Has it been a while since your last dental visit? Need to schedule a routine cleaning for your family? Visit Coastal General Dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA, for professional cleanings.
Regular dental cleanings help prevent tooth and gum infections. Led by Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley, our skilled team uses special tools to clean your teeth and gums. These tools remove plaque and tartar that you can’t get rid of with regular brushing.
We also check for signs of tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth infections can cause pain, sensitivity, and color changes. Early signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or sore gums. If we catch these problems early, we can treat them before they get worse. Keep reading to learn more about the types of cleanings we offer and why regular cleanings are important.
The Benefits of Dental Cleanings
Even if you brush and floss daily, bacteria and plaque can still build up in your mouth. This buildup can cause bad breath, gum disease, and cavities. Professional cleanings are the best way to prevent these issues.
Regular cleanings offer many benefits. They’re much more effective than brushing and flossing at home. First, we remove plaque and tartar, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. We reach spots your toothbrush and floss might miss.
Second, cleanings let us check for early signs of problems like gingivitis and cavities. Finding these issues early makes them easier to treat. Finally, cleanings make your smile look and feel great. You’ll leave with cleaner, healthier teeth.
You only need a cleaning twice a year, but this small time commitment can make a difference for your dental health. Don’t wait to schedule an appointment. A bright, healthy smile is worth the visit.
Types of Dental Cleanings
We offer different types of dental cleanings based on your needs. These include regular cleanings, scaling and root planing, and gum maintenance.
- Prophylaxis: Regular cleanings help prevent gum disease. During these cleanings, we remove tartar from your teeth and gums. This also helps freshen your breath and brighten your smile.
- Scaling and Root Planing: If you have gum disease, we offer scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar below the gum line. Root planing smooths out tooth roots to prevent gum pockets and tooth loss.
- Periodontal Maintenance: For patients with gum disease, we recommend more frequent cleanings called gum maintenance. This keeps your gums in the best shape possible.
Dental Cleanings for Children
We also offer routine cleanings for children. These cleanings help kids build good habits for healthy teeth. Regular checkups can prevent cavities and tooth decay. We can also catch problems early during these visits.
Many kids feel nervous about going to the dentist. To help your child feel better, try reading books or playing games about dentist visits. Bringing a favorite toy or blanket can also make them feel more at ease.
Our gentle team will make sure your child feels comfortable during their cleaning. Schedule an appointment today for your child to meet our friendly dentists and team!
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about dental cleanings in our Virginia Beach, VA office with answers to these patient questions:
How long does a cleaning appointment take at your Virginia Beach office?
Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes. We believe in being thorough, not rushed. Our hygienists take the time to carefully clean every surface of your teeth, check your gums, and make sure your whole mouth is healthy. If you haven’t been in a while, your visit might be a little longer to make sure we get everything.
Do dental cleanings hurt?
Most people find them comfortable, especially if they come in every six months. You might feel some light scraping or pressure, but it shouldn’t be painful. If your gums are sensitive, just let your hygienist know because we can go extra gently or use a numbing gel to make sure you’re at ease. A little cleaning discomfort is much better than the pain of a cavity or a toothache!
Can I eat or drink before my cleaning?
Absolutely. Please eat normally! In fact, it’s a good idea to have a light meal beforehand. Just give your teeth a good brush and floss after you eat and before you come in. Your morning coffee is fine, too. A quick rinse with water after your cup can help us see your teeth more clearly during the exam.
Can a professional cleaning help with bad breath?
Yes, it makes a huge difference. A lot of bad breath comes from bacteria hiding in tartar buildup below the gumline and on the tongue. These are places your toothbrush can’t reach. Our hygienists in Virginia Beach clean these areas thoroughly. They can also give you personalized tips for keeping your breath fresh at home.
Why do my gums sometimes bleed during a cleaning?
Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis, which is early gum inflammation caused by plaque and tartar buildup. The cleaning itself removes this irritating tartar, which is the first step to getting your gums healthy again. With regular cleanings and good home care, you’ll see the bleeding stop as your gums become pink, firm, and healthy.
What’s the difference between a regular cleaning and a “deep cleaning”?
A regular cleaning is for healthy gums. It focuses on cleaning the visible part of your teeth and just under the gum edge. A “deep cleaning” (or scaling and root planing) is needed if gum disease has started. It involves carefully cleaning the tooth roots below the gumline to help your gums heal. We check your gum health at every visit to recommend the right type of cleaning for you.
Are dental cleanings safe during pregnancy?
Yes, they’re safe and very important. Pregnancy hormones can make gums more sensitive and swollen. Keeping your gums healthy is good for you and your baby. Just be sure to tell us you’re expecting when you book your appointment. Our hygienists are trained to provide gentle, comfortable care for our expecting patients.
Schedule Your Professional Cleaning Today
Ready to schedule a dental cleaning at our Virginia Beach office? Call us at 757-216-9914 or schedule an appointment online. If you have any questions about your oral health, feel free to ask.
We’ll help you set up the right cleaning schedule based on your needs, and also offer other dental services if necessary. We look forward to seeing you at your next visit.