Sam Bollwinkel, DDS

2540 S. Santan Village Pkwy Suite 104
Gilbert, AZ 85295
480-892-5089

Teeth Cleaning & Dental Checkups

We offer you and your family many types of general & specialty dental treatments. We have all your dental services available under one roof so there is no need to go to another dentist!

  • Dental Cleanings and dental exams
  • Preventative dental treatments
  • Mouthguards
  • Night Guard/Bruxism
  • Teeth grinding
  • Nutritional counseling
  • TMJ/TMD
  • Non-surgical gum disease treatment
  • Dry Mouth
  • Oral Cancer Screening
  • And More… 

Teeth Cleaning & Dental Checkups

There are many ways you can play an active role in maintaining your oral health. Having your teeth cleaned in our office every six months is an excellent place to start. Our hygienists and dentists identify plaque and problem areas before thoroughly cleaning your teeth, providing you with information to sustain a happy, healthy smile. 

Why is it important to have consistent teeth cleanings and checkups?

Routine checkups are an essential part of proper oral hygiene. Some of the benefits of regular teeth cleanings include:

  • Healthier bones and gums.
  • Longer lasting teeth.
  • Early detection and treatment of cancer and other oral health conditions.
  • Beautiful, healthy smiles. 

What happens when we miss teeth cleanings?

Failure to keep up on proper oral hygiene can lead to:

  • An impaired ability to eat and digest foods, leading to nutritional and systemic problems.
  • Bad breath, resulting from advancing periodontal disease and/or rotting food particles.
  • Negative effects on cardiovascular well-being and overall health.
  • Gum infection and gangrene. 

What to Expect at Your First Checkup

Our dental cleaning appointments are about an hour-long, and new patient visits typically last a bit longer. We take pride in getting to know each of our patients, tailoring treatments to the health needs and goals of every individual. Here’s what to expect the first time you come to our office:

  • Dental History—A hygienist will gather dental and medical histories so that we have a clear picture of your current health, including any medical conditions that can impact dental treatment.

  • Digital X-rays—We take digital x-rays as diagnostic material for your comprehensive oral exam. If you have had x-rays taken within the last 12 months, please have them sent to our office. If you are unable to have x-rays taken, please inform the hygienist as you give your medical history.

  • Oral Screening and Teeth Exams—After we perform an oral cancer/lesion screening for symptoms of cancer and other illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, we examine your teeth for decay.

  • Gum Evaluation and Teeth Cleanings—Our hygienist will evaluate your gums, measuring periodontal pockets with a probe, and clean your teeth by identifying and removing areas of tartar, plaque, and calculus.

  • Oral Hygiene Habits—We end your visit by reviewing and reinforcing proper oral hygiene. 

Proper Oral Hygiene: How to Prevent Tooth Decay

There are several simple and affordable ways in which you can fight tooth decay—a common chronic health condition.

  1. Brush twice and floss once daily.
  2. Have dental cleanings and checkups twice a year.
  3. Eat fewer sugary and acidic foods.
  4. Take fluoride tablets, which make teeth more resistant to decay.
  5. Ask your dentist about additional cleaning supplements. 

The Teeth Cleaning Procedure

When you come in for a cleaning, your dental hygienist identifies and removes plaque—a soft film that can be removed by brushing—and tartar—a hardened plaque that requires dental instruments for removal. We make every effort to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the tiny spaces between your teeth and along gum-lines where bacteria gather.

We often complete the cleaning with prophy paste. Its coarse quality, which removes any remaining plaque as it dissolves into a finer texture, leaves the teeth shiny and smooth. We inform you of any areas where plaque and tartar build-up, so you can give those places extra attention by flossing and brushing each day. Our goal is to enable you to easily and effectively care for your teeth. 

Are there different kinds of teeth cleanings?

No. Prophylaxis—a fancy word for teeth cleaning—is the only dental procedure of its kind. Prophylaxis involves a routine teeth cleaning every six months.

The procedures that are sometimes called “cleanings” are actually periodontal treatments:

  • Full Mouth Debridement—a pre-cleaning for those with severe calculus build up.
  • Scaling and Root Planing—a deep cleaning for those with early stages of gum disease.
  • Perio Maintenance—a periodontal cleaning for those with a history of gum disease. 

The Cost of Teeth Cleaning

Most dental insurance policies include benefits that cover teeth cleanings. After all, not maintaining good oral hygiene will most likely lead to astronomical costs down the road, as failure to keep up with teeth cleanings often leads to serious and expensive health problems. Every patient’s budgetary situation is different, so we are happy to discuss yours with you. At a consultation, we present any possible costs up front to help you navigate your insurance benefits. Our main objective is to help you have a successful oral health experience. 

ARIZONA SMILE CENTER
COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Preventative

DENTAL ANXIETY

IF YOU HAVE A FEAR OF DENTAL WORK

Stuffy offices, callous interactions, dental anxiety and unpleasant procedures can prevent you from getting the dental care you need. At Arizona Smile Center, we’re determined to change all this! In our crisp modern office, you’ll be offered state-of-the-art solutions served with small-town hospitality. Our team is so friendly and skilled, you’ll consider them family as they compassionately care for your dental needs.

Our patients’ health and safety are our top priorities. As leaders in the community, we are raising the standard of care again by using the Solea laser and HEPA air purification systems in addition to our rigorous PPE protocol. Our Solea lasers allow for Shot-Free / Drill Free procedures and reduces dental splatter and aerosols by up to 99.9% compared to traditional handpieces. In addition to the laser we offer oral and other sedations to reduce dental fears. 

Contact Us Today

The first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Please contact our office by text, phone, or complete the appointment request form below. Our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment. If you are an existing patient, this contact form should not be utilized for communicating private health information. 

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