Teeth Cleanings in La Jolla & Poway

The procedure of your teeth cleaning appointment may vary depending on your specific situation, but generally follows this sequence:

• The hygienist or dentist gently removes tartar and plaque from your teeth using a scaler or "dental pick." A scaler can effectively eliminate hardened calculus called tartar, which is challenging to remove with regular brushing. For more stubborn or larger amounts of tartar, we may use an ultrasonic scaler, which employs ultrasonic waves to break up calculus for easier removal.

• A special polisher and paste are then used to remove stains and smoothen the surfaces of your teeth. The polisher consists of a spinning rubber cup that applies a mildly abrasive paste similar to regular toothpaste but slightly thicker.

• Throughout the teeth cleaning process, we rinse your teeth with a gentle jet of water and use suction to remove excess water and saliva. This helps clear away plaque, tartar, and polishing paste. If needed, we may dry out specific teeth briefly using air puffs to enhance visibility for spotting buildup and surface irregularities.

• Finally, we floss your teeth using standard dental floss to remove any remaining polishing paste. After your teeth are thoroughly clean, we will typically proceed with a comprehensive examination, checking your teeth, gums, tongue, and the rest of your mouth for any potential issues.