How often should I get a professional dental cleaning?

Most patients should have professional dental cleanings every six months. However, if you have gum disease, a history of cavities, or other oral health concerns, we may recommend more frequent cleanings every 3 to 4 months to maintain optimal oral health.

What's the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline and is preventive maintenance. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease by removing buildup below the gumline and smoothing root surfaces to promote healing. We'll recommend the appropriate type based on your gum health.

Are dental cleanings painful?

Most patients find routine dental cleanings comfortable and painless. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, you may experience mild discomfort. We can apply a topical numbing gel or use gentle techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the cleaning.

How long does a dental cleaning appointment take?

A routine dental cleaning typically takes 45 to 60 minutes, including the cleaning itself and a brief examination by the dentist. If you need X-rays or have significant buildup, the appointment may take slightly longer. We respect your time and keep appointments on schedule.

Do I really need dental cleanings if I brush and floss daily?

Yes, even with excellent home care, professional cleanings are essential. Our hygienists use specialized tools to remove hardened tartar (calculus) that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. Regular cleanings also allow us to detect early signs of cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.

Professional Dental Cleanings in San Francisco

Achieve optimal oral health and a radiant smile with our gentle, comprehensive hygiene services in the heart of the Castro.

Book Your Consultation Call: (415) 552-9200

Preventive Care for a Lifetime of Health

Professional dental cleanings are the cornerstone of preventive dentistry and a vital part of maintaining not just a beautiful smile, but your overall health. While daily brushing and flossing are crucial, they can\'t reach every nook and cranny where harmful plaque and tartar accumulate. Our expert hygiene team at Madderra Dental Spa provides meticulous, gentle cleanings to keep your smile healthy and bright.

We distinguish between two types of cleanings based on your specific gum health. A prophylaxis is a preventive cleaning for a healthy mouth, focusing on removing plaque and tartar from above the gumline. For patients showing signs of gum disease, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a therapeutic treatment to remove bacteria and tartar from below the gumline, addressing the infection at its source.

Regularly scheduled cleanings do more than just polish your teeth; they are a critical health screening. During your visit, we assess your gum health, check for early signs of decay or other issues, and provide personalized advice to optimize your at-home care routine. This proactive approach, central to our practice in San Francisco, helps you avoid more complex and costly dental problems down the road.

Investing in regular professional cleanings is an investment in your long-term well-being. The bacteria associated with gum disease are linked to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. By maintaining a healthy mouth, you are taking a significant step towards protecting your entire body.

Are Professional Cleanings Right for You?

Our professional hygiene services are essential for nearly everyone. You are an ideal candidate for regular preventive cleanings if you:

Want to maintain optimal oral health and prevent future dental issues.

Wish to keep your smile bright and free of stains from coffee, tea, or wine.

Have a history of cavities and want to be more proactive with your care.

Are managing a systemic health condition like diabetes or heart disease.

Notice plaque or tartar buildup despite regular home care.

Value preventive health and want to partner with a trusted San Francisco dental team.

The Benefits of Consistent Dental Hygiene

Prevent Gum Disease

Removes tartar buildup at the gumline, the primary cause of gingivitis and more advanced periodontitis.

Detect Issues Early

Allows for early detection of cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer, when they are most treatable.

Brighten Your Smile

Effectively removes surface stains, leaving your teeth polished and noticeably brighter after every visit.

Freshen Your Breath

Eliminates odor-causing bacteria trapped in plaque and tartar, leading to long-lasting fresh breath.

Protect Overall Health

Reduces the risk of systemic health problems linked to oral bacteria entering the bloodstream.

Save Money Long-Term

Preventive care is far less expensive than restorative treatments required to fix problems that have been left to develop.

The Madderra Approach to Dental Hygiene

Experience preventive care that prioritizes your health, comfort, and long-term goals. At our welcoming Castro District practice, Dr. Madderra\'s 34+ years of experience inform our conservative and health-focused philosophy. We don\'t just clean your teeth; we partner with you to create a sustainable path to lifelong oral wellness in a serene, spa-like environment designed to put you at ease.

Your Cleaning Appointment: A Step-by-Step Guide

Health Review & Assessment

We begin by discussing your medical history and any concerns you may have. Our hygienist will then perform a thorough examination of your gums and teeth, checking for any signs of inflammation or decay.

Scaling: Removing Plaque & Tartar

Using specialized instruments, we gently and meticulously remove all plaque and hardened tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and around the gumline. This is the most critical step in preventing gum disease.

Polishing & Flossing

After scaling, we use a gritty paste and a polishing tool to remove any remaining surface stains and smooth your teeth. This makes it harder for new plaque to adhere. We finish by flossing between your teeth to ensure every surface is clean.

Final Rinse & Fluoride Treatment

A final rinse removes any debris. If applicable, we may recommend a professional fluoride treatment to help strengthen your tooth enamel and protect against cavities. Dr. Madderra will then perform a final check and answer any questions.

Recovery & Aftercare

There is no downtime required after a professional dental cleaning. Your teeth will feel smooth and look brighter immediately. To maintain that fresh-from-the-dentist feeling, it\'s essential to follow a consistent home care routine of brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing every day. We\'ll provide personalized recommendations to help you care for your smile between visits.

Prophylaxis vs. Deep Cleaning: What\'s the Difference?

Prophylaxis (Regular Cleaning)

Purpose: Preventive care for a healthy mouth.
Focus Area: Above the gumline.
Frequency: Typically every 6 months.
Goal: Maintain health and prevent disease.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)

Purpose: Therapeutic treatment for active gum disease.
Focus Area: Below the gumline to clean tooth roots.
Frequency: As needed to treat disease, followed by periodontal maintenance.
Goal: Stop the progression of periodontitis and save teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

A regular cleaning, or prophylaxis, focuses on the visible surfaces of your teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and stains. It's a preventive measure for those with good oral health. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a therapeutic treatment for gum disease. It involves cleaning below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots to help the gums reattach, treating an active infection.

For most patients, we recommend a professional cleaning and exam every six months. However, your specific needs may vary. Patients with a history of gum disease or those who accumulate tartar more quickly may benefit from more frequent cleanings, such as every three to four months for periodontal maintenance.

For most people, a standard dental cleaning is a comfortable and painless procedure. You might feel some minor pressure or scraping sensations. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, or experience anxiety, please let us know. Our spa-like environment and gentle approach are designed to maximize your comfort. We can also use a topical anesthetic if needed.

Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning program for patients who have been treated for gum disease (periodontitis). These appointments are more frequent than standard cleanings (typically every 3-4 months) and are crucial for managing the disease, preventing its recurrence, and preserving the health of your gums and bone.

While daily brushing and flossing are essential for removing plaque, they cannot remove tartar (calculus). Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can only be safely and effectively removed by a dental professional using specialized instruments. Regular cleanings are vital to prevent tartar buildup from causing gum disease and decay.

The health of your mouth is a window to your overall well-being. The bacteria from gum disease can enter your bloodstream and have been linked to serious systemic health issues, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory problems, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is a key part of a healthy lifestyle.

At Madderra Dental Spa, we combine Dr. Madderra's 34+ years of clinical expertise with a conservative, patient-first philosophy. We focus on comprehensive preventive care in a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere right here in the Castro District. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health for a lifetime, preventing problems before they start.

Your teeth will feel incredibly smooth and clean! It's normal to experience some minor gum sensitivity for a day or so, especially if you had significant tartar buildup. We recommend avoiding highly acidic or staining foods for a few hours. You can immediately return to your normal daily activities.

Related Preventive & Diagnostic Services

Related Services

Dental Exams

Comprehensive evaluations to assess your overall oral health and catch problems early.

Learn More →

Gum Disease Treatment

Targeted therapies to manage and treat gingivitis and periodontitis, protecting your gums and bone.

Learn More →

Digital X-Rays

Advanced, low-radiation imaging to see below the surface and diagnose issues with teeth and jawbone.

Learn More →

Ready for a Healthier, Brighter Smile?

Partner with Madderra Dental Spa for the best preventive dentistry San Francisco has to offer. Schedule your professional cleaning today and take the most important step towards lifelong oral health.

Call (415) 565-0502