Teeth Cleaning Procedure

Regular dental cleanings are one of the key elements in preserving your oral health. For the best results, the American Dental Association recommends that you visit your nearby dental office for professional teeth cleaning at least once every six months. However, depending on your oral health care needs, your dentist may advise you to schedule more frequent dental cleanings. Additionally, there are different types of dental cleanings that may be recommended based on your oral health care needs, including:

  • Prophylaxis cleaning
  • Scaling and Root Planing
  • Periodontal maintenance cleaning
  • Gross Debridement

Did You Know?

Regular dental cleanings are beneficial because they:

  • Decrease your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Save you money by preventing the need for restorative treatments.
  • Remove stains and enhance the appearance of your teeth.
  • Freshen your breath and remove the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Am I a candidate for a dental cleaning?

Yes! Everyone is an ideal candidate for a dental cleaning, regardless of their age or current oral health. Dental cleanings are essential to remove excess plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth to decrease the risk of both tooth decay and gum disease. Even with regular brushing and flossing, dental plaque can accumulate in hard to reach places. When left in place, dental plaque can harbor thousands of detrimental bacteria and will eventually harden into tartar, or calculus. Unfortunately, tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing and can only be removed by your dentist.

What can I expect from Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry when having a dental cleaning?

Prior to having your teeth cleaned, your Knoxville dentist will examine your teeth and gums to assess your current oral health. In most cases, you can expect to have a prophylaxis dental cleaning. Although the word “prophylaxis” may sound intimidating, it is just a fancy name for a preventative dental cleaning. During this type of dental cleaning, a dental hygienist will use special tools to gently loosen plaque and tartar from the entire surface of every tooth. Then they will brush your teeth with a gritty toothpaste and floss between them to remove any remaining residue. After rinsing your mouth, a fluoride polish is applied to strengthen the enamel and decrease future plaque accumulation.

Do dental cleanings hurt?

Most patients do not experience pain during a dental cleaning. You may, however, experience a scraping or vibrating sensation depending on the type of tool used during your cleaning. In some cases, your gums may also bleed, especially if the gum pockets are in need of a cleaning. If you are concerned about having a dental cleaning for any reason, we encourage you to speak with our friendly staff so that we can address your concerns and give you the best dental cleaning for your individual needs.

Will I need to follow any special instructions after having my teeth cleaned?

ADA SealAfter having your teeth cleaned, you will simply need to schedule your next dental cleaning for six months out, unless directed otherwise. Between dental cleanings, it is important to practice daily dental hygiene such as brushing and flossing. To keep your teeth healthy, you will need to brush twice daily for two minutes at a time with fluoridated toothpaste and floss once a day. Additionally, any dental products you use should be have the ADA seal of approval. 

Dr. Micheal Costa

Dr. Costa

Dr. Stephen Malone

Dr. Malone


Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry offers a unique dental care experience to our patients in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. The crew is committed to protecting and increasing the natural beauty of your smile by employing conservative, cutting-edge techniques that result in attractive, long-lasting smiles!

Our dedicated and experienced team of doctors includes Dr. Stephen Malone, D.M.D., University of Louisville, and Dr. Michael Costa, D.D.S., UNC School of Dentistry, M.H.A., UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, NC. They are firm believers in continuing education to provide their patients with the finest possible care.

Drs. Costa and Malone see their patients as real partners in their service. Our team is committed to making your dental care journey as pleasant as possible.

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