Teeth Cleanings

Even if you brush and floss every day, plaque can harden into tartar in spots your toothbrush and floss miss. A professional cleaning removes that buildup and keeps your gums healthy.

Most people need a routine cleaning every six months. If your gums need extra attention, we’ll explain your options and plan care that fits.

Whether it’s been six months or six years, your visit will be gentle and judgment-free.

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What happens during a cleaning?

A routine cleaning (also called a prophylaxis) is usually paired with your checkup. Here’s what to expect:

  • Gum check: Your hygienist checks your gums, measuring the small pockets around your teeth when needed.
  • Scaling: Plaque and tartar are gently removed from your teeth, above and just below the gumline.
  • Polishing: A polishing paste smooths away surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and clean.
  • Flossing: We floss between every tooth to clear anything left behind.
  • Fluoride (if it’s right for you): A quick fluoride varnish can help strengthen enamel if you’re prone to cavities.
  • Home care tips: We’ll point out any spots that need extra attention and suggest tools that make brushing and flossing easier.

Your cleaning usually happens during the same visit as your dental exam, so one appointment covers both.

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Man with curly hair smiling while brushing his teeth with an electric toothbrush and wearing a pink hoodie.

Routine cleaning or deep cleaning?

Most patients only need routine cleanings. But when tartar builds up below the gumline and the gums start pulling away from the teeth, a routine cleaning can’t reach it. That’s when a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) helps.

Here’s how your options compare:

  • Routine cleaning: For healthy gums or mild gingivitis. Cleans above and just below the gumline.
  • Deep cleaning: For gum disease with deeper pockets. Cleans down along the tooth roots and smooths them so your gums can heal. It’s often split across two or more visits, with numbing for comfort.
  • Periodontal maintenance: After a deep cleaning, more frequent cleanings (often every three to four months) help keep gum disease from coming back.
  • Your comfort: We go at your pace, explain each step, and can use a numbing gel on sensitive areas so you stay comfortable.

Not sure which one you need? We’ll check your gums at your visit and explain what we find before any treatment starts.

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Comfortable cleaning

A cleaning that's as gentle as it is thorough (in the absence of periodontal disease).

State-of-the-art tech

X-rays done in seconds instead of minutes, with 80% less radiation, plus digital imaging.

Free Oral Cancer Screening

A quick screening ($60 value) for peace of mind, completely gratis.

And nothing that isn’t in your best interests

We’ll never, ever recommend care that you don’t need or want.

How often should you get a cleaning?

For most people, a professional cleaning every six months keeps plaque and tartar under control and catches gum problems early.

You may benefit from more frequent cleanings if:

  • You’re prone to cavities or gum disease
  • You’ve had gum disease before
  • You’re pregnant or undergoing hormonal changes
  • You wear braces or other orthodontic devices
  • You smoke or use tobacco products
  • You have chronic conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases

Not sure what’s best for you? We’ll recommend a cleaning schedule based on your gum health and history.

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Frequently asked questions

Do teeth cleanings hurt?

Routine cleanings shouldn’t hurt. You may feel some pressure or scraping, and sensitive spots can feel tender. Just let us know and we’ll slow down or use a numbing gel.

Why do my gums bleed when I brush?

Bleeding when you brush or floss is often an early sign of gingivitis. It’s usually reversible with a professional cleaning and good home care, so it’s worth getting checked.

Does insurance cover cleanings?

Most PPO plans cover preventive cleanings, often twice a year. Deep cleanings are usually billed differently, so coverage is often lower. Give us a call and we’ll help you understand your benefits.

What’s the difference between a cleaning and an exam?

Your hygienist does the cleaning: removing plaque and tartar and polishing your teeth. Dr. Walker does the exam: checking for cavities, gum disease and other concerns. Most visits include both.

How long does a deep cleaning take?

It depends on how much buildup there is. It’s often split across two or more visits, treating one area of the mouth at a time. We’ll give you a plan before we start.

Are cleanings safe during pregnancy?

Yes, and they’re encouraged. Hormone changes during pregnancy can make gums more prone to inflammation, so regular cleanings help keep them healthy.

Can my kids get cleanings too?

Yes. Kids’ cleanings are gentle and quick, and we can often schedule family members back to back. Give us a call and we’ll find times that work.

Dental insurance coverage

We want dental care to be easy to afford. We work with most major PPO dental plans, and our team is happy to help you understand your benefits.

Our insurance carriers

We’re happy to accept most major PPO dental plans, including (but not limited to):

  • Aetna
  • Anthem
  • Cigna
  • Delta Dental
  • GEHA
  • Guardian
  • MetLife
  • United Healthcare (UHC)

There are some dental insurance plans we don’t accept, including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Healthplex, HMOs, DMOs, and others. Don’t see your insurance? We’ll find out in just a few minutes if you give our office a call.

Call 208-547-2220

Check your insurance

Curious if insurance will cover your cleaning? We can tell you in just a few seconds.

Check another plan

Good news! We're in network with your insurance provider.

We’re in-network with most plans offered by your insurer, but don’t accept HMO, DMO, or Medicare plans. If we don’t accept your plan, we have options available for every budget.

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Check another plan

Sorry, we do not accept your insurance.

The good news: you can still be treated at Mountain View Dental! We offer both in-house insurance and payment plans for every budget. Here are estimated costs for our most common services.

Service

Estimated Cost

First Dental Exam

$375

Filling

$113-$400

Non-surgical periodontal treatment

$175-$298

Emergency Exam

$215

*Treatment costs range because your final cost can vary based on the materials you select and the complexity of the treatment.

Visiting your dentist  
isn't just painless,
it's a pleasure.

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