Dental Cleanings in Berwyn, IL

Serving patients in Berwyn, Cicero, Riverside, North Riverside & Lyons

Professional Teeth Cleanings from Dr. Robles

Maintaining a bright, healthy smile starts with regular dental cleanings. These routine appointments are more than just a quick polish. Teeth cleanings are a cornerstone of oral health, preventing issues like cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and tooth loss.

At Robles Family Dental, Dr. Kenny Alejandro Robles and his experienced dental hygienists provide gentle, thorough dental cleanings for patients throughout Cicero, Riverside, and Lyons. To schedule your general dentistry appointment, contact our Berwyn dentist at (708) 788-4444.

Why Choose Robles Family Dental for Your Dental Cleanings

Professional and Caring Staff

“I was there for teeth cleaning and the overall experience was excellent. Dr. Robles and his staff are professional and honest. Every time I return for a checkup, everything is explained thoroughly. When I arrive for an appointment, they are always on schedule. The entire office space is kept clean and ready for appointments.” — Salvatore S.

Outstanding Dental Hygienists

“First, their customer service is excellent. Dr. Robles and his staff take good care of you always. I had my teeth cleaned today and the Dental Hygienist is one of the best that I have been to. I recommend this place wholeheartedly.” — Romelia C.

Comfortable, Anxiety-Free Experience

“Absolutely wonderful staff working here. I know there are many people out there who are scared to get dental work done including myself, but stepping foot into Robles Family Dental was the best thing to do. Very friendly. Very comforting people. And they are very good at distracting you, keeping up with good conversation to ease your nerves while work is being done.” — Sandra R.

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 (calculus), and stains from your teeth. Unlike brushing and flossing at home, professional 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 and overall health issues.

Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

When patients maintain regular dental appointments at Robles Family Dental, they experience the following benefits:

Prevents Cavities and Tooth Decay

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be eliminated through professional cleaning. Regular cleanings prevent the acid produced by plaque bacteria from eroding tooth enamel and causing cavities.

Prevents and Treats Gum Disease

Gum disease begins with gingivitis—inflammation caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. If left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, which can destroy the bone supporting your teeth and lead to tooth loss. Regular cleanings remove the bacteria causing gum disease and help maintain healthy gums.

Promotes Fresher Breath

Persistent bad breath (halitosis) is often caused by bacteria, food particles, and tartar buildup in the mouth. Professional cleanings eliminate these odor-causing elements, leaving your breath fresh and your mouth feeling clean.

Early Detection of Dental Problems

During your cleaning appointment, Dr. Robles examines your mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues. Early detection means simpler, less expensive treatment and better outcomes.

Helps Maintain Overall Health

Research shows strong connections between oral health and overall health. Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. Regular dental cleanings reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth, potentially lowering your risk for these systemic health problems.

Brightens Your Smile

Professional cleanings remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco, leaving your teeth noticeably brighter and cleaner.

Saves Money Long-Term

Preventive dental care, including regular cleanings, costs far less than treating advanced dental problems like root canals, gum surgery, or tooth replacements. Investing in routine cleanings protects both your health and your wallet.

Types of Dental Cleanings at Robles Family Dental

Routine Teeth Cleanings (Prophylaxis)

Routine teeth cleanings are the most common and are recommended for patients with good oral health. During this cleaning, our dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from the surface of your teeth, polishes them to remove stains, and flosses between each tooth.

This type of cleaning is typically done twice a year as part of routine dental health care and usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

Scaling and root planing, also known as deep dental cleaning, is recommended for patients with moderate to severe gum disease. During this treatment, Dr. Robles or a dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline where regular cleaning can’t reach. They also smooth out the roots of your teeth to prevent future bacterial buildup and help gums reattach to teeth.

In many cases, one or two sessions of scaling and root planing can reverse the effects of gum disease and prevent it from progressing to advanced stages that could lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance cleaning is performed after scaling and root planing to maintain gum health and prevent disease recurrence. During these appointments, our team removes any plaque and tartar that has accumulated since your last cleaning, with special attention to areas below the gumline.

This type of cleaning is typically done every three to four months for patients with a history of gum disease.

Gross Debridement

Gross debridement isn’t your typical dental cleaning. It’s performed when there’s excessive plaque and tartar buildup—often in patients who haven’t had professional cleanings in many years. This buildup can be so extensive that it prevents Dr. Robles from performing a thorough oral examination.

The gross debridement removes the heavy accumulation, allowing for a proper evaluation and subsequent treatment planning. After debridement, patients typically need additional cleaning appointments to achieve optimal oral health.

dentist performing a deep cleaning for a patient

The Dental Cleaning Process at Robles Family Dental

Here’s what to expect during your cleaning appointment at Robles Family Dental:

Physical Examination: Your dental hygienist begins with a thorough examination of your entire mouth, checking for signs of gingivitis, cavities, or other concerns.
Removing Plaque and Tartar: Using specialized tools called scalers, the hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar from around your gumline and between teeth. The more tartar present, the longer this step takes.
Deep Cleaning with Gritty Toothpaste: After removing tartar, your teeth are brushed with a high-powered electric brush and professional-grade toothpaste that gently scrubs and polishes your teeth.
Professional Flossing: Flossing removes any remaining plaque or toothpaste from earlier in the cleaning process and checks for potential trouble spots where gums might bleed.
Rinsing: You’ll rinse your mouth to remove any debris, typically with a rinse containing liquid fluoride.
Fluoride Treatment: A fluoride treatment may be applied as a protective coating to help fight cavities for several months. The fluoride can be in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish placed in a mouthpiece or painted directly onto teeth.
Final Examination: Dr. Robles performs a comprehensive examination, checking everything the hygienist cleaned and looking for any issues that need attention.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends dental cleanings every six months for most people. However, Dr. Robles may adjust this schedule based on factors like:

Oral Health Status: Patients with gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or heavy tartar buildup may need cleanings every three to four months.
Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, heavy coffee or wine consumption, or inconsistent oral hygiene may necessitate more frequent visits.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, pregnancy, heart disease, or immune disorders can increase the risk of dental issues, requiring closer monitoring and more frequent cleanings.
Age: Children and teenagers may benefit from more frequent cleanings during periods of rapid tooth development or while wearing braces.

Robles Family Dental is Great for Kids Too!

“My family has been going to Robles Family Dental for a few years now and we couldn’t be more pleased! Robles Family Dental is also great with kids. They are so kind and patient with my toddler son. And as a bonus—there is an awesome vending machine with so many little fun toys and trinkets for kids. Your kiddo earns a token to pick a prize from the vending machine after their appointment. It’s always a hit with my son! 10/10 recommend.” — Holly B.

Dr. Robles provides gentle dental cleanings for patients of all ages, making visits fun and stress-free for children while delivering thorough, professional care.

Aftercare Tips for Dental Cleanings

Post-cleaning care helps maintain your results and keeps your mouth healthy until your next visit:

Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: For 24 to 48 hours after cleaning, especially if you received a fluoride treatment, steer clear of coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored foods to prevent staining.
Stick to Soft Foods: If your gums are sensitive after cleaning, opt for soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, or soup for a day or two.
Brush and Floss Regularly: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine—brushing twice daily and flossing once daily—to prevent plaque buildup.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away bacteria and keeps your mouth fresh.
Follow Dr. Robles’s Recommendations: If our dental team suggests a specific mouthwash, toothpaste, or technique, incorporate it into your routine.
Be Gentle: If you experience sensitivity, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure when brushing.

Dental Cleaning Costs

The cost of dental cleaning varies based on the type of cleaning needed and whether you have dental insurance:

Routine Cleanings: Without insurance, they typically range from $75 to $200
Deep Cleanings: Can cost $150 to $300 per quadrant (section of your mouth)
With Insurance: Most dental insurance plans cover routine cleanings at 100% when you visit an in-network provider

Robles Family Dental works with most insurance providers and will help you understand your coverage. For patients without insurance, we offer affordable self-pay rates and flexible payment options.

If you have questions about costs, contact our office at (708) 788-4444 for a detailed estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, teeth cleanings are typically painless. You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity during the cleaning, especially if you have sensitive teeth, gum inflammation, or significant tartar buildup, but it shouldn’t be painful. If you experience discomfort, let your hygienist know—they can adjust their technique or provide numbing gel.

A professional dental cleaning typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. However, the length depends on the type of cleaning needed and the extent of buildup on your teeth. Patients who haven’t had cleanings in several years may need longer appointments.

A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline and is for patients with healthy gums. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes below the gumline to treat gum disease by removing bacteria and tartar from tooth roots and smoothing root surfaces.

Yes, you can typically eat right after a cleaning. However, if you received a fluoride treatment, it’s best to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Avoid very hot, cold, or hard foods if your gums feel sensitive.

No, professional dental cleanings performed by trained hygienists do not damage tooth enamel. The tools and techniques used are designed to remove harmful plaque and tartar while protecting your teeth.

Experience the Difference at Robles Family Dental

Professional dental cleanings are essential for maintaining a beautiful, healthy smile. If you’re looking for a general dentist near you offering exceptional teeth cleanings in Berwyn, Cicero, Riverside, or Lyons, trust Dr. Kenny Alejandro Robles and his outstanding team.

Our patients consistently praise our thorough yet gentle approach, professional care, and comfortable atmosphere. We provide bilingual service in English and Spanish, ensuring every patient feels understood and well-cared for.

Schedule your dental cleaning appointment today by contacting Robles Family Dental at (708) 788-4444. We’re welcoming new patients and look forward to helping you achieve optimal oral health!