
Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Routine teeth cleaning and checkups are essential steps in maintaining your overall oral health, including not just your teeth, but your gums and the rest of your mouth. Cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. A hygienist can reach areas that are difficult to clean with routine brushing and flossing at home. A thorough cleaning and exam give both the hygienist and dentist the opportunity to monitor your oral health, identify potential issues, and address them before they become painful and costly.
Additionally, regular teeth cleaning can help your teeth look naturally whiter and brighter, eliminating the need for bleaching treatments.
- Eliminates plaque, a sticky substance containing bacteria that can erode your enamel
- Removes tartar build-up, which can lead to gum disease if left untreated
- Reduces stains from coffee, tea, or other substances
- Checks for receding gums, chipped or broken teeth, and other signs of disease and infection
Benefits of Regular Cleaning:
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Gum health is crucial and often underappreciated. Your gums provide support for your teeth and frame your smile. During your cleaning, we’ll closely examine your tongue, gums, teeth, and other areas of your mouth, with special attention to the gum line. This ensures your entire mouth is as healthy as possible, with no signs of inflammation or gum disease. And don’t worry—we won’t be too hard on you about your flossing habits!
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth. If not properly cleaned away through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning, it can harden into tartar deposits. Tartar is darker in colour and often forms in hard-to-reach areas like the gumline. Our hygienist has the right tools and expertise to carefully scale away stuck plaque and tartar. Once that’s done, your teeth will be polished to remove stains, leaving them gleaming and smooth.
Dentist Exam
After your teeth are cleaned, it’s the ideal time for your dentist to examine them. Your dentist will review your chart and x-rays, focusing on problem areas or any patterns of concern. They may recommend further treatment or offer advice on how to prevent or reverse tooth decay, gum disease, or inflammation. We’re happy to answer any questions you have or listen to any discomfort, sensitivity, or dental pain you’ve experienced.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in North Vancouver
Routine checkups and cleanings are essential for preventing dental issues, and most insurance companies cover them almost entirely on a regular basis, typically every 6 months. If you don’t have dental insurance, the cost for a cleaning can range from $120 to $300 or more, especially if it’s your first visit or if it’s been a long time since your last cleaning.
When determining the actual cost of your treatment, we consider a few important factors:
- Your current oral health
- Whether new x-rays are required
- The amount of time needed by the dental team to meet your specific needs
- The equipment and supplies necessary to provide your care
These routine appointments are incredibly important to us, as we believe they are the most effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, avoid serious dental pain, and keep you as happy and healthy as possible.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Our guarantee
We’re proud to offer high-quality comprehensive dental service. If for whatever reason you’re dissatisfied by the outcome of your checkup and cleaning, we would be happy to schedule a second checkup and cleaning at no additional cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
We typically recommend a cleaning and checkup every 6 months. However, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have specific needs or if there are insurance or cost considerations.
Don’t wait! If you experience any pain or discomfort, call us right away. Cleanings are an opportunity to prevent problems, but if something feels off, it’s best to address it sooner rather than later.
Absolutely. Checkups are essential for your entire mouth, including your gums, tongue, and bones. Even if you wear dentures, we still want to ensure they fit well and are in good condition, while also checking the rest of your oral health.
Most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour on average and are performed while you’re comfortably lying in a dental chair.
Yes! Use tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride and make sure to floss regularly, as floss is the only way to remove plaque from between your teeth. Also, rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
With a standard cleaning, you can eat immediately afterward, though it’s best to avoid acidic or abrasive foods. If you received a fluoride treatment, wait at least 30 minutes before eating to allow the fluoride to work effectively.
Yes, brushing and flossing after a cleaning is essential to maintain the results and keep your teeth and gums healthy.