Professional Dental Cleanings for a Healthy Smile
Regular dental cleanings are a fundamental part of maintaining optimal oral health. Even with diligent at-home brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health complications.
At Dr. Tom Lee Sedation Dental, we provide professional dental cleanings at our conveniently located clinics in Burnaby, Coast Meridian, Langley, and New Westminster. Our experienced dental hygienists use advanced tools and techniques to gently but thoroughly clean your teeth, leaving your smile fresh, healthy, and polished.Whether it’s your routine 6-month check-up or you’re catching up on your oral care after some time away, we offer a comfortable, pain-free experience tailored to your needs.
Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings Important?
Preventive dental care is essential not just for your teeth and gums but also for your overall health. Oral health is directly linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Here’s why routine dental cleanings should be a key part of your health regimen:
🦷 Prevents Gum Disease: Gum disease begins with plaque buildup along the gum line. Regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar, preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease.
🦷 Reduces Cavity Risk: Plaque is the primary cause of cavities. Professional cleanings eliminate plaque from hard-to-reach areas, protecting your enamel from decay.
🦷 Fights Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent bad breath often results from bacterial buildup. Regular cleanings ensure fresh breath and improved confidence.
🦷 Prevents Tooth Loss: Gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. By maintaining clean, healthy gums, you reduce the risk of bone loss and tooth mobility.
🦷 Improves Oral Aesthetics: Polishing removes surface stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, leaving your smile whiter and brighter.
🦷 Promotes Systemic Health: Studies have linked poor oral health to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory issues. Regular dental cleanings support overall wellness.
🦷 Detects Early Warning Signs: Cleanings often reveal early indicators of tooth decay, gum recession, oral cancer, and other concerns, enabling timely intervention.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
Our comprehensive dental cleaning process is designed to be comfortable, efficient, and thorough. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:
- Plaque & Tartar Removal (Scaling)
Using specialized tools, our dental hygienists gently remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth and along the gum line. Even with consistent brushing, some areas are difficult to clean at home. Tartar (hardened plaque) can only be removed with professional tools. - Deep Cleaning & Polishing (Prophylaxis)
Once plaque and tartar are removed, we use a high-powered, gentle polishing tool to clean the tooth surfaces, removing surface stains and minor discoloration. This process leaves your teeth smooth, shiny, and more resistant to future plaque buildup. - Fluoride Treatment (Optional)
Fluoride strengthens enamel, making it more resistant to decay. We offer fluoride treatments as an additional preventive measure, especially for patients prone to cavities or with sensitive teeth. - Gum Health Assessment (Periodontal Check)
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth. We carefully evaluate your gum tissue for signs of inflammation, recession, or periodontal pockets—early indicators of gum disease. - Oral Hygiene Education & Personalized Recommendations
Our team will provide customized advice based on your oral health needs, including:- Correct brushing and flossing techniques
- Product recommendations (toothpaste, mouthwash, floss)
- Dietary guidance to support enamel strength and reduce cavity risk
- Oral Cancer Screening (Optional)
As part of our commitment to comprehensive dental care, we offer oral cancer screenings during your cleaning appointment if needed. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
For most patients, dental cleanings every six months are recommended to maintain optimal oral health. However, individual factors—such as gum disease, high cavity risk, or underlying medical conditions—may require more frequent cleanings. Our dental professionals will assess your oral health and recommend a personalized cleaning schedule to keep your smile in top shape.
Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning!
A clean, healthy smile starts with consistent, professional care. Whether it’s been six months or several years since your last cleaning, our friendly, experienced team is here to help.
Don’t forget to ask about your eligibility for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)—we’re here to make quality dental care accessible for all.
📞 Call Now: Burnaby | Langley | New Westminster | Coast Meridian
📍 Visit Us: Burnaby | Langley | New Westminster | Coast Meridian
FAQs About Dental Cleanings
1. Are dental cleanings painful?
No, professional dental cleanings are generally painless. Our skilled hygienists use gentle techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. If you have sensitive teeth or anxiety, we offer sedation options like oral sedation or IV sedation for a stress-free experience.
2. How long does a dental cleaning take?
Most routine dental cleanings take 45 to 60 minutes. If you require additional treatments (such as deep scaling, fluoride application, or an oral health assessment), the appointment may take slightly longer.
3. How often should I get a dental cleaning?
We recommend a professional dental cleaning every six months for most patients. However, individual needs may vary—patients with a history of gum disease may require more frequent visits.
4. Can I get a dental cleaning if I have braces or dental implants?
Absolutely. Our team is experienced in cleaning around braces, implants, and other dental work. We use specialized tools to ensure all plaque and tartar are removed without damaging your orthodontic devices or restorations.
5. Does insurance cover dental cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings as part of preventive care. Additionally, if you are eligible for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), your dental cleanings may be fully or partially covered. Our administrative team will verify your coverage and guide you through the process.
The Connection Between Oral Health & Overall Wellness
Maintaining oral health through regular cleanings is about more than just a beautiful smile. Poor oral hygiene has been linked to systemic health conditions, including:
🔹 Cardiovascular disease – Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream, contributing to arterial plaque buildup.
🔹 Diabetes complications – Gum disease can make blood sugar levels more difficult to control.
🔹 Respiratory infections – Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, causing infections like pneumonia.
🔹 Pregnancy complications – Poor oral health has been associated with preterm births and low birth weight.
By prioritizing your dental cleanings, you are investing in long-term health and well-being.
The Connection Between Oral Health & Overall Wellness
🔹 Experienced, Gentle Dental Hygienists – Our team uses advanced tools and compassionate techniques to ensure your comfort.
🔹 State-of-the-Art Facilities – We utilize modern dental technology to deliver precise, efficient, and effective cleanings.
🔹 Personalized Preventive Care Plans – Each patient receives a customized care plan based on oral health needs and lifestyle.
🔹 Sedation Dentistry Available – For those with dental anxiety, we offer IV sedation and oral sedation options for a calm, stress-free visit.
🔹 Convenient Multi-Location Service – Serving Burnaby, Coast Meridian, Langley, and New Westminster.