Dental Cleanings In Marietta, GA
Most people know they should see the dentist twice a year, but far fewer understand why that appointment does far more than just polish teeth. Professional dental cleanings remove calcified plaque and tartar that your toothbrush and floss simply cannot reach — and the bacteria in that buildup is what drives gum disease, bone loss, and tooth decay when left unchecked. Skipping cleanings does not just risk your smile; research consistently links untreated gum disease to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions.
At Kabani Dental in Marietta, Dr. Shaila Kabani has provided dental cleanings as part of comprehensive preventive care since 2009, backed by over 300 hours of advanced continuing education and more than two decades of clinical experience. Our general dentistry approach pairs thorough professional cleanings with comprehensive dental exams so every visit serves both your immediate oral health and your long-term wellness.
Routine Dental Cleanings: Who Needs Them and How Often
For most patients, two cleanings a year is the right baseline. But some patients benefit from three or four visits annually, and recognizing which category you fall into is something Dr. Kabani assesses at every exam. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults aged 30 and older show signs of gum disease — a condition that professional cleanings are the single most effective way to manage and prevent.
Patients who may need more frequent cleanings include those with active or past periodontal disease, people with diabetes (who have a higher prevalence of gum disease than non-diabetic adults), pregnant women whose shifting hormone levels increase gingivitis risk, tobacco users, and patients with dry mouth from medications or systemic conditions. If any of these apply to you, Dr. Kabani will recommend a cleaning schedule tailored to your risk profile rather than a one-size-fits-all calendar.
Deep Dental Cleanings: Scaling and Root Planing
A deep cleaning — clinically called scaling and root planing — is a targeted treatment rather than a preventive measure. It is recommended when pocket depths between your teeth and gums exceed the healthy threshold, indicating that bacteria and calculus have migrated below the gumline where standard cleaning instruments cannot reach. Pocket depth is measured at every exam with a thin probe; if readings are elevated, a deep cleaning is the first line of treatment for periodontal disease.
The procedure is typically performed in quadrants over one or two appointments. Scaling removes calculus and bacterial deposits from the root surfaces, while root planing smooths those surfaces to discourage future bacterial attachment and allow the gum tissue to reattach more firmly. Patients who have gone longer than a year without professional care are also strong candidates for a deep cleaning before returning to a routine maintenance schedule.
What Happens During Your Cleaning at Kabani Dental
Step-by-Step: Your Routine Cleanings: Who Needs Them and How Often
Every cleaning at Kabani Dental begins with a review of your health history and any changes since your last visit. Your hygienist then uses a combination of ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to break up and remove calcified deposits above and below the gumline. The ultrasonic scaler uses vibration and a fine water spray to flush bacteria from periodontal pockets with minimal discomfort. Once the scaling is complete, teeth are polished with a fine-grade paste to remove surface stains and leave enamel smooth. Dr. Kabani then performs a comprehensive exam using advanced diagnostic technology — including digital X-rays and intraoral cameras — to review the full picture of your oral health and identify anything that needs attention before your next visit.
Deep Dental Cleanings: Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning appointments are typically divided by mouth quadrant and may require local anesthesia for patient comfort. The hygienist scales each root surface to remove calculus and bacterial biofilm, then planes those surfaces smooth to discourage future bacterial attachment and help gum tissue reattach more firmly. Most patients see reduced bleeding and improved pocket readings at their follow-up exam four to eight weeks later. Patients with significant disease may transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule — typically every three to four months — rather than returning to standard biannual cleanings.
Between-Visit Oral Hygiene and Scheduling at Kabani Dental
Your oral health between appointments matters just as much as the professional care you receive in the chair. Brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing once daily removes the buildup your hygienist addresses at each visit. If you grind at night, a custom night guard from Kabani Dental protects your enamel between visits.
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Mouth Rinses
Dr. Shaila Kabani brings over 20 years of clinical experience and more than 300 hours of advanced CE in preventive and restorative dentistry to every patient visit. With recognition as the Best Cosmetic Practice in East Cobb and a conservative treatment philosophy, our goal is to keep your teeth healthy rather than treat problems that prevention could have avoided. Whether you are due for a routine cleaning or suspect you may need a deep cleaning, contact our Marietta office to schedule your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings in Marietta
Here are answers to the questions our patients ask most often about professional dental cleanings at Kabani Dental.
How often should I get a professional dental cleaning?
Most patients benefit from two professional cleanings per year, or one every six months. However, patients with a history of gum disease, diabetes, tobacco use, or other risk factors may need three or four cleanings annually. Dr. Kabani evaluates your individual risk at every exam and will recommend a schedule that matches your specific oral health needs.
What is the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A routine cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth above and just below the gumline. It is a preventive procedure performed at regular checkups. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a treatment for gum disease that addresses calculus and bacterial buildup on root surfaces below the gumline, where standard instruments cannot reach. Your hygienist measures pocket depths at every visit to determine which type of cleaning is appropriate.
Is a dental cleaning painful?
For most patients, a routine cleaning is comfortable with no anesthesia needed. Patients with sensitive gums or significant tartar buildup may experience some tenderness, which typically resolves within a day or two. Deep cleanings are performed with local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. If you have dental anxiety, let our team know and we can discuss options to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
How long does a dental cleaning appointment take?
A routine cleaning and exam typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the amount of buildup present and whether X-rays are taken. A deep cleaning appointment is usually longer, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes per quadrant, since the procedure is more detailed and may require anesthesia. Our team will give you a time estimate when you schedule so you can plan accordingly.
Does dental insurance cover cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover two routine cleanings per year at 100% as part of preventive benefits. Coverage for deep cleanings varies by plan and may require a diagnosis of periodontal disease to be approved. Kabani Dental accepts Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, United Healthcare, Humana, Aetna, and Principal, and our team works to maximize your benefits. Patients without insurance can ask about our in-house membership plan, which includes cleanings and exams at a predictable annual rate.
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