Northern Smiles Dentistry Dental Cleanings
Dental Cleanings in North Phoenix, AZ
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All Ages Welcome
At Northern Smiles Dentistry our team accepts people of all ages. Bring in the kids and grandkids, we can't wait to meet them!
Budget Friendly
Get the best dentistry in Phoenix without breaking the bank! Our team works hard to keep our prices low to make sure that we can fit everyone's budget.
Flexible Scheduling
We make it easy to keep up with routine cleanings by finding checkup times that fit your family's busy calendar.
Brighten Your Smile
Why Choose Northern Smiles Dentistry For Your Teeth Cleaning?
Even if you brush and floss your teeth faithfully, it is important that you have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. (Of course, if you aren’t quite so meticulous about your oral hygiene, it’s even more important!) After a thorough cleaning, your teeth will feel smooth and squeaky-clean, and they will probably look a lot brighter too. But professional teeth cleanings aren’t done for looks alone.
Brighten Your Smile
Why do your teeth need this kind of attention?
Essentially, it’s because over time they tend to build up a layer of plaque (a sticky, bacteria-rich film) and hard deposits (called tartar, or calculus) that are very difficult to remove without special tools. When these deposits are allowed to remain on the tooth surfaces or below the gum line, they provide ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and multiply. The acids produced by some bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease; if left uncontrolled, this can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums, and possibly influence systemic (whole-body) diseases.
Dentists have a special term for preventive procedures like tooth cleaning: prophylaxis, from the Greek word meaning to protect or guard against. In this case, the focus is on preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Performed in conjunction with a routine dental examination, a professional cleaning can go a long way toward controlling these two common maladies. While your teeth are being cleaned, it’s also a good opportunity to take a close look at your oral health in general and check for a few specific problems.
How It's Done
The Professional Cleaning Procedure
Teeth cleaning is often performed by a dental hygienist — a highly trained technician who uses a special set of tools designed just for this purpose. Because everyone’s teeth are a little different, your cleaning will be tailored to your particular needs. However, many cleanings follow a similar pattern.
Oral Examination
First, the dental hygienist will do an oral examination to evaluate the health of your oral tissues. Then the cleaning will take place using either an ultrasonic scaler or metal instruments referred to as curettes to remove the plaque and calculus from the tooth surfaces. The ultrasonic scaler is a hand-held tool with a tiny tip that vibrates at a very high frequency. Hardened deposits are broken up by the rapid movement of the tip, which does not damage the tooth. A constant stream of liquid (called lavage) serves to cool the tip and aid in plaque removal; at the same time, it also washes away the debris.
Polishing Your Teeth
Finally, your teeth are polished with a low-speed rotary brush fitted with a soft rubber tip. A slightly gritty, toothpaste-like gel is applied, and the tip spins around and polishes the teeth, making them smooth and shiny.
A Requirement for Good Oral Health
Most people don’t feel any noticeable discomfort during dental cleanings; some even report they enjoy the experience — especially the dramatic results when it’s done! If you haven’t had a cleaning in a while, however, it may take you a few moments to get used to getting your teeth cleaned. If you experience any discomfort, however, it may be possible to apply a topical numbing gel or another type of anesthetic.
Will a dental cleaning hurt?
If your gums are irritated due to bacterial buildup, they may become sore or bleed slightly during the cleaning. It may be possible to prevent this from occuring in the future with oral hygiene measures you can perform at home (such as improved flossing techniques or special mouthrinses); it might also indicate that you need more frequent in-office cleanings. This type of regular maintenance will help you avoid more involved dental procedures down the road — and it will give you the best chance of keeping your teeth for life!
Regular cleaning or deep cleaning: what is the difference?
A routine cleaning is preventive and everybody gets one. A deep cleaning — scaling and root planing — is a treatment for gum disease, and it is a different procedure at a different price.
| Routine cleaning (prophylaxis) | Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it removes | Plaque and tartar above the gumline | Plaque and tartar below the gumline, and smooths the root surfaces so the gum can reattach |
| Who it is for | Everyone, as preventive care | Patients where gum disease has let pockets form below the gumline |
| Typical cost in Phoenix | $75 – $200, or $150 – $350 for a first visit with exam and X-rays | Priced per quadrant at $150 – $400 — about $600 – $1,600 for all four |
| With PPO insurance | Often $0 | Varies by plan; we verify before treatment |
| How often | Every six months | As needed, followed by maintenance visits |
Deep cleaning matters beyond the mouth: people with gum disease are two to three times more likely to develop heart disease. See is a dental deep cleaning really necessary and what a dental cleaning costs in Phoenix.
Brushing and flossing cannot remove tartar once it has hardened, which is also what lies behind white stringy film in the mouth.
Twice-yearly cleanings in North Phoenix
A cleaning every six months is the easiest appointment to postpone, and a nearby office is most of what makes people keep it. We are on 16th Street between Glendale and Northern Avenues in 85020, a few minutes from Sunnyslope, Moon Valley and the North Mountain neighbourhoods. See our North Phoenix dental office for hours. Families often book back-to-back appointments here for the same reason — one trip up 16th Street covers everybody.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my teeth cleaned? +
Most people benefit from a professional cleaning and checkup every six months. If you're prone to gum disease, we may recommend more frequent visits.
Does a dental cleaning hurt? +
Routine cleanings are generally painless. If you have sensitive teeth or gum inflammation, let us know and we'll keep you comfortable.
Why are professional cleanings important if I brush at home? +
Brushing and flossing can't remove hardened tartar, which only a professional cleaning can. Regular cleanings also let us catch cavities and gum issues early.
What's the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning? +
A regular cleaning maintains healthy teeth and gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease by cleaning below the gum line. We'll recommend the right one after examining your gums.
Will my dental insurance cover cleanings? +
Most dental plans cover routine cleanings and exams, often twice a year. Our team will help you understand your coverage before your visit.
Related reading
Answers to the questions patients ask us most about this treatment.
10 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth and Gums
Ten practical, dentist-approved habits for healthier teeth and gums — brushing, flossing, diet, and when to see your Phoenix dentist.
Read articleHow much does a dental cleaning cost in Phoenix?
What a dental cleaning costs in Phoenix, AZ — routine vs deep cleaning, what insurance covers, and why skipping one costs far more later.
Read articleIs dental deep cleaning really necessary?
Is deep cleaning necessary? Northern Smiles Dentistry in Phoenix offers insights on the procedure and its benefits for optimal oral health.
Read articleOther services
More ways our Phoenix team can help.
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Troy Stansberry, D.D.S.
Dr. Troy Stansberry grew up in Phoenix, AZ and attended Creighton University for his bachelors, and Creighton School of Dentistry for his D.D.S. degree.
Meet Dr. StansberryBook Now
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Feel free to contact us at Northern Smiles Dentistry with any questions or concerns
Opening Hours
- Monday 07:30 AM - 4:00 PM
- Tuesday 08:30 AM - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday 07:30 AM - 2:00 PM
- Thursday 07:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- Friday 07:30 AM - 2:00 PM
- Saturday - Sunday Closed
