Cleanings & Prevention

Q: What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A regular cleaning addresses the surfaces of your teeth above and at the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is performed when gum disease has caused pockets to develop below the gumline. If we identify signs of gum disease during your exam, we will explain what is happening and walk you through the next steps before proceeding.

Your smile works hard every single day, and the care you put into it now determines how well it holds up for decades to come. Preventive dental care is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make in your long-term health — and routine dental exams and cleanings are where that foundation begins. Catching a small cavity early is far less involved than addressing decay that has been allowed to spread. Preventing gum disease from progressing is vastly simpler than treating it once it takes hold.

At Wenatchee Dental Arts, we believe prevention is the most powerful tool in dentistry. Dr. John Divis, DDS, has served patients in Wenatchee and the surrounding communities since 1993, building a practice where thorough, attentive preventive care is the standard — not an afterthought. Dr. Riley Savage, DMD, brings the same commitment to every patient she sees. Our goal at every preventive visit is to help you leave with a clear picture of where your oral health stands and exactly what to do to keep it there.

What Preventive Dental Care Includes

Preventive care is much more than a twice-yearly cleaning. It is a comprehensive approach to monitoring, protecting, and strengthening your oral health over time. Here is what a typical preventive visit at Wenatchee Dental Arts looks like from start to finish.

Medical History Review

We review any updates to your health history, medications, or concerns since your last visit. Systemic conditions and certain medications can affect your oral health, and we factor those in.

Professional Cleaning

Our hygienist removes plaque and tartar buildup from all surfaces of your teeth — including below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. This is where the risk of gum disease and decay is addressed directly.

Thorough Examination

Dr. Divis or Dr. Savage checks for early signs of decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. Dental X-rays are taken as needed to see what is happening between and beneath the teeth, where visual exams cannot reach.

Personalized Guidance

You leave with specific recommendations based on your oral health — not generic advice. Whether it’s brushing technique, a different flossing tool, or a watchful eye on a particular area, we make it actionable.

Your Mouth and Your Overall Health

Your mouth is a window into your overall well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of adults aged 30 and older show signs of gum disease — a condition that goes well beyond the mouth. Research has linked chronic gum disease to a range of serious systemic conditions.

Cardiovascular Disease

Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to arterial inflammation — a known factor in heart disease and stroke.

Diabetes

Gum disease and diabetes have a two-way relationship — each can make the other harder to manage. Good oral health supports better blood sugar control.

Respiratory Health

Bacteria from the mouth and throat can be inhaled into the lungs, contributing to respiratory infections and pneumonia in susceptible individuals.

Pregnancy Outcomes

Studies have linked untreated periodontal disease to preterm birth and low birth weight. Preventive care is especially important during pregnancy.

Routine preventive care is one of the most direct ways to reduce risk across all of these areas. Keeping up with your cleanings and exams also means fewer restorative treatments down the road.

Building Good Habits Between Visits

What you do at home between appointments matters just as much as your time in the dental chair. Our team will give you specific recommendations based on your oral health, but these are the foundations that apply to most patients.

Brush Twice Daily

Use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste for two full minutes, morning and night. Angle the brush slightly toward the gumline — that’s where most buildup hides.

Floss Every Day

Flossing is the only way to clean the contact points between your teeth — the areas where cavities and gum disease most commonly begin. Floss picks and water flossers work for patients who find traditional floss difficult.

Watch What You Drink

Sugary and acidic drinks — sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit juices — are among the leading contributors to enamel erosion and decay. Rinsing with water after these beverages slows the damage.

Stay Hydrated

Adequate water intake supports healthy saliva production. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system — it neutralizes acids, washes away bacteria, and remineralizes enamel throughout the day.

Time for Your Cleaning?

Whether it has been six months or a few years, the team at Wenatchee Dental Arts is here to help you get back on track — no judgment, no pressure, just thorough and personalized care.

Request an Appointment or call (509) 664-2920

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings

How often should I come in for a cleaning?

Most patients benefit from cleanings every six months. Patients with a history of gum disease, high cavity risk, or certain systemic conditions may need cleanings every three to four months. Dr. Divis or Dr. Savage will recommend the right schedule based on your individual oral health status — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Does a cleaning hurt?

For most patients, a professional cleaning is comfortable. If you have sensitive teeth, inflamed gums, or significant buildup, there may be some minor discomfort during scaling. We work at your pace and can adjust our approach if anything is bothering you. If dental anxiety makes cleanings difficult, we offer sedation options that can help you relax throughout the visit.

What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) addresses the surfaces of your teeth above and at the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is performed when gum disease has caused pockets to develop below the gumline. If we identify signs of gum disease during your exam, we will explain what is happening and walk you through the next steps before proceeding with any additional treatment.

My teeth look fine — do I still need to come in?

Yes. Many of the most common oral health problems — early cavities, gum disease, and even oral cancer — have no visible symptoms in their early stages. By the time something looks or feels wrong, the problem has often progressed significantly. Regular exams allow us to catch issues while they are still easy and inexpensive to address.

Are cleanings covered by dental benefits?

Most dental benefits plans cover preventive cleanings at 100% — typically two per year. We are in-network with Delta Dental and Premera Blue Cross. For patients without benefits, we are happy to discuss our fees upfront, and CareCredit and Cherry financing are available for any treatment costs that arise.

Preventive Care at Wenatchee Dental Arts

Dr. John Divis, DDS, has dedicated over 30 years to providing comprehensive dental care to patients throughout the Wenatchee Valley. His fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry reflects an ongoing commitment to staying current with the best practices in dentistry — including preventive care. Dr. Riley Savage, DMD, shares that same philosophy. Wenatchee Dental Arts is an independent practice, not a corporate dental group — which means every patient gets the time and attention they need to leave with a clear understanding of their oral health and a plan that makes sense for their life.

We are in-network with Delta Dental and Premera Blue Cross, and CareCredit and Cherry financing are available if any restorative treatment is recommended. Whether you are due for a routine cleaning or have not been seen in a while, our team is here to help you feel confident and cared for. Reach out to us to get started.

Related Procedures

Testimonials

"Thank you to Dr. Divis and staff. I highly recommend for any of your dental needs. Great patient care. Complety trust this team. 5 star service"

Barb L.

"I have been a patient for 10 years. Dr John Divis is great and I enjoy the personal interaction. The new hygienist Pam is a great hire and she may be my favorite."

Andres G

"Awesome experience with Yvonne, Pam, and Dr.John. They gave me the most detailed cleaning I’ve ever had, and I’ve gone through 5 dentists in the valley. My family and I greatly appreciate the work you all do, and I can’t wait to come back and get wisdom teeth removed!"

Preston C

Thank you very much John, Connie, Pam, Kassie and everybody else at Wenatchee Dental Arts. You all made my visit very pleasant. I appreciate you! "

Raul R

"Everyone from the front office to Dr Divis made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked through the door.. Everyone is kind and compassionate taking time to calm my nerves.explaining everything that was going to happen .I had dental work using sedation I was very well cared for…Thank you …Alice"

Alice N

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.