At Sierra Dental in Signal Hill, we emphasize the importance of preventive dentistry treatments like routine dental exams and professional teeth cleaning to maintain lifelong oral health.

Regular visits allow our team, led by Dr. Meggan Schiffner and supported by our highly rated dental hygienists, to detect and treat dental issues early, before they become more serious. With each cleaning, we remove plaque, polish your teeth, and support better gum health to leave your smile looking and feeling refreshed.

Ready to make teeth cleaning part of your routine? Our hygiene tea, trusted by thousands of Calgary families, is committed to delivering consistent and effective care. We’d love to welcome you to our office!

What happens during a hygiene maintenance appointment?

dentist-with-patient

During your hygiene appointment at Sierra Dental, your visit begins with a warm welcome from our skilled hygienists, who many patients praise for their gentle, thorough care. Then, whether it is your first visit or part of your regular routine, here’s what you can expect:

Exams and X-rays

Your dentist or hygienist will examine your teeth, gums, tongue, jaw, and bite. If recommended, digital X-rays are taken to get a full view of your oral health so we can catch anything that is not visible to the eye.

Scaling

Next, one of our hygienists will get you started on teeth scaling. Using a high-frequency, ultrasonic scaler, they will gently remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains. This step targets all surfaces of the tooth, including below the gumline, to prevent cavities and gum disease. During scaling, only the irritants are removed, leaving your tooth enamel healthy and intact.

Polishing

Next, your teeth are polished using a soft rubber cup and gritty polishing paste. This removes any remaining stains and smoothens the tooth surface, leaving your smile feeling fresh and clean.

Pocket Depth Readings

Using a special dental probe, your hygienist will check the depth of the gum pockets around each tooth. Shallow pockets are a sign of healthy gums, while deeper areas may signal early gum disease.

If anything concerning is found, we may refer you to our in-house periodontist, Dr. Javier Cabarles, who specializes in diagnosing and treating gum and periodontal disease. With his advanced expertise, he can help you understand more about your oral health and determine the most effective plan to restore your best smile. 

The Impact of Teeth Cleaning: Stronger, Healthier Smile

Routine teeth cleaning at Sierra Dental does more than keep your smile looking great. It also plays a vital role in protecting your overall health. Our trusted hygienists are trained to remove plaque build-up and catch early signs of disease, giving you long-term benefits that go far beyond the dental chair.

Here’s how regular professional cleanings can make a difference:

  • Removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains that brushing alone cannot do
  • Helps prevent gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss
  • Keeps a healthy, bright, and confident smile
  • Supports long-term oral health by detecting and treating problems early
  • Reduces systemic problems, such as heart disease and diabetes
  • Saves money by avoiding extensive (and expensive) dental work down the road

Ready for a Healthier Smile?

Preventive care, like professional teeth cleaning, is one of the easiest ways to protect your smile, and it all starts with a single appointment. At Sierra Dental, our friendly hygienists and experienced dentists are here to make your visits comfortable, convenient, and effective.

Whether you are due for a teeth cleaning, need emergency dental care, or are looking for a trusted family dentist in Calgary, we are here for you.

Call us at (403) 297-9600 to schedule your next visit!

Frequently Asked Questions

At Sierra Dental, we follow the Alberta Dental Association (ADA) Fee Guide to ensure fair, transparent pricing for all services. Under this guide, a regular cleaning and check-up typically starts at $110. This may vary depending on the specific care provided, such as exams, X-rays, and periodontal assessments.

Regular hygiene appointments help us track your oral health and spot issues early before they turn into costly problems. Our hygienists work closely with our skilled dentists to review your dental history, update X-rays when needed, and keep your smile in tiptop shape.

You may need X-rays if you are a new patient, for a more detailed look at your oral health, and if our dentist sees signs of problems like tooth decay, gum disease, impaction, or infection. X-rays are a helpful diagnostic tool to build accurate treatment plans so your care is always precise and proactive.

You may need X-rays if you are a new patient, for a more detailed look at your oral health, and if our dentist sees signs of problems like tooth decay, gum disease, impaction, or infection. X-rays are a helpful diagnostic tool to build accurate treatment plans so your care is always precise and proactive.

For most patients, our hygienists recommend a teeth cleaning every six months for ideal oral health maintenance. But, if you are managing gum or periodontal disease, your Calgary dentist may suggest visits every 3-4 months for a more effective treatment.

A routine cleaning typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how much buildup is present. If deeper scaling is needed, your hygienist will take extra time to ensure a thorough cleaning. As a general rule, the healthier the mouth, the quicker the visit.

Yes, teeth cleaning can make the smile appear brighter by removing yellowish plaque, tartar, and stains. Polishing also helps smooth and freshen the smile. For more dramatic results, our team may recommend a professional whitening treatment to even take the smile up a notch.

Teeth cleaning is usually quick and comfortable, especially if you visit regularly. If there is gum disease or heavy plaque build-up below the gums, you might feel some sensitivity. If needed, our hygienists can offer local anesthesia to ensure a more comfortable experience.

Gum disease is a common infection caused by plaque and bacteria trapped beneath the gums. It can lead to bad breath, bleeding, tenderness, gum recession, and even loose teeth. This condition is reversible in its early stages. If it progresses to periodontal disease, our in-house periodontist, Dr. Javier Cabarles, can provide targeted treatment to manage the condition.

At Sierra Dental, we accept most major providers and are happy to help you determine your coverage. Just bring your insurance details to visit, and our team will take care of the rest.