A Healthy Smile Starts with a Great Cleaning.
Professional cleanings remove what brushing and flossing can’t. Our gentle hygienists keep your teeth and gums healthy at every stage of life — from your child’s first cleaning to adult periodontal maintenance. Prevention is always the best treatment.
Free consultation · 0% financing · Insurance accepted
Prevention Is the Best Treatment
Even with perfect brushing habits, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. Left untreated, tartar buildup leads to cavities, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss. Twice-yearly cleanings are the single most effective way to protect your smile.
Prevent Gum Disease
Gum disease is the #1 cause of adult tooth loss — and it starts silently. Regular cleanings remove the bacteria that cause inflammation and bone loss before symptoms ever appear.
Catch Problems Early
Every cleaning includes a thorough exam. A small cavity caught today is a simple filling. Left alone, it becomes a root canal or extraction. Early detection saves you time, money, and discomfort.
Fresher Breath
Persistent bad breath is often caused by tartar buildup and bacteria below the gum line. A professional cleaning eliminates the source — not just the symptom.
Brighter Smile
Surface stains from coffee, tea, and wine are polished away during every cleaning. You leave with a noticeably brighter smile — no whitening treatment needed.
The Right Cleaning for Every Patient
Routine Cleaning
Most CommonThe standard preventive cleaning recommended every six months for patients with healthy gums. Our hygienist removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gum line, polishes your teeth, and flosses thoroughly.
- Recommended every 6 months
- Removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains
- Includes polishing and flossing
- Oral cancer screening included
- Typically covered by dental insurance
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
For patients with early to moderate gum disease. A deep cleaning goes below the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar from periodontal pockets, then smooths root surfaces so healthy gum tissue can reattach.
- Treats gingivitis and early periodontitis
- Done under local anesthesia for comfort
- Usually completed over 2 visits
- Coordinated with our periodontist on staff
- Often covered by dental insurance
Periodontal Maintenance
For patients who have completed gum disease treatment. More thorough than a routine cleaning — targets the pockets below the gum line where disease can return. Essential for keeping your results long-term.
- Every 3–4 months after gum treatment
- Deeper than a standard cleaning
- Monitors pocket depths and gum health
- Managed by our periodontists on staff
- The best way to prevent gum disease from returning
Child & Teen Cleanings
Gentle cleanings designed for younger patients. We build comfort and confidence at the dentist from an early age. Fluoride treatments and sealants are available to add extra protection during cavity-prone years.
- Gentle, patient hygienists experienced with kids
- Fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel
- Sealants available for back teeth
- Age-appropriate oral hygiene education
What to Expect at Your Cleaning
A typical cleaning appointment at Island Dental takes about 45–60 minutes. Here’s what happens from the moment you arrive.
1. Check-In & X-Rays
We update your health history and take digital X-rays as needed. Digital X-rays use up to 80% less radiation than traditional film.
2. Exam & Assessment
Your dentist examines your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. We check existing restorations and note any changes.
3. Professional Cleaning
Our hygienist removes plaque and tartar with precision instruments, polishes your teeth to remove stains, and flosses. Gentle technique — always.
4. Review & Plan
Your dentist reviews findings, discusses any recommended treatment, and answers questions. You leave with a clear picture of your oral health.
Gentle Cleanings for Anxious Patients
We understand dental anxiety is real. Our hygienists are known for being patient, communicative, and genuinely gentle. We go at your pace, explain everything before we do it, and stop any time you need a break.
- Warm, friendly hygienists who listen
- Tell-show-do approach for nervous patients
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) available
- Pillows, blankets, and headphones if you want them
- No judgment — even if it’s been years since your last visit
It’s Been a While? That’s OK.
Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years, you’re welcome here. We see patients every day who haven’t been to a dentist in a long time. We don’t judge — we help. Come in, let us take a look, and we’ll build a plan together.
New Patient AppointmentComplete Care Under One Roof
Cleanings are just the beginning. Everything you need to keep your smile healthy is available right here — no referrals, no outside offices.
General & Family Dentistry
Exams, fillings, crowns, sealants, and everything your family needs to stay healthy. All ages welcome.
Learn MorePeriodontics
Two periodontists on staff for gum disease treatment, deep cleanings, gum surgery, and ongoing maintenance.
Learn MorePediatric Dentistry
Kid-friendly care from first teeth through adolescence. Sealants, fluoride, and gentle cleanings for young smiles.
Learn MoreDental Cleaning FAQs
For most patients, every six months is ideal. Patients with a history of gum disease or higher cavity risk may benefit from cleanings every three to four months. We will recommend the right interval for you based on your oral health.
Routine cleanings should not hurt. You may feel some pressure or sensitivity, especially around areas with tartar buildup. Our hygienists are gentle and communicative — they’ll check in with you throughout the appointment. For deep cleanings, we may use local anesthesia and topical anesthetic so you’re completely comfortable.
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gum line — it’s preventive care for healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planning) goes further below the gum line into periodontal pockets to treat active gum disease. Your dentist will recommend the right type based on the health of your gums.
Yes. Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive cleanings per year at 100%. Periodontal maintenance cleanings are also typically covered, though your plan may classify them differently.
Absolutely. We see patients every day who haven’t had a cleaning in years. There’s no judgment here — just a warm team that wants to help you get back on track. We’ll start with a comprehensive exam and build a plan that works for you.
Yes. We see patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. Our hygienists are experienced with children and make visits fun, comfortable, and educational. Fluoride treatments and sealants are available for extra protection during cavity-prone years.
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