More than a bright smile
Routine cleanings are at the heart of preventive dentistry. When you come in, we remove the buildup that brushing and flossing simply cannot reach, and we take the time to talk through your at-home care routine, your diet, and anything about your smile you have questions about.
The frequency that works best for you is based on your individual needs and oral health - our team will help you find the right schedule.
Why removing tartar matters
Brushing twice a day for two full minutes and flossing daily are essential habits, but plaque that lingers on your teeth can harden into a substance called tartar - or calculus - that no toothbrush can dislodge. A professional cleaning is the only reliable way to remove it.
Catching common concerns such as tooth decay and gum disease early makes them easier to address and less likely to develop into bigger problems over time. Regular visits give us the opportunity to spot changes before they become serious.
What happens during your cleaning
Every appointment is shaped by your individual situation, but the visit generally follows a consistent sequence. Your hygienist or dentist begins by gently removing tartar and plaque with a scaler - a precision instrument that can reach areas a toothbrush cannot. For heavier buildup, an ultrasonic scaler may be used; it applies ultrasonic waves to break up calculus so it can be cleared away with less manual scraping.
Next, a spinning rubber-cup polisher with a mildly abrasive paste smooths your tooth surfaces and helps lift stains. Throughout the process we rinse away debris with a gentle jet of water, and a final flossing removes any remaining paste. Once your teeth are clean, we move into an examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and the rest of your mouth.
Steps in a typical cleaning visit
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Tartar and plaque removal
A hand scaler gently clears hardened buildup from tooth surfaces and along the gumline.
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Ultrasonic scaling
For heavier calculus, ultrasonic waves help break up deposits quickly and comfortably.
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Polishing
A spinning rubber cup with a mild paste smooths enamel surfaces and helps remove surface stains.
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Rinsing and suction
A small water jet and suction wand clear away plaque, tartar, and polishing paste throughout the visit.
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Flossing
Standard dental floss removes any paste remaining between teeth, leaving them thoroughly clean.
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Full examination
After cleaning, we examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth so nothing goes unnoticed.
Personalized care at every visit
No two cleaning appointments at Sendero Dental Studio are exactly alike, because no two patients have exactly the same needs. We use what we learn at each visit to offer guidance tailored to you - whether that means adjusting your at-home routine or planning your next recommended visit interval.
If you would like to learn more about what we offer, explore our general dentistry services or reach out to our team - we are glad to answer your questions.