Hygiene FAQs

When it comes to dental cleanings, most insurance plans will cover the cost of regular cleanings (healthy gums) twice a year (every six months). Regular cleanings are important in preventing cavities and gum disease, as well as ensuring healthy gums and teeth, so it’s beneficial for both you and your insurance carrier to have these visits included under your benefits package. To find out if your insurance plan covers dental cleanings, The Smile Spa will contact your insurer to check your policy details. Knowing whether or not your regular dental cleanings are covered by insurance and by how much can help you budget for your visits and stay on top of your oral health.

According to the American Dental Association, everyone should get at least two professional teeth cleanings yearly.

You’ll want to choose a local dentist in Agoura Hills who is experienced, professional, and welcoming. If you have a family, you will want to pick a dental office that specializes in family dentistry, too.

Yes, maintaining good oral health during pregnancy is important, and professional cleanings are safe. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the risk of gum disease, so regular cleanings are beneficial. Always inform our team if you are pregnant so we can take any necessary precautions.

Gum disease can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding tobacco products, and scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Our team can provide guidance on the best ways to prevent gum disease and maintain optimal oral health.

When gum disease is left untreated, it can progress and lead to more serious dental problems, such as tooth loss, bone loss, and even systemic health issues. Our team can provide effective treatment options to help restore the health of your gums and prevent future problems.

A periodontist is a dental specialist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease and is a highly qualified expert-level dentist. They provide the expertise needed when an individual has advanced gum disease and they are experiencing tissue loss.

Fluoride can play a positive role in maintaining oral health when used appropriately. However, as with any nutrient or mineral, consuming it in excess can lead to unwanted health effects.

Many dental insurance plans cover fluoride treatment. Our team will work with you to determine your coverage and help maximize your benefits.

No, fluoride treatment is beneficial for people of all ages and is especially important for individuals who are at higher risk of developing tooth decay.

In addition to these in-office treatments, our Agoura Hills dentist may also prescribe fluoride supplements to use at home each day. These are taken daily and can help to provide additional protection against tooth decay. The most common is a concentrated gel that you brush onto your teeth at bedtime.

No, getting dental sealants is a painless and non-invasive procedure.

In most cases, sealants can last for up to 10 years or longer, providing long-term protection from tooth decay. Sticky foods can pull sealants off of a tooth, so be sure to avoid especially tacky textures like caramels or toffee. The goal is for the sealant to last as long as necessary for the child to reach adulthood without cavities in those spaces.The sealant acts as a barrier against bacteria and plaque that can lead to tooth decay, protecting the teeth from damage and decay for several years. While it is important to brush and floss regularly, the sealant helps keep the harder-to-reach spaces free of food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay. That being said, it is still possible to get cavities around the sealant if home care or dietary choices are inadequate for good dental hygiene. Flossing is still required, as sealants do not protect the spaces between teeth.

When it comes to protecting your teeth from cavities and tooth decay, one of the most cost-effective preventive measures is dental sealants. Most insurance plans cover the full cost of dental sealants, at least for children and young teens. Without dental insurance, the cost of a dental sealant in Agoura Hills is usually between $30-45, making it a fraction of the cost of a dental filling.The benefit of using dental sealants is that they can help reduce the risk of future treatment costs associated with tooth decay. Cavities can cause extensive damage to your teeth and require costly treatments such as fillings or root canals. By preventing cavities in the first place with dental sealants, you can save money on future treatment costs, not to mention irreversible dental damage.Most insurance plans cover the cost of sealants, and the procedure itself is simple and painless. At The Smile Spa, we will assess your current dental insurance policy to determine if you or your child qualifies for coverage on dental sealants.