What Happens During a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Professional teeth cleanings help remove plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria that brushing and flossing alone cannot eliminate. At Merrifield Dental Associates, we provide gentle, thorough dental cleanings for patients throughout Merrifield, Fairfax, and surrounding Northern Virginia to help prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath while supporting long-term oral health.
Regular preventive cleanings keep your teeth looking their best, help protect your gums, and allow our team to identify potential concerns before they become more serious or require extensive treatment.
Why Dental Cleanings Are Important
Even with good oral hygiene at home, plaque and tartar build up over time. Professional cleanings are the most effective way to remove these deposits and prevent more serious issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Professional dental cleanings are typically paired with periodic or comprehensive dental exams, depending on your examination history and individual oral health needs.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
Most patients benefit from a professional dental cleaning every six months. Routine visits allow us to monitor your oral health, detect problems early, and provide preventive care before minor issues become more serious.
Patients with gum disease, excessive plaque buildup, or certain medical conditions may benefit from more frequent cleanings to help maintain healthy teeth and gums and reduce the risk of periodontal disease.
What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning
What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning
During your professional dental cleaning, our team will:
- Perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums
- Take digital dental X-rays when needed
- Remove plaque and hardened tartar buildup
- Polish your teeth to remove many surface stains and leave them feeling smooth
- Review your oral health and discuss any recommended treatment or preventive care
If signs of gum disease are present, we may recommend a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria below the gumline and help restore your gum health.
New Patient Dental Cleaning Special
New patients can take advantage of our $199 New Patient Special, which includes everything you need to get started with comprehensive preventive dental care. *Please note: This offer does not include deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) if periodontal treatment is recommended.*
Your visit includes:
- Comprehensive dental examination
- Digital dental X-rays
- Professional teeth cleaning
Most dental insurance plans classify routine dental exams, professional teeth cleanings, and diagnostic X-rays as preventive care. As a result, these services are often covered at or near 100% when you visit an in-network provider. Our team is happy to review your dental benefits and help you maximize your insurance coverage before treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Teeth Cleanings
Comprehensive Examination
We begin by examining your teeth and gums for signs of cavities,
inflammation, gum disease, and other oral health concerns.
Digital X-Rays When Needed
Digital dental X-rays may be taken when necessary to identify issues
that are not visible during a clinical examination.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Our dental hygienist gently removes plaque and hardened tartar from
the teeth and along the gumline to help reduce the risk of cavities
and gum disease.
Professional Tooth Polishing
Your teeth are polished to remove many surface stains and leave them
feeling clean and smooth.
Personalized Oral Health Recommendations
We review your oral health, discuss any areas of concern, and provide
personalized preventive care or treatment recommendations when needed.
When a Deep Cleaning May Be Recommended
If signs of gum disease are present, we may recommend a deep cleaning,
also known as scaling and root planing, to remove bacteria below the
gumline and help restore gum health.
Conveniently Located Near the Mosaic District and INOVA Fairfax Hospital
Merrifield Dental Associates proudly provides emergency dental care for patients throughout Merrifield, Fairfax, Vienna, Dunn Loring, Annandale, Mantua, Woodburn, Falls Church, and surrounding Northern Virginia communities. Conveniently located near the Mosaic District and INOVA Fairfax Hospital, our office is just off Prosperity Avenue between Lee Highway (U.S. Route 29) and Arlington Boulevard (U.S. Route 50).
Schedule Today!
Call our office now to schedule your next Dental Teeth Cleaning Appointment. Our team is ready to provide fast, effective care in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Call us today for an appointment (703) 208-2244
Schedule online