Dental Cleanings in Bethesda & Chevy Chase, MD

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for healthy teeth and gums. However, even if you brush and floss regularly, you’re likely to miss hard-to-reach areas where buildup can cause disease and decay. That’s why it's important to schedule routine dental checkups and professional dental cleaning at least twice a year.

Residents of Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Washington, D.C. seeking top-tier dental care need look no further than Smiles of Chevy Chase. Dental cleanings are the cornerstone of preventive oral health, offering a gateway to maintaining a radiant, healthy smile that speaks volumes about your overall well-being. If you're due for a dental cleaning, contact our Chevy Chase, MD, dental team led by Dr. Markogiannakis today at 301-652-0656 to schedule an appointment.

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that people schedule professional dental cleanings at least twice every year. However, depending on your level of oral health, you may need more frequent dental cleanings. Babies should receive their first dental cleaning before their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth erupts. At their first appointment, Dr. Markogiannakis will help you determine when your child is ready for a follow-up visit.

Dr. Markogiannakis, Your Partner in Dental Care

Dr. Despina Markogiannakis brings an exceptional level of skill and experience to dental care, backed by her recognition as a Top Dentist by Washingtonian magazine in 2021 and 2023. With advanced training from Georgetown University and Howard University's School of Dentistry, she has cultivated a practice that goes beyond routine cleaning. Her approach combines cutting-edge dental technology with a compassionate, patient-first philosophy that makes even the most anxious patients feel comfortable and cared for.

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, patients receive more than just a standard dental cleaning. Dr. Markogiannakis and her team offer a comprehensive approach to oral health, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and multiple dental sedation options to ensure patient comfort. Her commitment to community health, extensive professional memberships, and dedication to continuous learning make her practice a standout choice for patients seeking top-tier dental care in the Washington, D.C. area.

Dental cleanings represent far more than a simple hygiene appointment. These preventative dental procedures are comprehensive health interventions designed to protect your teeth, gums, and entire oral ecosystem. 

During a typical dental cleaning, skilled dental professionals meticulously remove plaque and tartar buildup, addressing areas that standard brushing and flossing might miss. After giving your teeth a refreshing polish, our Smiles of Chevy Chase dentist will assess your oral health to catch early signs of decay or gum disease.

Types of Dental Cleanings: A Comprehensive Overview

Routine Dental Cleanings: Regular cleanings form the foundation of preventive dental care. Recommended twice annually, these appointments involve thorough plaque and tartar removal, helping patients maintain optimal oral health. Dental hygienists use specialized tools to clean tooth surfaces, creating a smooth, bacteria-resistant environment.

Scaling and Root Planing: When gum disease becomes a concern, scaling and root planing offer a more in-depth cleaning solution. Sometimes called "deep dental cleanings," this procedure targets plaque and tartar below the gum line, smoothing tooth roots to prevent future bacterial accumulation. Often, one or two sessions can reverse early-stage gum disease progression.

Periodontal Maintenance: Patients with a history of gum disease benefit from periodic maintenance cleanings. Typically scheduled every three to four months, these appointments help monitor and manage ongoing oral health challenges.

Gross Debridement: Reserved for extensive plaque and tartar buildup, gross debridement prepares patients for comprehensive oral examinations. This intensive cleaning addresses situations where standard procedures prove insufficient.

Scheduling biannual cleanings offers numerous benefits, including:

• Brighter Smiles: A professional cleaning will address stains on the enamel that can cause discolored teeth.
• Removal of Plaque & Tartar: Dr. Markogiannakis will remove plaque and tartar from areas where a toothbrush and floss usually can’t reach. This helps prevent decay, infection, and disease.
• Fresher Breath: Professionally removing build-up will help freshen your breath.
• Boosts Your Oral Health: Professional dental cleanings will help improve and maintain your oral health, saving you money by preventing the need for more costly and invasive procedures in the future.
• Helps Us Track Your Oral Health: During your cleaning, we can identify any areas of concern in your mouth that may require special attention.
• Advice For At-Home Care: Based on what we find during your cleaning, our team can provide helpful tips on personalized at-home care.

Even if you maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home, it can be challenging to remove all of the buildup on your own. During a professional dental cleaning, our team uses specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar that have accumulated on your teeth.

An ultrasonic device with high-speed vibrations and a lubricating mist is used to remove larger pieces of tartar and plaque, with your dentist or hygienist focusing on harder-to-reach areas. Handheld instruments such as a curette or scaler are then used to remove smaller pieces. Each tooth is individually scaled to ensure the complete removal of all buildup.

After the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, they are polished to remove stains and strengthen the enamel. Fluoride treatment can also be performed upon request or if needed to further protect your teeth. Fluoride is a chemical compound that contains the element fluorine. It is commonly used in dentistry to help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel of teeth.

Dental cleaning costs typically range from $75 to $200, depending on various factors:

• Your location
• The type of cleaning needed
• The dentist’s experience
• Your insurance coverage

Many dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings, but coverage varies. If you have questions about costs or payment options, contact our Chevy Chase, MD, dentist at 301-652-0656 for more information.

Are dental cleanings covered by insurance?

Professional dental cleaning is considered a preventive procedure so it is usually covered by dental insurance. Our office will contact your insurance company to determine your specific coverage and then calculate any out-of-pocket costs. If you do not have dental insurance, please talk to your dentist about the different payments we accept, including medical financing.

How long does a dental cleaning take?

On average, the exact time for a dental cleaning can take 30 minutes to an hour. However, the exact time for a dental cleaning will vary from patient to patient depending on numerous factors including the amount of buildup on the teeth and gums, the time it takes to give you advice on at-home care, and discussions of oral health issues and concerns.

Are professional dental cleanings painful?

Dental cleanings should not be painful. You may experience some slight discomfort during the process, especially if you have dental sensitivity. If you experience pain during a routine dental cleaning, be sure to tell your dentist or hygienist immediately. It may point to a problem your dentist can diagnose and treat.

How can I maintain good dental health between cleanings?

Between cleanings, you can maintain your oral health by brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, preferably before bedtime, and rinsing between meals. Your dentist and our dental team can give you more specific instructions on at-home oral health care during your cleaning.

Achieving and maintaining a healthy and bright smile is essential for your overall health and well-being. Regular professional cleanings are a vital part of a proactive dental care plan and can help prevent more extensive and expensive treatments down the line. 

At Smiles of Chevy Chase, our experienced dentist, Dr. Markogiannakis, and her team work closely with new and returning patients in Chevy Chase and surrounding areas such as Bethesda, Somerset, and Forest Hills, MD to improve and maintain their oral health.

Don't hesitate to contact our friendly front office team by dialing 301-652-0656 to schedule a professional dental cleaning in Chevy Chase for yourself and your family today. You can also fill out our contact form and one of our friendly team members will get back to you shortly. Let us help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful!