Dental Cleanings in South Philadelphia

No matter how well you brush and floss at home, professional dental cleanings are an irreplaceable part of maintaining a healthy smile. At Pera Dentistry & Aesthetics, our dental hygienists provide thorough, gentle cleanings that remove the buildup no toothbrush can reach — leaving your teeth cleaner, your gums healthier, and your breath fresher.

We recommend professional cleanings every six months for most patients, paired with a comprehensive exam. For patients managing active gum disease or other risk factors, more frequent visits may be recommended. Whatever your situation, we’ll build a cleaning schedule that keeps your oral health on track.

What Happens During a Professional Cleaning

Removal of plaque and tartar (calculus) from all tooth surfaces
Cleaning along and just below the gumline
Polishing of tooth surfaces to remove surface stains
Flossing between all teeth
Fluoride treatment (when appropriate)
Assessment of gum health and pocket depths
Personalized guidance on your at-home oral hygiene routine

Why Professional Cleanings Matter

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms continuously on your teeth. When it’s not removed through brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar — a calcified deposit that can only be removed with professional instruments. Left untreated, tartar buildup leads to gum inflammation, gum disease, cavities, and eventually tooth loss.

Regular cleanings break that cycle. They also give our hygienists a chance to monitor your gum health over time and catch the early signs of periodontal disease before it becomes more serious.

Cleanings for Patients with Sensitive Teeth or Dental Anxiety

We understand that some patients find cleanings uncomfortable — especially if it’s been a while since their last visit or if their gums are sensitive. Our hygienists work gently and communicate throughout the appointment, adjusting their approach to keep you as comfortable as possible.

If you have dental anxiety, please let us know when you book — we’ll take extra care to make your visit a good one.

What's the Difference Between a Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?

A standard prophylaxis cleaning (what most patients receive every six months) focuses on removing plaque and tartar from above and just at the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, goes further below the gumline to address active gum disease.

If our hygienist finds signs of periodontal disease during your visit, we may recommend a deep cleaning as part of your treatment plan.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy Between Visits

Professional cleanings are most effective when paired with a consistent at-home routine. We’ll provide personalized guidance on the best brushing technique, floss alternatives, and any additional tools that can help keep your smile in great shape between appointments.

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Frequently Asked Questions AboutProfessional Dental Cleanings

Do dental cleanings hurt?

For most patients, a routine cleaning is comfortable and involves no pain. You may feel mild pressure or sensitivity, especially around the gumline, but it should not be painful. If your gums are inflamed due to buildup or early gum disease, you may experience some tenderness — but this typically improves as your gum health improves with regular care. If you have concerns about discomfort, let us know and we’ll work with you.

How long does a cleaning take?

A standard cleaning takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the amount of buildup and the health of your gums. When combined with a comprehensive exam, your full appointment is typically 60 to 90 minutes. We’ll always let you know what to expect when you book.

My teeth look pretty clean — do I still need a professional cleaning?

Yes. Tartar buildup isn’t always visible to the naked eye, and plaque forms in areas that are difficult to reach with a toothbrush — particularly along the gumline and between teeth. Even patients with excellent home care habits develop buildup over time that requires professional removal. Cleanings also allow our hygienist to assess the health of your gums and flag any early-stage concerns.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

Every six months is the standard recommendation for most healthy adults. Patients with a history of gum disease, higher decay risk, or certain health conditions like diabetes — which can affect gum health — may need cleanings every three to four months. We’ll give you a personalized recommendation based on your oral health and history.

Can I get a cleaning even if I haven't been to the dentist in years?

Absolutely — and we encourage you to come in regardless of how long it’s been. If significant buildup is present, your hygienist may recommend starting with a more thorough cleaning or splitting your cleaning across two appointments. We take a compassionate, judgment-free approach to helping patients get their oral health back on track.

Does insurance cover professional cleanings?

Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive cleanings per year at 100%, with no out-of-pocket cost. We accept most PPO plans and participate with Aetna, Delta Dental Premier, Guardian Dental, and UCCI. Our team is happy to verify your benefits and help you make the most of your coverage.

Ready to restore your smile?

Located at 1627 S Broad St, South Philadelphia. Coming soon to Haddonfield, NJ. PPO insurance accepted — most plans cover two cleanings per year at 100%.