Although many people don’t realize it, routine dental cleanings and exams offer much more than just a visit to your dental office. Routine cleanings and exams check for potential problems that could lead to fillings, tooth extraction, or even worse. Here we’ll cover all of the important details:
-Why routine dental cleanings are necessary
-Teeth cleaning cost and alternatives if you don’t have insurance
-What routine dental cleanings and exams could do for you
Why is a regular dental cleaning necessary?
At Northstar Dental, our main priority is helping our patients live longer, healthier, happier lives. One of the ways we can help them achieve this is by providing them with excellent preventive dental care. One of the main ways patients can avoid many dental conditions that can negatively impact their overall health is by having professional cleanings regularly. Professional teeth cleaning, just one of the many services we offer, allows us to remove plaque and tartar that accumulates on the teeth naturally. This buildup contains bacteria that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone.
Removing this bacteria is important for maintaining a balanced and healthy state in the mouth and body.
Gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease) can be avoided by receiving regular teeth cleaning and having good home care. Having regular checkups at the dentist will help you save money on dental bills by giving your dentist the opportunity to identify any early signs of dental problems before they require more extensive treatment.
For patients who do not have gum disease, often a cleaning and checkup every 6 months is best for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. For patients managing periodontal disease, it is better to come more often, every 3-4 months to help control the buildup of harmful bacteria that causes bone loss.
Cost of a Dental Teeth Cleaning
At Northstar, we offer several convenient payment options. We also partner with Lincoln Dental Plans to offer affordable dental care to those without insurance. Their payment plans only require one payment annually. Members have access to many free and discounted services as well, including two free dental teeth cleanings a year! For more information, follow the link to their website.
We also partner with CareCredit. CareCredit is a credit card exclusively for healthcare services. With CareCredit, you can use the card to pay for your dental procedures and pay off the card monthly.
Give us a call at 402-742-0000 to ask about your prepayment discount! This is a great option for patients who would like to pay for treatment at their own convenience. Click the link above to learn more about CareCredit.
We often offer specials on dental cleanings. Follow our NFD Wellness Blog for information about our free specials. You can also find our blogs on Facebook and Instagram.
Why is teeth cleaning important?
Click the infographic below to learn more.
Professional Teeth Cleaning
Our dental professionals will use special dental tools to clean the buildup from your teeth that brushing and flossing can’t reach between cleanings.
Along with an exam, your professional teeth cleaning appointment will consist of the following:
Teeth Cleaning:
Calculus Removal
Plaque that has hardened on the teeth is called calculus. It cannot be removed by brushing so dental scalers are required to remove it. Calculus can form above and below the gum line.
Teeth Cleaning:
Plaque Removal
Plaque is a clear, sticky substance that forms on the teeth. Bacteria attach to it and if left undisturbed, can cause gingivitis and gum disease. Once the plaque hardens, it is impossible to remove by brushing. If plaque stays on the teeth, it can react with the foods you eat and create acids that cause your teeth to demineralize, leading to cavities.
If you have more questions regarding dental teeth cleanings or exams, please feel free to contact us.
Dental Exam
Most dental insurance companies cover regular cleanings and exams at 100%. Because of this, regular exams are the least expensive dental treatment. A comprehensive exam will be performed by one of our dentists at your first appointment, followed by a regular checkup at your bi-annual teeth cleaning appointments.
An examination by your hygienist and your Lincoln, NE dentist will consist of the following:
Evaluation of X-Rays (dental radiographs)
At Northstar Dental, a hygienist and dentist will review any x-rays taken to determine if there are any underlying dental conditions or cancerous lesions present in the head or neck.
Screening for Oral Cancer
Your dentist will examine the soft tissues of the head and neck to check for any signs of oral cancer, thyroid disease or lymph node malignancies.
Check for Periodontal Disease
Your hygienist will evaluate your x-rays and use a special instrument to screen you for any signs of periodontal disease.
Check for Tooth Decay
A thorough assessment of your x-rays and a visual examination of your teeth will be performed to determine if any cavities are present. In addition, your dentist will check the integrity of any existing fillings or crowns to make sure there are no cracks or cavities around them.
Schedule an Appointment
Feel free to contact us when you’re ready to schedule an appointment for teeth cleaning. Our team would love to help you with your dental needs.
Check out the “What is a Deep Cleaning” video
The information on this page was written by Dr. Kimberly Polley.
This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists says: “I believe that everyone is entitled to a healthy life. I am happy to work with my patients’ concerns and help them overcome their fears. Consequently, once they overcome their fears, they can routinely receive the dental care that they need, resulting in a healthy, beautiful smile.”
You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist, or her partners, online 24/7 at her North Lincoln Location of Nebraska Family Dentistry. This “dentist near me” serves the local communities close to Northstar Dental in Waverly, Davey, Raymond, Garland, Ceresco, Greenwood, and Malcom.
Annual Plan Benefits
For Lincoln Dental Plans
All X-rays
Comprehensive Exam
2 Emergency Exams
2 Routine Dental Cleanings (Every 12 Months)
25% Discount on Select Procedures
LDP offers discounts on the following procedures:
Regular Cleanings
Deep Cleanings
Periodontal Maintenance
Dental Crowns (Excludes Cosmetic Crowns)
White Fillings
Root Canals
Professional Teeth Whitening
Learn More about Lincoln Dental Plans Membership
Affordable Dental Care
Make easy, affordable payments for your procedure with dental payment plans we offer.
Schedule Day or Night
Schedule your dental appointment at anytime of the day or night with our online scheduling.
We have 7 Locations in Lincoln, NE!
- Lincoln Family Dentistry – Central Lincoln
- South Lincoln Family Dentistry – South Lincoln
- Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry – Northeast Lincoln
- Preserve Family Dentistry – East Lincoln
- Coddington Dental – West Lincoln
- NorthStar Dental – North Lincoln
- SouthPointe Dental – Southwest Lincoln
Nebraska Family Dentistry has multiple Lincoln Dental Clinics!
Choose a “dentist near me” location that is convenient for you.