Experienced Dental Cleaning for Finchley Central Residents

Professional cleanings are important for everyone and are usually advised every six months. Book an appointment if you notice plaque buildup, your gums are tender or bleed when you brush, or you have persistent bad breath. It's also helpful for removing stains from coffee, tea, or smoking. Cleaning helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease before they start. Many Finchley Central patients book a cleaning before a special event to ensure their smile looks its best.

A cleaning typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. First the hygienist examines your teeth and gums. Then they use a scaler to remove plaque and hardened tartar from tooth surfaces and along the gum line. After scaling, your teeth are polished with a gritty paste to remove stains and leave them smooth. Finally, the hygienist flosses between your teeth to remove any remaining debris and offers tailored tips to improve your at home care.

No recovery time is needed after a standard cleaning, and you can resume normal activities right away. Your teeth may feel extra smooth and slightly sensitive for a day or two, which is normal. To keep the benefits, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. Avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine for the first 24 hours to keep your smile bright. If sensitivity persists, call our practice during office hours.

If you show signs of gum disease a standard cleaning may not be enough. We might recommend a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, which cleans below the gumline to remove bacteria from the roots. This procedure is more extensive and is usually done under local anaesthetic. For patients mainly concerned with staining, Airflow polishing is an alternative that uses a fine jet of powder and water to remove stubborn stains for a brighter finish. We will discuss the best option for your needs during your consultation.

To make an informed choice about your oral health, whether you come to us or another practice in the Finchley area, here are some important questions: How often do you recommend a professional cleaning based on my current oral health? Are you seeing any early signs of gum disease or other issues? What can I do at home to improve brushing and flossing technique? Is the price of the cleaning included with a full dental check-up? Do you offer direct access to the hygienist without seeing a dentist first?

As a private practice, we do not offer NHS pricing. A professional hygiene appointment with us is competitively priced for the Finchley area. The cost covers the full 'scale and polish' procedure with our experienced hygienist. Please note that if a deeper cleaning is required, the cost will be higher, and a full quote will be provided beforehand. We accept various payment methods and are covered by major private dental insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact us to confirm your coverage.