No matter how well you brush and floss, plaque eventually hardens into tartar — and once it does, it bonds to the tooth surface in a way that cannot be reversed at home.
Tartar forms within 24 to 72 hours of plaque being left undisturbed. Professional cleanings use specialized hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers to remove that buildup before it leads to gum disease or decay.
Home care maintains what was already clean. A professional cleaning resets the baseline.
Enjoy The Benefits
- Removes tartar and plaque that home care cannot reach
- Early detection of cavities, gum disease, and other concerns
- Polished, refreshed feel after every visit
- Personalized cleaning frequency based on your actual needs
- Accepting new patients in Auburn and the surrounding areas
Know The Difference
Standard Cleaning Vs. Periodontal Cleaning
Standard Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
Removes surface plaque and tartar above the gumline, polishes teeth, and checks for early signs of concern. For patients with healthy gums. Typically recommended every six to 12 months.
Periodontal Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Targets bacteria below the gumline using specialized instruments to remove buildup from root surfaces. For patients with active gum disease or deeper pockets. More frequent follow-up visits are typically recommended.
How often you actually need a cleaning depends on your situation. Some patients do well with one visit per year. Others benefit from three or four. Factors include gum disease history, how quickly you build up tartar, smoking, and systemic conditions like diabetes. We will tell you what makes sense for you — not a one-size-fits-all schedule.
If It Has Been A While
No judgment, no lectures. We hear that a lot, and we mean it. We will schedule a longer appointment, take updated X-rays, and do a thorough cleaning. We will also give you a clear picture of where things stand — without pressure.
The goal is to help you move forward, not make you feel bad about the past.
Cost & Coverage
Insurance & Scheduling
Most dental insurance covers preventive cleanings at 100% — it is one of the best benefits you have. If you are uninsured, ask us about our in-house membership plan. Either way, we will make it work.
Insurance: Most plans cover cleanings at 100%. We are in-network with Aetna and Delta.
Uninsured?: Ask about our in-house membership plan for patients without insurance coverage.
Schedule: Mon through Fri, 8 am to 5 pm. Call us or request online — we will find a time that works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most cleanings are completely comfortable. If you feel any sensitivity during the visit, let us know, and we will adjust.
Tell us before we start. We work around sensitivity, not through it, and we have options to make the visit more comfortable from the beginning.
No. We have seen it all, and we are not here to make you feel bad. We are here to help you move forward.
No. A routine cleaning maintains healthy gums above the gumline. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) addresses buildup below the gumline and is used to treat active gum disease.
Not necessarily. How often you need X-rays depends on your individual history. We will not take them unless there is a clinical reason to.
Why Patients Choose Us For Their Care
- Honest recommendations — we do not upsell or push unnecessary treatment
- Continuity with the same hygienist, so we know your history
- No pressure, no judgment — just clear information and good care here in Auburn, ME
- Cleaning frequency based on your actual needs, not a blanket schedule