What are dental cleanings?
A dental cleaning removes plaque, tartar, and staining from the teeth and gumline that cannot be removed by brushing alone.
Professional cleanings are essential for preventing decay and gum disease. For patients with dental anxiety, special needs, or complex medical conditions, completing a cleaning can be impossible without sedation. We provide IV sedation and General Anesthesia to ensure every patient can access the routine care they need.
Treatment time:
1 visit under sedation. No downtime required.
Best for:
Patients with dental anxiety, special needs, or those unable to tolerate cleaning while awake.
May include:
Plaque and tartar removal, polishing, fluoride treatment, IV sedation or General Anesthesia.
Why choose sedation for cleanings
Sedation makes cleanings accessible for patients who cannot tolerate the procedure while awake. It also allows a more thorough cleaning without interruption.
The Dream Visit experience.
Dream Visit® is our proprietary sedation protocol that allows patients to complete complex dental treatment comfortably under IV sedation or General Anesthesia.
You sleep comfortably while our specialists complete your dental care. Wake up with your treatment finished.
Book a Free Consultation
Personalized Sedation Plan
Sleep Comfortably
Wake Up Smiling
All you need to know about dental cleanings
Why can't I just have a regular cleaning without sedation?
For most patients you can. But for patients with severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, special needs, dementia, or those who have been unable to complete a cleaning in the past, sedation is the only way to access routine care safely.
+How long does a cleaning under sedation take?
The cleaning itself takes 45-60 minutes. With sedation preparation and recovery you should allow 3-4 hours at the clinic. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home.
+Building trust through every visit
Although some dental cases can be complex, our patients become part of our extended care family. As they return for treatment, they begin to recognize familiar faces and feel more at ease. Our team builds trust over time — creating a safe and positive experience. For many families, what once felt impossible becomes manageable.
Over 30 years experience in sedation dentistry.
Smiles restored with dental sedation.
Satisfaction across every patient experience.
Frequently asked questions.
Can I get a dental cleaning under sedation?
Yes. We provide professional cleanings under IV sedation and General Anesthesia for patients who cannot tolerate the procedure while awake.
How often should I get a cleaning under sedation?
Every 6 months for most patients. Those with active gum disease may need cleanings every 3-4 months. We tailor the schedule to your oral health needs.
Can other treatment be combined with my cleaning?
Yes. We can combine a cleaning with fillings, X-rays, extractions, or other treatment in a single sedation visit – reducing the number of appointments needed.
Is sedation safe for a routine cleaning?
Yes. We use hospital-grade monitoring throughout including ECG, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure. Our Dental Anesthesiologist is present for every procedure.
Does insurance cover cleanings under sedation?
Routine cleanings are typically covered by PPO plans. Sedation coverage varies. We accept most major insurers and offer CareCredit and LendingClub financing.
Do I need a driver?
Yes. A responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you for several hours after sedation. You cannot drive on the day of your procedure.
Kinds of Fillings
Traditional – While most prefer more natural looking fillings, traditional restoratives like gold, or other metal based alloys and amalgams are still used for their strength and resilience. However, they are the most expensive option and take two appointments to complete.
Composite fillings – These are made of a mixture of plastic resins and glass-like particles that produce a natural colored tooth restoration. While they’re not suitable for larger or heavy load-bearing teeth, they provide good durability and resistance to fracture and staining. Because they require less of the tooth to be removed than traditional, the dentist can make a more conservative alteration.
Glass and Resin Ionomers – Glass and resin ionomer fillings are easier to place and are typically only used between teeth and near root surfaces where they don’t have to withstand chewing pressure. They have the added benefit of releasing small amounts of fluoride that help prevent further decay. It should be noted that resin ionomers can sometimes have difficulties bonding to root surfaces and are more commonly used between teeth.
Porcelain (ceramic) dental materials – When it comes to versatility, durability, and aesthetics, porcelain fillings are by far the best option. They are custom made to repair damage to a tooth’s biting surface because their color and translucency look like natural tooth enamel and can handle a heavy chewing load. However, not all patients can bond with porcelain and it can wear opposing teeth if the filling’s surface becomes too rough.