Most patients benefit from a professional dental cleaning every six months. However, if you have a history of gum disease, significant tartar buildup, diabetes, or other conditions that affect your oral health, Dr. Bui at BYou Dentistry may recommend cleanings every three to four months. The right schedule depends on what your exam reveals — we tailor our recommendations to your specific needs, not a one-size-fits-all policy.

A routine cleaning — also called a prophylaxis — removes plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth and just along the gumline. It’s appropriate for patients with healthy gums. A deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, goes below the gumline to remove bacterial buildup from inside the gum pockets and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach. Deep cleaning is recommended when active gum disease is present. Dr. Bui determines which type you need based on your exam findings.

For most patients with healthy gums, a routine cleaning at BYou Dentistry is comfortable and painless. If your gums are inflamed from tartar buildup, you may notice mild sensitivity during the cleaning, which resolves quickly afterward. Deep cleanings are performed under local anesthesia so you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure. If you have dental anxiety, we also offer nitrous oxide to help you feel calm and relaxed throughout your visit.

A routine cleaning and exam at our Suwanee, GA office typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. If X-rays are needed or if there is additional tartar buildup to address, the appointment may run slightly longer. Deep cleanings are usually divided into two appointments — one for each side of the mouth — each lasting approximately one to one and a half hours. We always let you know what to expect before we begin.

Gum therapy — also called periodontal therapy — is a specialized treatment designed to address gum disease. It typically begins with a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing, which removes bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to discourage future bacterial growth. After gum therapy, patients are placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule to monitor healing and prevent the disease from progressing. Dr. Bui determines whether gum therapy is needed based on the depth of your gum pockets, the presence of bleeding or inflammation, and X-ray findings during your exam.

Yes. BYou Dentistry works with most major dental insurance plans, including Aetna, MetLife, Humana, Guardian, United Healthcare, and many others. Most insurance plans cover two routine cleanings per year at little or no out-of-pocket cost. Our team verifies your benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises. For patients without insurance, we offer flexible payment options to make preventive care accessible.

Absolutely. At BYou Dentistry in Suwanee, GA, we welcome patients at every stage of oral health — including those who haven’t had a cleaning in several years. We never make patients feel judged for a gap in care. Dr. Bui will thoroughly assess your current oral health, explain everything he finds in plain language, and walk you through a clear plan to get your smile back on track. The sooner you come in, the more options you have.

The most important habits between professional cleanings are brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily to remove plaque and debris from between your teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach, and limiting sugary or acidic foods and drinks that accelerate enamel erosion. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard from BYou Dentistry protects your enamel and any existing dental work between appointments. Our team provides personalized home care recommendations at every cleaning visit based on what we observe in your mouth.