What happens at a teeth cleaning
- A quick check. Your gums and teeth are checked, and any problem areas are noted for Dr. Sayeed.
- Removing tartar. Hardened plaque is removed with a gentle ultrasonic tool and fine hand tools.
- Polishing. A gritty paste lifts surface stains from coffee, tea and red wine.
- Flossing. The spaces between teeth are cleaned and checked.
- Tips for home. You get advice on brushing and flossing the spots that need it most.
Regular cleaning or deep cleaning?
Healthy gums need a regular cleaning. Gums with pockets from gum disease need a deep cleaning.
Regular cleaning
- For healthy gums or mild gingivitis
- Cleans the teeth above and just under the gumline
- One visit, usually every six months
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
- For gum disease with deeper pockets
- Cleans the roots below the gumline so gums can reattach
- Often split into two visits, with the area numbed
How often should you get your teeth cleaned?
Every six months suits most people. Dr. Sayeed may suggest every three or four months if you have gum disease, diabetes, smoke, or build up tartar quickly.
Cleanings are booked with your dental checkup, so one visit covers both.
Keeping your teeth clean between visits
Brush twice a day
Two minutes with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, angled toward the gumline.
Clean between teeth
Floss or small interdental brushes once a day reach where a toothbrush can’t.
Watch the sipping
Sugary drinks and snacks between meals feed the bacteria that cause decay.
How much does a teeth cleaning cost?
A routine cleaning is one of the simplest visits. You know the cost before it starts.
- Insurance: most dental plans cover two cleanings and checkups a year, often in full. We work with CSEA and Kingston Trust Fund plans and most PPO plans, and check your benefits before your visit.
- A deep cleaning is priced separately, because it takes longer and is done in sections.
Teeth cleaning questions
Patients come to us from Kingston, Port Ewen, Lake Katrine, Hurley, Saugerties, Woodstock and across Ulster County.
Does a teeth cleaning hurt?
It shouldn’t. You may feel scraping and some sensitivity if there is a lot of tartar or your gums are inflamed. Tell us and we slow down.
Why do my gums bleed during a cleaning?
Usually because they are inflamed by plaque. Regular cleaning and daily flossing calm them down. Read about gum disease.
Will a cleaning whiten my teeth?
It removes surface stains, so teeth often look brighter. For a lighter shade, ask about teeth whitening.
It’s been years since my last cleaning. Is that OK?
Yes. Many patients come back after a long break. The first cleaning may take a little longer, and nobody will lecture you.
