Dental Cleanings in O’Fallon, IL
Spring Valley Dental Group provides professional dental cleanings in O’Fallon, IL to remove plaque and tartar, monitor your teeth and gums, and help prevent cavities and gum disease. We serve patients from O’Fallon, Shiloh, Scott Air Force Base, and surrounding St. Clair County communities.
Why Professional Dental Cleanings Matter
Brushing and flossing at home are essential, but they cannot remove tartar once plaque has hardened on the teeth.
During a professional cleaning, your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from areas that are difficult to keep clean at home, polishes the teeth, and looks for changes in your gum health.
How often you need a cleaning depends on your oral health, cavity risk, gum health, and treatment history. Some patients do well with routine preventive visits, while patients with periodontal disease may need a different type of cleaning and a more frequent maintenance schedule.
“The American Dental Association recommends regular dental visits, at intervals determined by a dentist, to maintain optimal oral health.”
— American Dental Association
Regular Cleaning vs Periodontal Maintenance
Routine dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance both support oral health, but they are recommended for different reasons.
Routine Dental Cleaning
For patients with generally healthy gums, a routine cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and around the gumline and supports ongoing preventive care.
Periodontal Maintenance
For patients who have been treated for periodontal disease, periodontal maintenance is more involved. It focuses on controlling bacteria above and below the gumline and monitoring areas where gum and bone support have already been affected.
Learn About Periodontal Care →What to Expect at Your Dental Cleaning
A routine preventive visit may include:
Review of Your Health History
We review your dental and health history so changes in your health, medications, or past treatment can be considered during your visit.
Evaluation of Your Teeth and Gums
We look for changes in your teeth, gums, restorations, and overall oral health.
Removal of Plaque and Tartar
Your hygienist removes plaque and hardened tartar from areas that are difficult to keep clean with brushing and flossing alone.
Professional Polishing
Polishing helps remove surface buildup and leaves the teeth feeling smooth and clean.
Home Care Recommendations
We may recommend changes to brushing, flossing, or other home care based on what we see.
Fluoride When Appropriate
Fluoride treatment may be recommended based on your cavity risk and individual needs. Learn about fluoride treatment.
Dental X Rays When Needed
X rays may be recommended based on your dental history, oral health, symptoms, and the time since previous images were taken.
For new patients: We will also review your dental history and determine the preventive schedule that makes sense for you.
If we find signs of periodontal disease, we may recommend periodontal treatment rather than a routine cleaning.
Why Patients Choose Spring Valley Dental Group for Preventive Care
Spring Valley Dental Group has cared for patients in O’Fallon since 1974. Our office at 904 E Highway 50 is located across from O’Fallon Township High School and is convenient for patients from O’Fallon, Shiloh, Scott Air Force Base, and surrounding St. Clair County communities.
Our preventive care focuses on catching problems early, helping patients understand what we see, and recommending a cleaning schedule based on their individual oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings
Spring Valley Dental Group helps patients understand how often dental cleanings may be needed, what to expect during a routine visit, how insurance coverage may vary, and when a different type of periodontal cleaning may be recommended.
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Many patients receive routine cleanings about every six months, but the right schedule depends on your gum health, cavity risk, and treatment history. Patients with periodontal disease may need more frequent periodontal maintenance visits.
Do dental cleanings hurt?
Routine cleanings are comfortable for most patients. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, let us know so we can take extra care during your visit.
How long does a dental cleaning take?
Most routine cleaning appointments take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your oral health, whether X rays are needed, and what is included in your visit.
Are dental cleanings covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans include preventive cleanings, but coverage and frequency vary by plan. Our team can help you review your benefits before your appointment.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A routine cleaning is preventive care for patients with generally healthy gums. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is used to treat periodontal disease by removing deposits from below the gumline and along the tooth roots.
Learn About Periodontal Care →Where can I get a dental cleaning near Scott Air Force Base?
Spring Valley Dental Group provides dental cleanings in O’Fallon, IL for patients from O’Fallon, Shiloh, Scott Air Force Base, and surrounding St. Clair County communities. Our office is located at 904 E Highway 50, across from O’Fallon Township High School.