Dental Cleanings in San Diego, CA

For your teeth to remain healthy, it’s imperative to see the dentist regularly, and this is easy to do when you attend your bi-annual teeth cleaning appointments. 

At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Kami Kohani provides comprehensive dental care for individuals living or visiting San Diego, CA. 

Clean Teeth and Gums = Better Health

When you skip your dental cleaning appointments, you can allow bacteria to grow unchecked on your teeth and gums, leading to gum disease, which is closely linked to your overall health.

Bacteria from your teeth can easily spread below the gums and into the blood vessels under your teeth to other areas of the body. 

Having your teeth cleaned every six months allows the dental hygienist to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth and check to see if this bacteria-filled build-up has reached below your gum line. This is common and requires a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to prevent an early form of gum disease from progressing to severe periodontitis.

Your smile is worth protecting, but an established link between your overall well-being and the health of your gums makes taking care of your teeth essential. The following illnesses can be triggered or worsened by oral bacteria that have traveled outside of the mouth into the bloodstream:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart and lung disease
  • Premature delivery and low birth weight

Dental Cleaning Appointments Are an Opportunity You Don’t Want to Miss

Having your teeth cleaned every six months is an excellent way to learn about your oral health. The dental hygienist can alert Dr. Kohani to any visible indication of gum disease, and if you are due for x-rays, we can catch any emerging issues. When cavities are treated early, there is little chance that you will need a root canal or extraction.

If you are not due for x-rays yet but during your cleaning appointment, our team finds any issues, or you experience pain, we will take emergency radiographs for diagnostic purposes and create a personalized treatment plan to ensure your smile is a healthy one.

What Happens if You Need Additional Dental Treatment?

La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics is your one-stop shop for all your dental needs and provides all the services you and your family require to maintain a healthy smile. We will also note any dental crowding, misalignment, or other orthodontic issues.

Dr. Kohani will create a treatment plan based on your unique needs designed to correct any problems you are experiencing.

Some of our services include:

Periodontal (gum care services)

Restorations (crowns, bridges, dentures)

Root canal treatment

Dental implants

Orthodontic treatment

Ultimately, the goal is to identify, diagnose and treat any oral health issues before they progress. Catching cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay will keep you from experiencing discomfort and financial setbacks in the future.

We also offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments.

Why Are Dental Cleanings So Important?

You may practice proper oral hygiene at home by brushing and flossing every day, but even so, only your dental hygienist can clean hard-to-reach areas where plaque and tartar accumulate.

Without regular cleanings, you run the risk of allowing tooth decay to spread, cavities to form, and gum disease to develop, which could have an adverse effect on the health of your teeth and body.

A cleaner smile will help keep your teeth white and your breath fresh. Attending your bi-annual dental cleanings can also save you money in the long run since (except in the case of a dental emergency) a healthy smile doesn’t require expensive corrective treatments.

A Chance to Discuss the Beauty of Your Smile

Your bi-annual appointment is also a time for you to discuss any cosmetic dental concerns you have about your smile. If no underlying conditions are present, Dr. Kohani can suggest cosmetic procedures to enhance your smile.

Educational Benefits

Dental cleanings and examinations provide an educational experience and help you learn what to do outside of Dr. Kohani’s office to enhance your smile. If you have any questions or concerns about your teeth, oral hygiene, or gum health, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Kohani and schedule an appointment.

Providing Comprehensive Dental Care for San Diego

To get started on your treatment, contact La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics at 858-295-0603 and find a time and day that works for you. Dr. Kohani and his team look forward to helping you achieve your oral health goals.

858-295-0603

Dental Cleaning FAQS

For most people, a bi-annual appointment will ensure you stay on top of tooth issues and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Some people with pre-existing dental concerns will need to have their teeth cleaned more regularly. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate time to return during your cleaning appointment.

Typically, patients should receive dental check-up radiographs or bitewing x-rays once a year. These x-rays help the dentist spot issues below the surface level, inside the teeth and the gums. The x-rays allow the dentist to examine for periodontal disease, bone loss, infections, cavities, problematic tooth growth, and normal tooth eruption patterns.

Yes, as soon as your teeth cause discomfort or pain, schedule an appointment with the dentist. You may have a cavity, require a root canal, or have another issue that will only worsen with time.

No, your dental cleaning should not hurt. Some patients experience some sensitivity and pressure, depending on the condition of their teeth. Your dentist will always check with you if you are in pain and adjust if you show signs of discomfort.

Yes, the dentist does a lot more than just check your teeth. Patients who wear dentures may not worry about tooth decay, but other oral hygiene problems can still occur. Some examples include gum disease, mouth sores, and signs of oral cancer. Visit the dentist on an annual basis for a thorough examination.

Yes, our office offers professional whitening services and other cosmetic dentistry treatments. Our whitening treatments use a stronger solution than the whitening kits found at your local drugstore, and this means the whitening results from the dentist will look brighter and last longer.

An average dental cleaning appointment lasts 45 minutes. The dentist will scrape off any plaque and tartar from your teeth and polish the teeth to remove any biofilm and bacteria. Some patients at a higher risk for tooth decay may receive a fluoride treatment as well. If there are suspicious signs of tooth issues, your dentist may require an x-ray. The whole appointment should be painless and go by quickly!

Coverage will vary based on each individual’s policy. At a minimum, if you believe you have dental coverage, it likely includes dental cleanings. To verify, you can call your insurance provider, and you can also ask the receptionist at the front desk to check your insurance coverage.