Dental Cleaning
Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar your home routine cannot reach, keeping gums healthy.
Regularly scheduled dental cleanings are vital for fighting plaque and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Your professional dental cleaning, also called dental prophylaxis, is performed by one of our hygienists alongside your complete dental exam. Your cleaning includes:
- Tartar removalHardened plaque (calculus) is gently removed from above and below the gum line.
- Plaque removalWe clear the sticky film of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. Left in place, its bacteria can produce toxins that inflame gums and contribute to periodontal disease.
- PolishingA gentle polish lifts surface stains for that smooth, just-cleaned feel.
Our dentists and dental hygienists have years of experience performing professional dental cleanings and exams. Our caring, professionally trained hygienists answer your questions and show you how to keep your smile healthy between visits. You leave with that clean, just-left-the-dentist feeling. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental visits are recommended following your dental cleaning. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about dental cleanings.
The specialists leading your care.
Dr. Adrina DeVitre
DMD · General Dentist
Dr. Adrina DeVitre grew up watching her parents, both dentists, caring for patients. From the age of 11, she'd go into the office with her mother on weekends and assist in small ways. It was then she began noticing and appreciating the delicate touch required for dental work and the compassion her mother had for her patients. At 14, she began helping out on the administrative side, where she developed a sense of responsibility and professionalism that she carried with her into her own career. Before long, Dr. DeVitre came to realize the dental field was more than just the family business. It became her passion.
Dr. Elaina Kazes
DMD · General Dentist
Dr. Kazes earned her Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences from Fordham University and her DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Adrina DeVitre was her mentor in dental school, generously guiding her throughout her educational journey. During dental school, Dr. Kazes earned the American Association of Oral Biologists Award, the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities Student Award, and was a three-time recipient of the Chigas Scholarship Award. She participated in research and was a finalist in the DENTSPLY/Caulk Competition for her presentation at the AADR conference in 2014.
Dr. Amy Yeh
DMD · General Dentist
Dr. Amy Yeh grew up in Virginia Beach, VA where she became an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. She continued working as an AEMT while attending Emory University and graduated with a B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology and a B.A. in French Studies.
Dental Cleaning questions, answered.
These answers cover the usual starting points. Call the office when your situation needs a more specific answer.
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
- Your hygienist performs your cleaning alongside your complete dental exam. Call our Hingham office and we can help you find a schedule that fits your needs.
What does a professional cleaning remove that brushing doesn't?
- A cleaning removes hardened plaque, called tartar or calculus, from above and below the gum line, plus the sticky bacterial film of plaque that a toothbrush alone can't fully clear.
Why does plaque removal matter for my gums?
- Plaque left in place can inflame the gums and lead to periodontal disease. Removing it regularly is part of protecting your gum health.
What is the polishing step for?
- Polishing lifts surface stains from your teeth, leaving them smooth and giving you that just-cleaned feel.
Will my hygienist give me home care tips?
- Yes, your hygienist shares simple tips for keeping your smile healthy between visits as part of your cleaning appointment.
Take the next step with the right doctor.
Tell us what you are experiencing, and we will connect you with the doctor whose training fits the case.