A dental cleaning is one of the most affordable treatments in dentistry, and one that can save you a lot of money. A cleaning every six months costs a fraction of a filling, and far less than a root canal or an implant. Many of the expensive treatments a dentist performs started out as something a timely cleaning could have prevented.
PureSmile Miami opens November 1, 2026 in Kendall. We will offer cleanings for the whole family, with a bilingual team, without rushing, and accepting Medicare Advantage, PPO, HMO and self-pay.
No matter how good your hygiene is, the plaque left between your teeth and under the gumline hardens over time and turns into tartar. Tartar can't be removed by brushing or flossing: it's mineralized and stuck to the tooth. Only professional instruments can remove it.
As long as that tartar stays, it keeps bacteria in contact with the gums. That causes inflammation, bleeding when you brush and, if it progresses, periodontitis: the gums recede, the bone that holds the teeth is lost and the teeth begin to loosen. Periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and in its early stages it doesn't hurt, which is why it's often detected late.
Exam first. We check the condition of your teeth and gums and measure the depth of the gum pockets to catch problems before they cause symptoms.
Tartar removal. Ultrasonic and hand instruments are used to remove tartar above and below the gumline.
Polishing. Surface stains from coffee, tea or tobacco are removed and the tooth is left smooth, so plaque takes longer to stick again.
Flossing and final check. We clean between the teeth and make sure nothing is left behind.
Specific advice. Not a generic lecture, but which areas you're missing and how to improve them.
They're not the same, and it's worth knowing the difference, because it's a point where many people feel the price changed without explanation.
A regular cleaning is preventive, for healthy gums or gums with mild inflammation. It's done in one visit.
A deep cleaning is done when periodontitis is already present and bacteria have reached below the gumline. It includes scaling and root planing, is usually done by quadrants and sometimes with local anesthesia. It costs more and takes longer.
Our commitment: if you need a deep cleaning, we explain it with the X-ray and measurements in front of you, and give you the price in writing before we start. You won't find a treatment on your bill that we hadn't discussed with you.
For most people, every six months. If you have periodontitis, smoke, have diabetes or tend to build up tartar, it may be every three or four months. If your gums are very healthy, once a year may be enough. We decide based on your case, not on a general rule.
Does my Medicare Advantage plan cover cleanings?
Many Medicare Advantage plans include cleanings and exams in their dental benefit, although coverage and the number of cleanings per year vary from plan to plan. We verify yours for free, in English or Spanish, before your appointment and tell you clearly what is and isn't included. In most plans that benefit renews every year and whatever you don't use is lost, so if you still have a cleaning left, don't put it off until January.
What if I have Original Medicare?
Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental care. In that case we'll still see you, with a set price for the cleaning in writing before we start. If you have a separate dental plan, we verify that for free too.
Does a cleaning hurt?
A regular cleaning usually doesn't hurt; at most there may be some discomfort if your gums are inflamed. A deep cleaning is done with local anesthesia if needed.
My gums bleed when I brush. Is that normal?
No, it's the earliest sign of inflammation. Healthy gums don't bleed. This is exactly the right time to come in, because at this stage it can be reversed with a cleaning and better hygiene.
It's been years since I've seen a dentist. Will I get a lecture?
No. Whether it's been six months or six years, nobody here judges anyone. We start from where you are today.
