Teeth Cleanings & Dental Checkups in Aurora, IL
At Pearly Smiles Dental, we believe that a healthy smile starts with routine teeth cleanings and dental checkups. Our gentle, thorough preventive care helps patients of all ages maintain strong teeth, healthy gums, and long-term oral health. Located in Aurora, IL, we proudly serve families throughout Batavia, Warrenville, and surrounding communities.
Even if you brush and floss daily, plaque and tartar can still build up in hard-to-reach areas. During your professional cleaning, we remove that buildup to prevent:
Cavities
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
Tooth discoloration
Bad breath
Costly dental procedures later on
Your dental exam also allows us to detect early signs of problems — such as decay, enamel erosion, or oral cancer — before they become more serious.
How Often Should You Get a Cleaning?
For most patients, we recommend cleanings and checkups every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease, frequent cavities, or certain health conditions, we may suggest more frequent visits.
Scaling:
When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process that can be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.
Root Planing:
Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Drs. Somers, Alameri, Copello or Copello may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Drs. Somers, Alameri, Copello or Copello to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
Contact Our Office Today...
Dr. Somers and her team of doctors practice a full scope of
family & cosmetic dentistry as well as dental implant placement.
Please call our office to find other appointment times.
Teeth Cleaning and Dental Checkups - FAQs
A professional teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. This helps prevent cavities, gum disease (gingivitis & periodontitis), tooth discoloration, bad breath, and more serious dental problems later on. A checkup also lets the dentist detect early issues like decay or enamel erosion.
Most people benefit from a teeth cleaning and checkup every six months. If you have gum disease, frequent cavities, or certain health conditions, your dentist might recommend cleanings more often.
During a typical cleaning appointment:
Your dental history is reviewed, including any health conditions that affect dental care
Digital X-rays may be taken (if needed)
An oral screening checks for signs of oral cancer or other issues
A hygienist evaluates your gums and removes plaque, tartar, and calculus from teeth and below the gumline
You’ll get guidance on proper oral hygiene habits.
Teeth cleaning appointments are usually about an hour long, and new patient visits may take a bit longer.
Yes — a professional cleaning visit typically includes both the cleaning and a comprehensive dental exam with screenings and evaluations.
What To Expect
Our dental cleaning appointments are about an hour-long, and new patient visits typically last a bit longer. We take pride in getting to know each of our patients, tailoring treatments to the health needs and goals of every individual. Here’s what to expect the first time you come to our office:
- Dental History—A hygienist will gather dental and medical histories so that we have a clear picture of your current health, including any medical conditions that can impact dental treatment.
- Digital X-rays—We take digital x-rays as diagnostic material for your comprehensive oral exam. If you have had x-rays taken within the last 12 months, please have them sent to our office. If you are unable to have x-rays taken, please inform the hygienist as you give your medical history.
- Oral Screening and Teeth Exams—After we perform an oral cancer/lesion screening for symptoms of cancer and other illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, we examine your teeth for decay.
- Gum Evaluation and Teeth Cleanings—Our hygienist will evaluate your gums, measuring periodontal pockets with a probe, and clean your teeth by identifying and removing areas of tartar, plaque, and calculus.
- Oral Hygiene Habits—We end your visit by reviewing and reinforcing proper oral hygiene.
Benefits of Deep Cleaning Treatment
If treatment is successful, scaling and planing may have many periodontal benefits. One is that it can help prevent disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the blood stream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria that cause these conditions.
Another benefit of treatment is protecting teeth against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.
Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing, and should reduce bad breath caused from food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and planing, adding an extra bonus to the procedures.
Caring for the Whole Family
We welcome patients of all ages, from young children getting their first cleaning to adults needing regular maintenance or periodontal care. Our team is here to make preventive dental care easy, convenient, and personalized for your needs.