is vital to getting periodontal disease under control and avoid future tooth loss.
Dental cleanings and examinations for children
Our dental team works with patients of all ages and knows how to make our youngest patients feel comfortable while in the dental chair. Families all over Illinois visit our dental office to for their child to receive a proper teeth cleaning. We advise that teeth cleanings and exams begin from a very young age. It helps to ensure that baby teeth grow in properly and remain healthy, and the child will get used to building healthy oral hygiene habits. People often underestimate how important healthy baby teeth are. Cavities and gum disease can affect children, just like adults. The difference is that children are less capable of understanding or dealing with discomfort. We advise parents throughout Chicago to bring their children for dental exams and cleanings regularly, twice a year. This way cavities can be prevented by removing harmful plaque and bacteria. And of course, less cavities equals less stress for the child.
While performing the teeth cleaning, our team will be sure to practice gentle dentistry. Our staff knows how to build a connection with our young patients and make them feel more relaxed during their dental appointments. Many parents say that visiting the dentist at Archer Dental becomes fun instead of stressful.
Here is another tip for the parents: read some stories about going to the dentist and play games by teaching children how to examine their toy’s teeth.
These little steps guarantee to make your child feel comfortable when getting their own teeth cleaned. Doing so twice a year guarantees that the baby teeth are more likely to stay in until they are supposed to fall out, and their adult teeth will also stay healthier. If you have questions about scheduling an appointment for your child call 773-581-1345.
What if I Have Sensitive Teeth?
At Archer Dental Chicago, we provide teeth cleanings for patients even with the most sensitive teeth with comfort. We practice gentle dentistry with all of our patients. Many adults tend to avoid visiting the dentist because they are concerned that their teeth will hurt during the exam and dental cleaning. Working with the right dentist will help you feel comfortable regardless of how sensitive your teeth are. If you’re experiencing intense anxiety or fear of the dentist, we highly recommend looking into laughing gas/Nitrous Oxide as an alternative option.
It’s important that adults living in Chicago understand the reason why they become sensitive. Often, enamel on the outside of the teeth wears down and causes sensitivity. Enamel can wear down due to age, acidic foods, and improper oral health care. Yes, brushing with desensitizing toothpaste can help, but visiting the dentist will help find the cause of your sensitivity and treat it as soon as possible. If the issues are not addressed the sensitivity will increase. Let us know about any discomfort you are feeling so that your dentist can discuss ways to alleviate it.
How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost?
Regular teeth cleanings are a crucial part of maintaining good oral health. At Archer Dental, we offer comprehensive teeth cleaning services designed to remove plaque, tartar, and stains, ensuring your teeth and gums remain healthy. The cost of teeth cleaning can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the cleaning required, the geographic location of the dental practice, and the specific policies of the dentist.
Typically, the cost of a standard teeth cleaning and dental x-rays at Archer Dental is $150, however, if you have insurance this price is entirely covered by your insurance in most cases. This price includes a thorough cleaning by our experienced dental hygienists, who use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup, followed by polishing your teeth to a smooth, bright finish. In some cases, additional procedures such as fluoride treatments or X-rays may be recommended, which can add to the overall cost. These procedures are essential for providing a comprehensive assessment of your oral health and catching any potential issues early.
It's important to note that the cost of teeth cleaning is a worthwhile investment in your long-term oral health. Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease, cavities, and other dental issues that can lead to more significant, and often more costly, treatments down the line. At Archer Dental, we believe in providing transparent pricing and exceptional care, ensuring our patients understand the value of regular dental cleanings as part of their preventive healthcare routine.
How Much Does Teeth Cleaning Cost Without Insurance?
For patients without dental insurance, the cost of teeth cleaning can be a concern. At Archer Dental, we strive to make our services accessible to everyone, including those without insurance coverage. Understanding the costs involved can help you plan and prioritize your dental care needs effectively.
Without insurance, the cost of a standard teeth cleaning at Archer Dental is typically $150. Other dental practices in and around Chicago & Archer Heights have prices around the $150-250 range. This price variation depends on the specific needs of the patient and any additional treatments that may be required. For instance, if a patient has significant plaque or tartar buildup, or if there are early signs of gum disease, a more intensive cleaning known as scaling and root planing might be necessary, which could increase the cost. However, our team will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs before starting any treatment, ensuring there are no surprises.
We understand that dental care can be a financial burden for those without insurance, which is why Archer Dental offers several payment options and plans to help manage the cost. We also periodically run promotions and discounts to make dental care more affordable. Investing in regular teeth cleaning without insurance is still crucial, as it can prevent more severe dental issues that would require expensive treatments in the future. Our goal is to provide high-quality dental care that fits within your budget, ensuring you maintain a healthy smile regardless of your insurance status.
Get Your Teeth Cleaning with Archer Dental’s Savings Plan!
If you're looking for a cost-effective solution for maintaining your oral health, especially if you don't have dental insurance, Archer Dental’s Savings Plan is a smart alternative. For just $299 per year, you'll get two professional teeth cleanings, two sets of X-rays, and enjoy 30% off on treatments like deep cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, endodontic care, crowns, and bridges. It's a great way to save on essential dental care while keeping your smile in top shape.
