Professional Teeth Cleaning

Dental Prophylaxis  | North Country Smiles Teeth Cleaning

A woman having her teeth cleaned Dental prophylaxis—more commonly known as professional teeth cleaning—is a treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Prophylaxis is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health. Professional teeth cleaning comes with a few key Dental health benefits, including plaque removal, a healthier-looking smile, and fresh breath.

Plaque removal and professional dental cleanings

Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup can result in serious periodontal problems—including gum disease, cavities, tooth loss, and more. Tartar and plaque can thrive both above and below the gum line. Unfortunately, even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup. The negative impacts of tartar and plaque may spread beyond your teeth and gums, regular cleanings can improve both your Dental and total-body health.

A healthier looking smile from a Professional Cleaning

If you are looking for whiter teeth and a healthier smile, routine cleanings are an essential and foundational dental treatment. Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the esthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is effective in ridding the teeth of unsightly stains.

Professional Teeth Cleaning for Fresh breath

Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. Bad breath could be caused by a combination of rotting food particles (possibly below the gum line) and potential gangrene stemming from gum infection. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria at our facility can reduce infection. By addressing halitosis at its source, dental cleanings noticeably improve bad breath, keeping your smile looking and feeling healthier.

How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

At North Country Smiles, our dental experts recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure during your routine dental exams and check-up visits. For periodontitis sufferers, this treatment should be completed every 3-4 months. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but prophylaxis is one of the tools Dr. Laudati can use to effectively halt its progression.

Is teeth cleaning covered by my insurance?

While your exact coverage depends on your dental insurance plan and provider, prophylaxis is one of the more common treatments included in dental plans. Consult your insurance information to view the extent of your coverage. North Country Smiles proudly accepts insurance from the following providers:

  • Cigna PPO
  • Metlife (PDP Plus)
  • Humana
  • GEHA
  • CSEA
  • JJ Stanis
  • Delta Dental (Premier)
  • Aetna PPO
  • Guardian PPO
  • UHC PPO

If you do not see your plan here, give us a call. We continuously expand our coverage. For those without dental insurance, our Smile Club in-house Dental plan can help you save on prophylaxis and other routine Dental services.

For more information about Teeth Cleaning (Prophylaxis) or to schedule a consult with Dr. Laudati, please use our Appointment form or call our office in St. James, NY at Office of North Country Smiles Phone Number 631-265-5549.