Dental Cleanings and Exams in Petoskey, MI

Keep Your Smile Beautiful and Healthy With Our Petoskey, MI Dentist

A radiant, healthy smile can significantly boost your self-esteem and oral health. By consistently attending routine dental cleanings and exams, our Petoskey, MI dentist can ensure your oral health remains in excellent condition, helping you ward off cavities, gum disease, and various dental issues from poor oral hygiene.

Discover why scheduling dental cleaning appointments twice a year is crucial for maintaining impeccable dental hygiene and a stunning smile with our comprehensive guide. Reach out to Dr. Brian Klym today at (231) 347-2188 to book your appointment. Our top general dentist is delighted to welcome new patients.

What Are Dental Cleanings?

Dental cleanings, also referred to as prophylaxis, are routine procedures conducted by dental professionals to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. By visiting your dentist twice a year for dental cleanings, you can keep your smile gleaming and prevent oral health issues from developing. Maintaining optimal oral health is vital for preventing gum disease and tooth decay.

During a dental cleaning appointment in Petoskey, MI, additional services such as oral examinations are also performed. These help in identifying any signs of dental issues, and when conducted twice a year, can detect problems early, allowing for more effective, less invasive treatments. Your dentist may also administer a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth from cavities and other complications.

Dental Cleaning Benefits

Keeping up with professional dental cleanings offers several benefits, including:

• Prevention of cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems
• Early detection of dental issues
• Supports overall health
• Promotes fresher breath

Types of Dental Cleanings

There are several types of dental cleanings. Based on your dental health, our dentist will recommend the most suitable dental cleaning for you.

Routine Dental Cleanings

Routine dental cleanings are the most common and are recommended for individuals with good oral health. During a regular dental cleaning, our dentist or dental hygienists will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth using dental tools. This quick process typically takes less than an hour, and Dr. Klym can tell you what to expect at a dental cleaning.

This type of cleaning is usually done twice a year as part of routine dental health care.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleanings, is recommended for those with moderate to severe gum disease. During a scaling and root planing treatment, our dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line and smooth out the roots of your teeth to prevent future buildup.

In many cases, one or two sessions of scaling and root planing can reverse the effects of gum disease and prevent it from advancing.

Periodontal Maintenance

A periodontal maintenance cleaning is performed after scaling and root planing to maintain the health of the gums. During periodontal maintenance, our dentist will remove any plaque and tartar that has accumulated since your last deep cleaning. This type of cleaning is typically done every three to four months for patients with gum disease.

Gross Debridement

Gross debridement cleaning is not your typical dental cleaning. It’s used to remove plaque and tartar that has built up excessively, making it difficult for the dentist to conduct a thorough oral examination. The gums may be swollen, and the buildup must be removed before a prophylaxis or dental exam can be completed.

Who Needs Dental Cleanings?

Everyone should receive a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year, even if they maintain good oral hygiene habits. Even with diligent brushing and flossing, certain areas are challenging to clean thoroughly at home, leading to plaque and tartar accumulation that should be promptly removed.

Individuals with underlying dental issues or a history of gum disease may require more frequent teeth cleanings. Our Petoskey, MI dentist will advise you on how often you should visit for routine dental cleanings.

Dental Cleaning Costs

On average, a dental cleaning costs approximately $125. However, the cost of your dental cleaning may vary based on factors such as:

• Your location: Dental care costs are generally higher in urban areas compared to rural areas.
• The type of dental cleaning: Routine cleanings are less expensive than deep cleanings, which are necessary for individuals with gum disease.
• The experience and training of the dentist: More experienced dentists typically charge more than those with less experience.
• Your dental insurance: If you have dental insurance, it may cover a portion of the cost of a dental cleaning.

Affordable Payment Options

We understand that dental care costs can be a concern. That’s why we offer a variety of flexible payment options to help you achieve your oral health goals:

• Credit Cards: We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
• Financing Options: We offer financing options through Wells Fargo to help you spread out the cost of treatment over time.
• Insurance: We accept most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental. Our team can help you maximize your insurance benefits.
• CareCredit: We offer special financing options through CareCredit to help you pay for dental procedures.
• Dental Membership Plans: Our affordable membership plans provide access to essential dental services, including cleanings and exams.