Dental Cleanings in NE Calgary

What Are Dental Cleanings?

Dental cleanings are a vital preventive service performed by your dentist or hygienist to remove plaque, tartar and stains from your teeth. The process targets areas that regular brushing and flossing can miss, helping prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath while keeping your smile looking its best.

Plaque is a soft film of bacteria that builds up on your teeth every day. If it is not removed, it hardens into tartar, and only a dental professional can remove tartar. A professional teeth cleaning at Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary clears both, so your gums stay healthy and your teeth stay protected from decay.

Cleanings also polish away surface stains from coffee, tea and daily wear, so your teeth look fresher. They are not the same as professional whitening, which changes the natural shade of your teeth, but many patients notice a brighter smile after a cleaning.

Benefits of Dental Cleanings

• Prevents gum disease: Removes harmful plaque and tartar that cause gum inflammation and infection.
• Fights tooth decay: Cleans away buildup that leads to cavities, protecting your teeth long term.
• Freshens breath: Eliminates odour-causing bacteria for a cleaner mouth and a more confident smile.
• Enhances appearance: Polishing during cleanings brightens your teeth and restores their natural shine.

What Is Included in a Dental Cleaning

• Removal of plaque and tartar from your teeth, including along the gumline
• Polishing to lift surface stains and smooth the tooth surface
• Flossing between your teeth
• A check of your gums for redness, swelling or bleeding
• A check for early signs of oral health issues, with anything we find explained clearly
• Simple, personalized tips for brushing and flossing at home

Signs It May Be Time for a Dental Cleaning

• It has been six months or more since your last cleaning
• Your teeth feel rough or fuzzy, even after brushing
• You can see yellow or brown buildup along the gumline
• Your breath is not as fresh as it used to be
• Your gums look red or bleed when you floss
• You are new to the area or have not seen a dentist in a while

If your gums are bleeding, swollen or pulling away from your teeth, you may need more than a routine cleaning. Your dentist will let you know after checking your gums.

What to Expect During Your Cleaning

1. Quick review. We check in about your health and any concerns, such as sensitivity or bleeding gums.
2. Gentle check. Your hygienist or dentist looks over your teeth and gums.
3. Scaling. Plaque and tartar are removed with gentle instruments.
4. Polishing. A polish lifts surface stains and leaves your teeth smooth.
5. Flossing and rinse. We floss between your teeth and finish with a rinse.
6. Home care advice. You get simple tips for your mouth, and we help you book your next visit.

If this is your first visit, plan for about 60 minutes, because it also includes a comprehensive exam and any necessary X-rays. Anxious patients are welcome, and sedation options are available.

Regular Cleaning or Deep Cleaning?

A regular cleaning is designed for healthy gums. It removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline, and it is the routine care most people need every six months.

A deep cleaning, called Scaling and Root Planing, is a different treatment for people with gum disease. It cleans below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots so the gums can heal. Your dentist will recommend the right one after examining your gums and teeth.

After Your Cleaning

Your teeth may feel a little sensitive and your gums slightly tender for a day or two, especially if it has been a while since your last cleaning. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, floss daily and avoid very hot or cold foods if your teeth feel sensitive. If bleeding or soreness lasts more than a few days, call us at 403-300-2233.

Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Your Dental Cleaning

• Skilled dentists and hygienists focused on thorough, comfortable cleanings
• Personalized care: we take the time to listen and explain your options so you feel confident
• Gentle techniques and modern tools that minimize discomfort and anxiety
• A trusted local clinic serving NE Calgary families of every age
• Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
• Participating CDCP provider with direct billing to most major insurers

Related Treatments

• Oral Exams and X-Rays: A thorough check of your teeth and gums, with X-rays when needed.
• Scaling and Root Planing: A deep clean below the gumline when gum disease is present.
• Teeth Whitening: Brighten the natural shade of your teeth beyond what a cleaning can do.
• Bad Breath Treatment: Find and treat the cause of bad breath that will not go away.

Cost of Dental Cleanings in NE Calgary

The cost of a dental cleaning depends on the type of cleaning and whether it is combined with an exam and X-rays. We give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins, so you always know what to expect.

We direct bill most major insurers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Desjardins and iA Financial Group. Many plans cover cleanings in whole or in part, and we are a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers cleanings, scaling and polishing for eligible patients. New patients also receive a $50 gift card with a new patient exam and hygiene visit. See our payment options, or call 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.

Frequently Asked Questions