Dental cleanings are among the most fundamental yet crucial services our dentist and team offer to help you maintain optimal oral health. When you come to our office for a cleaning, you are taking an important step toward preventing decay, gum disease and other common dental concerns. Our team strives to provide a thorough, gentle and effective cleaning that leaves your smile feeling refreshed and your oral health safeguarded.

During your cleaning, a dental hygienist will carefully remove any buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth and around your gums. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, can accumulate on your teeth over time and, if not removed, can harden into tartar (also known as dental calculus). Tartar is more challenging to remove and can contribute to gum disease, cavities and other dental issues. By eliminating these harmful substances, we help protect your teeth and gums from potential damage and decay.

Once your teeth are free of plaque and tartar, the hygienist will polish your teeth to remove any remaining stains and give your smile a bright, healthy shine. This process also smooths the tooth surface, making it more challenging for plaque to adhere to your teeth in the future. Polishing, combined with flossing, helps ensure that each tooth is clean from every angle, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

As part of your visit, Dr. Matthew Phillips will also conduct a comprehensive exam to check for signs of developing problems that may need attention. Early detection is key to maintaining a healthy smile, and our team uses this exam to identify any concerns in their early stages, making treatment simpler and more effective.

In some cases, we may recommend taking dental X-rays to gain a more detailed view of areas beneath the surface. X-rays allow us to detect hidden cavities, monitor the development of your teeth, and assess the health of your jawbone and surrounding tissues. This proactive approach helps us address issues before they become more complex or painful.

We generally recommend visiting us every six months for a cleaning and exam. If you have specific needs or a history of gum disease, we may suggest more frequent visits to maintain optimal oral health. Taking the time for regular cleanings helps you avoid more intensive procedures in the future and keeps your smile looking its best.

Call 3rd Set Smiles at 480-334-2752 today to schedule your next dental cleaning in Tempe, Arizona, and let us help you keep your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.