Why are dental cleanings important?

Your busy life makes it easy to put off regular dental cleanings. You may even be wondering why you need a cleaning every six months when you’re diligent about your brushing and flossing routine. The answer is simple. While at-home habits are important, professional dental cleanings allow a deeper clean that can’t be reached with a regular toothbrush. Moreover, they also allow us to catch problems before they become complicated, costly, and time-consuming. If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, or you need a new dental home, we are here to help ensure you have a healthy, happy smile.

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)

We’re proud to offer Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) using the EMS Airflow system, an advanced, comfortable cleaning experience that goes far beyond traditional scaling. GBT uses warm water, gentle air, and fine powder to remove plaque and biofilm with precision, making it ideal for patients with sensitivity, restorations, or periodontal concerns. It’s a gentler, more thorough clean backed by science and delivered with your comfort in mind.

Really See Your Smile

We offer all-digital X-rays and advanced CBCT imaging right here on Vashon, so you don’t have to travel off-island for clear answers. Our technology allows us to capture detailed 3D scans of your full smile or a single tooth, minimizing radiation exposure while improving diagnostic precision.

Nitrous Oxide

We understand that dental visits can feel stressful for some patients. That’s why we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax during cleanings and treatments. It’s a safe, gentle option that reduces anxiety without lingering drowsiness, so you can get the care you need and get back to your day with ease.

The Benefits of Dental Cleanings

Prevent Common Oral Health Issues

Tooth decay is the #1 most common preventable oral health condition in dental patients of all ages. The good news is that with a healthy diet, good oral habits, and routine visits to the dentist, cavities are completely avoidable.

Saves Time & Money

Dental cleanings make it less likely to have problems like cavities, infected teeth, or gum disease. That means you won’t have to pay for procedures like fillings, crowns, or periodontal care, stopping you from more dental appointments later on.

Fresher Breath & Brighter Smile

Even with regular brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up. This contributes to bad breath and a dimmer smile. Dental cleanings clear away and polish plaque build-up which eliminates stains caused by food and beverages. As a result, you can enjoy a brighter smile and fresher breath.

The Dental Cleaning Process

Comprehensive Exam

Comprehensive Exam

A thorough exam that considers your teeth, gums, and overall oral health is the first step. We may use a small mirror or dental probe to check for signs of cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues. The exam helps us identify specific areas that require special attention during your cleaning.

Dental Cleaning

Dental Cleaning

After your exam, we begin your cleaning using the EMS Airflow system. This advanced technology uses a controlled stream of warm water, air, and fine powder to gently and thoroughly remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from your teeth and along the gumline. It is more comfortable than traditional scraping and allows us to clean hard-to-reach areas with greater precision.

Polish Your Teeth

Polish Your Teeth

Once your teeth are clean, we focus on refining the finish. Airflow naturally polishes your teeth as it removes surface stains from coffee, tea, wine, and everyday wear. We then carefully floss between your teeth to clear away any remaining debris and ensure every surface is smooth, clean, and healthy.

Real patients. Real Stories.

Before & Afters

Explore some of our favorite success stories, and see how we've helping countless Vashon residents achieve healthier, more confident smiles at Langland Dental.

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after

Patient 3

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after

Patient 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

The short answer is, yes. Dental cleanings remove surface stains from teeth, resulting in a brighter, cleaner look. However, if you are seeking a significantly brighter smile, we recommend additional whitening treatments or other cosmetic dental procedures.

The duration of a dental cleaning appointment can vary depending on various factors, such as the extent of cleaning required and your overall oral health. On average, a dental cleaning appointment lasts between 30 minutes to an hour.

Dental cleanings are generally not painful. You may experience slight discomfort or sensitivity, particularly if you have gum inflammation or sensitive teeth, but our goal is to keep you as comfortable as possible.

The American Dental Association recommends two cleanings per year for most patients. This gives our team a chance to remove plaque and tartar buildup, so your smile can stay healthy and beautiful for longer. However, the frequency may vary based on your individual oral health needs. Your dentist or dental hygienist can assess your oral health and recommend the appropriate interval for your cleanings.

Experience exceptional dental care, from one islander to another

No matter what brings you in, Dr. Langland and his team are here to provide personalized dentistry that prioritizes your health and comfort. Let’s create a smile built to last.