Dental Cleaning and Check-Ups
A dental cleaning and check-up is the single best thing you can do to prevent expensive treatment down the road. We recommend a cleaning and check-up every 6 months for most patients. Healthy mouths cost a lot less to maintain than they do to fix.
What happens at your cleaning and check-up
- Medical and dental history review. We update your file, ask about any new medications or health changes, and listen to any concerns you have about your teeth or gums. If something has been bothering you, this is the time to mention it.
- Examination. We check each tooth for signs of decay, look at existing fillings and crowns, examine your gums for any signs of disease, and do a quick oral cancer screening (cheeks, tongue, jaw, neck). Digital X-rays are taken as needed based on your last set.
- Scaling. Our hygienist removes the hardened plaque (tartar or calculus) that has built up at the gum line and between teeth since your last visit. You cannot remove tartar at home; it can only be removed by a dental professional with the right tools.
- Polishing. We polish your teeth with a fine paste to remove surface stains (from coffee, tea, wine, etc.) and leave the tooth surface smooth so plaque has a harder time sticking.
- Recommendations. Before you leave, we go over what we found, anything we recommend treating, and home-care tips specific to you (brushing technique, flossing, mouthwash, electric toothbrush, etc.). No pressure, no upsell.
A typical cleaning and check-up takes 45 to 60 minutes. New-patient first visits run a bit longer (60 to 90 minutes) because we need to do a complete exam and take a full set of X-rays.
Why regular cleanings matter
- ✓Catch cavities while they are small (a $200 filling beats a $1,500 root canal)
- ✓Spot gum disease before it causes tooth loss
- ✓Find oral cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage
- ✓Remove tartar that brushing and flossing cannot
- ✓Keep your breath fresh and your teeth bright
- ✓Reduce overall healthcare costs (gum disease is linked to heart disease and diabetes)
Regular cleaning vs deep cleaning
Regular cleaning (prophylaxis)
For patients with healthy gums and minimal tartar. Removes plaque and tartar above the gum line, polishes the teeth. Typically done every 6 months and covered by most insurance plans at 100% of the routine-cleaning allowance.
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
For patients with gum disease where tartar has built up below the gum line. We numb the area and clean down each root surface, removing bacterial deposits. Usually done over two visits, one half of the mouth at a time. Most insurance plans cover deep cleaning if it is medically necessary.
Periodontal maintenance
For patients who have previously had gum disease, we recommend cleanings every 3 to 4 months (instead of every 6) to keep the disease in remission. We coach you through home-care techniques that help your gums stay healthy between visits.
How often should I come in?
The standard recommendation is every 6 months. Some patients need more frequent cleanings (every 3 to 4 months) and a few can stretch to once a year. The right schedule depends on your specific risk factors:
- ✓Healthy gums + good home care + low cavity risk: every 6 months
- ✓History of gum disease, smoker, diabetic, or pregnant: every 3 to 4 months
- ✓Patients with braces or Invisalign: every 3 to 4 months
- ✓Children: every 6 months from the time the first tooth comes in
We discuss the best schedule with you at your first visit and adjust as your situation changes.
Cost, insurance, and CDCP
A regular cleaning and check-up is covered (typically at 80 to 100 percent) by most extended health plans and by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) for eligible patients. We bill your insurance directly so you only pay your residual at the appointment. See our insurance and financing page for the full list of insurers we work with, or call us at 604-282-3800 for a quote on your specific situation.
Why choose Madison Dental Studio
Over 20 years of experience, BCCOHP-registered hygienists, digital X-rays (90% less radiation than film), direct insurance billing, oral cancer screening at every visit, and a multilingual team (English, Punjabi, Hindi, Persian, Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean).
Dental cleaning FAQ
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
For most patients, no. You feel scraping pressure and hear the cleaning instrument, but it should not be painful. If your gums are inflamed or sensitive, we can use topical numbing gel and we work gently. If pain is a concern, tell us up front and we will adjust our approach.
How long does a cleaning take?
A standard cleaning and check-up takes 45 to 60 minutes. Your first visit with us takes 60 to 90 minutes because we also do a complete exam and take a full set of X-rays.
Do I really need X-rays at every check-up?
No. We follow current Canadian Dental Association guidelines. Most healthy adults need a check-up X-ray (bitewings) every 12 to 24 months and a full panoramic every 3 to 5 years. New patients always get a full set. We never take X-rays just to fill the schedule.
Can I just skip cleanings if I brush and floss really well?
No. Even great home care cannot remove tartar (hardened plaque) once it forms. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional with specialized tools. Skipping cleanings leads to gum inflammation, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss.
What is the difference between a hygienist and a dentist?
A hygienist is a licensed dental professional who specializes in cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, and educating patients on home care. A dentist examines, diagnoses, and treats dental problems (fillings, crowns, extractions). At every cleaning and check-up, you see both: the hygienist for the cleaning and the dentist for the exam.
What if I have not been to a dentist in years?
No judgment. We see patients all the time who have been away from the dentist for 5, 10, or even 20 years. We start with a thorough exam, take new X-rays, and put together a step-by-step plan to get your mouth healthy again. The first visit may take longer, but it is the first step toward simpler, less expensive visits in the future.
Is dental cleaning covered by the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes. CDCP covers regular cleanings and check-ups for eligible patients at a coverage level of 40, 60, or 100 percent depending on your adjusted family net income. We are an enrolled CDCP provider. See our CDCP page for full details.
Do you see children?
Yes. We see children of all ages, starting from when their first tooth comes in (around 6 to 12 months old). For children under 19 from low-income families, Healthy Kids BC may also cover up to $2,000 in basic dental services every two years.