Teeth Cleanings in Murrieta
Having your teeth professionally cleaned is about more than a bright & shiny smile. Getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist on a regular basis may be the most important way we help you prevent oral health problems.
A teeth cleaning is part of a routine preventive visit to our practice. At your cleaning appointment, we can also give you tips on your at-home oral care routine, your diet & anything about your smile that you may be concerned or have questions about.
Plus, there’s nothing like that smooth, fresh feeling you get after your cleaning!
Dental checkups on a regular basis are a very important part of maintaining your teeth & overall health. The frequency of your visits to Springs Dental is based upon your needs & oral health.
What Is A Teeth Cleaning?
A professional cleaning at our dental office in Murrieta is the only way to remove the stuck-on plaque & tartar that is left behind even after you brush.
In addition to flossing & brushing two times a day (for two whole minutes), visiting us at least twice a year for your teeth cleaning helps us catch & prevent common tooth problems, such as tooth decay (cavities) & gum disease. When oral health problems are caught early, they are easier & less expensive to treat & are less likely to cause you trouble in the future.
Procedure Overview
The order & details of what happens during your teeth cleaning appointment depends on your individual situation, but usually follows this general order:
- The hygienist or dentist will remove tartar & plaque from your teeth by scraping them gently with a scaler or “dental pick”. A scaler can do what your toothbrush can’t: when plaque stays on your teeth too long it can turn into a hardened calculus called tartar. A scaler in the skilled hands of a dentist or hygienist is the only way to remove this tough debris. For particularly tough or larger amounts of tartar, we may use an ultrasonic scaler. This tool uses ultrasonic waves to help break up calculus, making it easier to remove quickly & with less scraping.
- Next, we will use a special polisher & paste to remove stains & smooth the surfaces of your teeth. The polisher uses a small rubber cup that spins as it applies a mildly abrasive paste that is similar to regular toothpaste but a little thicker.
- Throughout the teeth cleaning process, we will occasionally rinse your teeth with a small jet of water & suction the excess water & saliva away. This clears away plaque, tartar & polishing paste. If we need to get a better look at a certain tooth, we may also dry it out using a few quick puffs of air. This makes seeing buildup & surface irregularities easier.
- As a final step, we will floss your teeth using standard dental floss to remove any polishing paste that may be left behind. Once your teeth are nice & clean, we’ll typically move on to an examination, in which we’ll look at your teeth, gums, tongue & the rest of your mouth.
Meet Your Murrieta Dentist
Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS – Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS, is a graduate of the University of Loma Linda School of Dentistry. He has also received extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, rotary endodontics and removable prosthodontics (dentures). Dr. Pulsipher is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, International Association for Orthodontics & the Tri-County Dental Society.
5-Star Murrieta Dental Services
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Visit Springs Dental
We are located in the Murrieta Springs Professional Park off Murrieta Hot Springs Road.
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Insurance & Financing
We love your insurance and respect your budget and busy schedule. There are little to no out-of-pocket costs for most insured patients on cleanings, exams and x-rays.
0% financing is available on approved credit. While most insured families receive the majority of preventive services for FREE, we offer many different payment options, including CareCredit, so uninsured patients can still receive the dental care they need in a manner that fits their budget.
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Frequently asked questions
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
Get your teeth cleaned every 6 months, unless you have gum disease or other dental issues. Springs Dental suggests more frequent visits—like every 3 to 4 months—for patients with gum disease.
Does teeth cleaning hurt?
At Springs Dental, standard teeth cleanings do not hurt. If you feel some sensitivity—we will help you identify if you have a condition like gum inflammation, or sensitive teeth. Our dental hygienists pride themselves on making you as comfortable as possible, and if there are any issues we can also offer numbing or sedation options.
Why do I need a cleaning if I brush and floss every day?
Professional cleanings remove tartar, which builds up even when you brush and floss. Teeth cleanings at Springs Dental help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
What happens during a dental cleaning?
During your teeth cleaning, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from your teeth, flosses you, and then polishes your teeth to remove stains. At Springs Dental, we also check your gums and can apply fluoride if needed.
Will my teeth look whiter after a cleaning?
In general, your teeth will be slightly whiter after a teeth cleaning because we remove surface stains from things like coffee, tea, and wine. If you want even whiter teeth, we recommend professional teeth whitening.