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Professional Dental Cleanings for Healthy Smiles
Professional dental cleanings remove harmful bacteria and tartar buildup your toothbrush cannot reach, protecting your smile from decay and gum disease. Even with excellent home care habits, plaque hardens into tartar within 24-72 hours, creating a rough surface where bacteria thrive. Without regular cleanings, this bacterial accumulation leads to cavities, gum inflammation, and eventually tooth loss.
South Hills Dental Arts provides thorough dental cleanings using advanced technology and gentle techniques across our four Pittsburgh locations. Our experienced hygienists customize each cleaning to your specific needs, ensuring comfortable and effective care. With 35 years of experience serving Pittsburgh families, we make professional cleanings a positive experience for patients of all ages.
What Happens During a Professional Cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning involves several important steps designed to thoroughly clean your teeth and evaluate your oral health. Your hygienist begins by examining your mouth for any obvious concerns before proceeding with the cleaning process. This initial assessment helps identify areas requiring special attention during your appointment.
The cleaning process starts with scaling, where your hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline. Modern ultrasonic scalers use gentle vibrations to break up stubborn deposits while simultaneously flushing away debris with water. Hand instruments provide precision cleaning in tight spaces and sensitive areas.
After removing all deposits, your hygienist polishes your teeth using professional-grade paste and rotating brushes. This polishing removes surface stains and creates a smooth finish that resists new plaque formation. Flossing follows to clear any remaining debris between teeth and check for bleeding or other concerns.
Many cleanings conclude with a fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. Your hygienist may also apply desensitizing agents if you experience tooth sensitivity. Throughout your cleaning, we use high-powered suction to keep you comfortable and ensure thorough debris removal.
Types of Dental Cleanings We Provide
Routine Prophylaxis Cleanings
Standard cleanings for patients with healthy gums focus on maintaining optimal oral health through plaque and tartar removal above the gumline. These preventive cleanings, recommended every six months, keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition. We adjust cleaning frequency based on your individual risk factors and oral health status.
Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing)
Patients with gum disease require deeper cleanings to remove bacteria and deposits below the gumline. This treatment involves carefully cleaning tooth roots to eliminate bacterial toxins and smooth rough spots where germs gather. Deep cleanings often require local anesthesia for comfort and may be completed over multiple visits.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings
Following gum disease treatment, regular maintenance cleanings prevent disease recurrence and progression. These specialized cleanings occur every three to four months and include careful monitoring of gum health. We measure pocket depths, check for bleeding, and remove any new bacterial accumulation.
Why Regular Cleanings Matter
Professional cleanings provide essential benefits beyond what daily brushing and flossing achieve. Chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States, leading to tissue and bone loss supporting teeth. Regular cleanings prevent this progression by removing bacterial causes before permanent damage occurs.
During cleanings, your hygienist identifies early warning signs of dental problems. Small cavities, beginning gum inflammation, and worn areas receive attention before becoming serious issues. This early intervention saves you from pain, extensive procedures, and higher treatment costs.
Professional cleanings also benefit your overall health. Research consistently links oral bacteria to systemic conditions including heart disease, stroke, diabetes complications, and pregnancy issues. Removing these harmful bacteria through regular cleanings helps protect your entire body’s health.
Your cleaning appointments provide valuable education opportunities. Our hygienists demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend appropriate oral care products, and answer questions about maintaining optimal oral health between visits. This personalized guidance ensures your home care routine effectively supports your oral health.
Advanced Cleaning Technology and Comfort
South Hills Dental Arts incorporates cutting-edge technology to enhance cleaning effectiveness and patient comfort. Our ultrasonic scalers remove deposits more efficiently than traditional hand instruments alone while reducing appointment time. These devices use gentle vibrations rather than scraping motions, improving comfort during deep cleanings.
Digital imaging allows us to show you exactly where plaque accumulates and track improvements over time. Our intraoral cameras provide magnified views of your teeth and gums, helping you understand your oral health status. This visual feedback motivates better home care and demonstrates cleaning effectiveness.
For anxious patients, we offer various comfort options including topical numbing gel before injections and our virtually painless anesthesia system. Aromatherapy and soothing music create a relaxing atmosphere during your cleaning. Our treatment rooms feature TVs to help pass time comfortably during longer appointments.
We use the OraVerse® system to reverse numbness faster after deep cleanings requiring anesthesia. This allows you to return to normal activities sooner without extended numbness. Our commitment to comfort ensures every patient receives necessary cleanings without anxiety or discomfort.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning at South Hills Dental Arts
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires professional cleanings from skilled hygienists using advanced techniques and technology. South Hills Dental Arts delivers exceptional cleaning services tailored to each patient’s needs, from routine maintenance to specialized periodontal care. Our experienced team creates comfortable experiences while thoroughly protecting your oral health.
With four convenient Pittsburgh locations in Upper St. Clair, Ingram/Crafton, Sewickley, and McMurray, scheduling your cleaning fits easily into your busy life. We work with various insurance plans and offer membership options for uninsured patients. Take the first step toward optimal oral health by calling 412-833-6166 or visiting our contact form to schedule your professional cleaning today.
