Keep Your Smile Beautiful and Healthy With Our Northampton Dentist
Our mission at Refresh Valley Dental is to provide exceptional dental care in a welcoming, stress-free environment, ensuring your smile stays healthy and radiant. Regular dental cleanings are the cornerstone of maintaining excellent oral health, preventing costly treatments, and boosting your confidence with a bright smile. Serving Northampton, Hadley, Easthampton, Granby, Holyoke, and surrounding areas, our experienced dental team, led by Dr. Aurora Fields, is committed to delivering personalized, compassionate care using state-of-the-art technology.
Are you looking for a new general dentist in Northampton? Trust Dr. Aurora Fields to ensure you achieve and maintain excellent oral health. To schedule an appointment, contact our dentist near you at (413) 387-4585.
See Why Patients Choose Us
We love helping patients achieve beautiful smiles accompanied by great oral health. See what some of our patients are saying:
- “Refresh Dental is great! The office is clean and modern, and the staff are up-to-date on dental procedures. I’ve had deep cleaning and a crown, and I’ve been so impressed by the skill and empathy of everyone I’ve dealt with. The prices are reasonable, and they will work with you to figure out pricing. I’m so glad I’ve found them!” – Karen R.
- “Dr. Fields is a superb dentist. I’ve been in for exams, a cleaning, and restorative work so far and was given excellent care every visit. Her office is pleasant and relaxing. The whole staff is friendly, thoughtful, and kind. You get the feeling that there is a grounded, conscious, heart at the center of her business, with each member of her team working together to keep it strong and healthy. I couldn’t have had a better patient experience. Thank you so much!” – Jill G.
What Are Dental Cleanings?
A dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a professional procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. Unlike brushing and flossing at home, teeth cleanings use specialized tools to clean areas that are hard to reach, ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Dental cleanings are typically recommended every six months, though some patients with specific conditions may need more frequent visits. These appointments not only keep your smile sparkling but also play a critical role in preventing serious dental issues.
Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings
When patients maintain regular dental appointments, they experience the following benefits from dental cleanings:
- Prevents cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems
- Early detection of dental problems
- Helps maintain overall health
- Promotes fresher breath
- Saves money in the long run
Professional teeth cleanings are a necessity for optimal oral health! To schedule an appointment at our dental office in Northampton, call (413) 387-4585.
Types of Dental Cleanings
Routine Teeth Cleanings
Routine teeth cleanings are the most common and are recommended for those with good oral health. During a dental cleaning, our dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. The dental cleaning process is quick and shouldn’t take longer than one hour.
This type of cleaning is typically done twice a year as part of routine dental health care.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep dental cleanings, is recommended for those with moderate to severe gum disease. During a scaling and root planing treatment, our dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. They’ll also smooth out the roots of your teeth to prevent future buildup.
In many cases, one or two sessions of scaling and root planing can reverse the effects of gum disease and prevent it from progressing into further stages.
Periodontal Maintenance
A periodontal maintenance cleaning is done after scaling and root planing to maintain the health of the gums. During periodontal maintenance, Dr. Fields will remove any plaque and tartar that has accumulated since your last deep cleaning. This type of cleaning is typically done every three to four months for patients with gum disease.
Gross Debridement
Gross debridement cleaning isn’t your typical dental cleaning. It’s done to remove plaque and tartar that’s built up excessively for routine cleaning. This type of dental cleaning is necessary when there’s so much buildup, making it difficult for the dentist to perform a thorough oral examination. The gums may be swollen, and the buildup must be removed before a prophylaxis or dental exam can be completed.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dental cleanings and dental exams every six months for most people. However, our dentist may adjust this schedule based on factors like:
- Oral Health Status: Patients with gum disease or a history of cavities may need cleanings every 3 to 4 months.
- Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, heavy coffee consumption, or poor oral hygiene may necessitate more frequent visits.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or pregnancy can increase the risk of dental issues, requiring closer monitoring.
To schedule your appointment with our Northampton dentist near you, call (413) 387-4585.
Aftercare Tips for Dental Cleanings
Post-teeth cleaning care helps maintain the results and keeps your mouth and teeth healthy until your next visit. Follow these tips:
- Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: For 24 to 48 hours, steer clear of coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored foods to prevent staining.
- Stick to Soft Foods: If your gums are sensitive, opt for soft foods like yogurt or soup for a day or two.
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine to prevent plaque buildup.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps rinse away bacteria and keeps your mouth fresh.
- Follow Our Dentist’s Recommendations: If Dr. Fields suggests a specific mouthwash or toothpaste, incorporate it into your routine.
Dental Cleaning Costs
On average, dental cleaning costs between $75 and $200 without a dental insurance plan. The price varies based on several factors, including the type of cleaning, your location, and whether you have dental insurance. If you have any questions, contact our dental office near you today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings fully or partially, typically twice a year. Coverage for deep cleanings or periodontal maintenance may vary. We accept most insurance plans and will verify your benefits before your visit.
Routine dental cleanings typically take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your oral health. Deep cleanings, like scaling and root planing, may require 60 to 90 minutes and sometimes multiple visits. We can provide a time estimate when you book your appointment.
Absolutely! We warmly welcome new patients from Northampton, MA, and surrounding areas like Hadley, Easthampton, and Holyoke. Our team makes your first visit comfortable with a thorough exam, personalized care, and amenities like Netflix and weighted blankets. Call (413) 387-4585 to schedule your first cleaning and join our dental family!
Take Charge of Your Dental Health at Refresh Valley Dental!
Your smile deserves the best care, and Refresh Valley Dental is here to deliver. Regular dental cleanings prevent problems, boost confidence, and support your overall health. Our Northampton dental office offers exceptional care, advanced technology, and a welcoming atmosphere to make every visit comfortable.
Are you ready to explore our dental services? Contact the best dentist near you today at (413) 387-4585. We welcome new patients!