Why Routine Teeth Cleanings Matter
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy goes beyond daily brushing and flossing. Routine professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath—targeting areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
Regular cleanings also give your dentist a chance to catch potential issues early, preventing costly and painful dental problems down the road. Plus, they naturally brighten your teeth by eliminating surface stains from coffee, tea, and other foods—often reducing the need for whitening treatments.
By staying on top of routine cleanings, you’re not just maintaining a fresh, healthy smile—you’re protecting your long-term oral health.
What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning
Gum Health Check
Your gums are the foundation of a healthy smile, yet they’re often overlooked. During your visit, we’ll thoroughly assess your gums, tongue, teeth, and entire oral cavity, focusing on the gumline to catch early signs of inflammation or gum disease. And don’t worry—we won’t give you too much grief about your flossing habits!
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth, and if left untreated, it hardens into tartar—especially along the gumline. While brushing and flossing help, only professional cleaning can fully remove stubborn tartar. Our skilled hygienists will carefully clear away buildup from hard-to-reach areas, then polish your teeth to remove surface stains, leaving your smile fresh and bright.
Comprehensive Dental Exam
After your cleaning, your dentist will review your chart and X-rays, checking for any developing issues like cavities, gum disease, or enamel erosion. If needed, we’ll recommend treatments or provide personalized advice on maintaining your oral health. Plus, we’re always here to answer any questions or address any discomfort you’ve been experiencing. Your healthy smile is our top priority!
How Much is A Teeth Cleaning Appointment?
The cost of teeth cleaning in Midlothian can vary depending on various factors. If you have dental insurance, routine checkups and cleanings are often covered at a high percentage, typically every 6 months. However, if you do not have dental insurance, you can anticipate paying anywhere from $120 to $300 or more, particularly if it’s your first visit or if you haven’t had a cleaning in a while.
The actual cost of your treatment takes into account several important factors:
- Your current oral health.
- The need for any new x-rays.
- The amount of time required by the dental team to address your specific dental needs.
- The equipment and supplies necessary to provide comprehensive dental care.
We prioritize these routine appointments as they are an effective means to prevent more invasive and costly treatments, avoid severe dental pain, and maintain your overall happiness and health.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people should have a professional teeth cleaning every six months, but your dentist may recommend more frequent visits based on your individual oral health needs.
A dental hygienist will remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth, perform a thorough examination, and provide personalized tips for maintaining your oral health.
A standard teeth cleaning appointment typically lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the level of cleaning required.
Yes, but it’s best to avoid dark-colored or staining foods and drinks immediately after your appointment to maintain your bright, clean smile.
A regular cleaning removes surface plaque and tartar, while a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a more intensive procedure that cleans below the gumline to treat advanced gum disease.
Yes, professional teeth cleaning is safe during pregnancy and is important for maintaining good oral health, which can impact overall health during this time.
Most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings, but coverage varies. Check with your provider to confirm your benefits.
Brush twice daily, floss regularly, and use mouthwash to keep your teeth clean and maintain the results of your professional cleaning.
What Our Patients Are Saying
For more than 15 years, we've earned our 5-star reputation as one of the most trusted dental care providers for residents of Midlothian, Chesterfield, Powhatan, and the Greater Richmond area. We love our patients, and it seems they love us too!
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New Patients Are Welcome
Hawkins Family Dentistry
- Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Thursday: 7:00am - 2:00pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Midlothian, VA, USA,
23113