Professional Dental Cleanings in Westbury, NY
Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC, offers professional dental cleanings in Westbury, NY. Our team believes that maintaining good dental health requires preventative care, and routine cleanings are one of the most effective preventive treatments to prevent tooth decay and cavities.
What are Dental Cleanings?
Routine dental cleanings aim to rid your teeth of bacteria, tartar, and plaque. Our dental hygienist or our dentists, Drs. Smallberg and Satornino may do them at our dental office. Although getting a dental cleaning every six months is strongly advised by the ADA, your oral health condition may require more regular cleaning procedures.
Dental cleanings are usually performed during routine dental checkups. During the same appointment, our dentists may also apply fluoride therapy, tooth-colored fillings, and dental sealants, among other preventive procedures. A typical dental cleaning session could last anywhere from thirty to an hour, depending on your oral health and any further treatments you need.
What Happens During Routine Cleanings?
First, your mouth will be inspected in detail. Using a small mirror, our dentists or dental hygienists will examine the area surrounding your teeth and gums to look for any indications of gum disease or cavities. There will also be a comprehensive screening for oral cancer. Then, a scaler will be used to scrape off any plaque and tartar between your teeth and the gum line.
Your teeth will then be polished using specialist paste and a soft rubber cup. Following the professional teeth cleaning, you may experience some degree of sensitivity. Although this sensation will eventually disappear, avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages for a while is still advisable.
Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings
Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC, offers teeth cleaning in Westbury, NY, to help you and your family maintain optimal oral health. Below are some of the key benefits of getting your teeth professionally cleaned:
- It eliminates germs, plaque, and tartar that can lead to cavities or holes in your teeth.
- It guards against gum disease, which can cause tooth loss and major illnesses like stroke and heart disease.
- It aids in the early detection of illness and tooth decay.
- It makes your smile healthier and more radiant.
- It lowers your chance of losing teeth.
Maintain Optimal Oral Health with Regular Checkups
Dental cleaning is as important as regular brushing and flossing to maintain your dental health. You can rely on Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC, and our staff of dental experts for professional dental cleanings in Westbury, NY. We can help you and your family achieve healthy, radiant smiles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Cleanings
Does a routine dental cleaning hurt?
For most people a routine cleaning is painless, you’ll feel scraping and pressure as plaque and tartar come off, but not pain. Any discomfort is usually mild and short-lived, and it tends to be greater if it’s been a while since your last visit or your gums are inflamed. Tell your hygienist if you’re tender and they’ll adjust. Learn what to expect on our general dentistry page.
What's the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A routine cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes below the gumline to clear infection when gum disease has set in, and it may take more than one visit. Your dentist recommends a deep cleaning only when your gums need it. Learn more on our gum disease treatment page.
Can I get my teeth cleaned if I have bleeding or sensitive gums?
Yes, and you should. Bleeding or sensitive gums are often an early sign of gingivitis, and a professional cleaning helps reverse it by removing the buildup that irritates the gums. Let your hygienist know so they can be gentle and check whether gum treatment is needed. Ongoing bleeding deserves a look. See our gum disease treatment page and our dental concerns guide.
How should I prepare for my dental cleaning appointment?
Very little prep is needed, brush and floss as usual beforehand, and arrive a few minutes early if you’re a new patient to complete paperwork. Bring a list of any medications and note any tooth or gum concerns you want checked. Let the team know if you have anxiety or need any accommodations. Find new-patient details on our patient resources page.
What can I do if I feel anxious about getting my teeth cleaned?
Let the team know, even a routine cleaning can feel stressful, and there’s help. The office offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas), a mild sedation that helps you relax and wears off quickly, so you can usually drive yourself home. Simply flagging your anxiety also lets the hygienist go slowly and take breaks. Read more on our nitrous oxide sedation page.
Are dental cleanings safe during pregnancy?
Yes, routine cleanings are safe and encouraged during pregnancy. Hormonal changes raise the risk of gum inflammation (“pregnancy gingivitis”), so keeping up with cleanings protects both you and your baby. Let your dentist know you’re pregnant and how far along, so they can time care comfortably. Elective cosmetic work is usually postponed, but preventive cleanings are not. Learn more about preventive care on our general dentistry page.
Should my child get routine dental cleanings too?
Yes. Children benefit from the same six-month cleanings as adults, which remove buildup, protect developing teeth, and help kids grow comfortable with dental visits. Cleanings also let the dentist spot cavities early and apply preventive care like fluoride and sealants. Starting young builds lifelong healthy habits. See how we care for younger patients on our pediatric dental care page.
Will my insurance or a membership plan cover routine cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings, often twice a year, as part of preventive care. If you don’t have insurance, the practice offers an in-house membership, the Dental VIP Club, with no co-pays, deductibles, or premiums, designed to make preventive visits like cleanings more accessible. The front desk can walk you through your options. See details on our Dental VIP Club page.
Where can I book a dental cleaning in Westbury, NY?
Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC provides professional dental cleanings in Westbury, NY, for patients of all ages, with new patients welcome. You can reach the office at 330 Winthrop St, #1, Westbury, NY 11590, or call (516) 518-9835 to schedule. Request an appointment through our contact page or get directions on our location page.
Do you have any problems with your teeth? Smallberg & Satornino, DDS, PLLC can help you regain your healthy, confident smile. Contact us today for personalized dental care to enhance your oral health and aesthetic appeal.
