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Dental Cleaning in Kalispell, MT

Meet Our Caring Dental Hygienists

At Montana Dental Works, our hygiene team — Laura, Kailea, Sage, and Christyne — brings a wealth of skill, compassion, and personality to every patient visit. Whether providing a routine dental cleaning, guiding you through home care tips, or delivering advanced periodontal therapy, each hygienist is committed to making your experience comfortable, thorough, and tailored to your needs. With diverse backgrounds, advanced training, and a shared passion for patient relationships, our hygienists are proud to serve the Kalispell, Whitefish, and Bigfork communities while helping patients achieve and maintain healthy, confident smiles.

Dental Hygienist in Kalispell, MT

Christyne

Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Laura

Hygienist 

Dental Hygienist

Kailea

Hygienist

Dental Hygienist

Sage

Hygienist

What Is a Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning (also called a prophylaxis) is a preventive procedure performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains from your teeth. Even with great brushing and flossing habits, plaque can harden into tartar that can only be removed professionally.

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Routine cleanings help:

  • Prevent cavities and gum disease

  • Freshen breath

  • Keep your smile looking bright

  • Maintain overall oral and systemic health

 

Most patients benefit from a professional cleaning every six months, though your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if you have gum disease or certain risk factors.​​

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At Montana Dental Works, we believe regular professional dental cleanings are the foundation of a healthy smile. Our team provides both routine preventive cleanings and deep cleanings (also known as scaling and root planing, or SRP). Whether you’re coming in for your six-month check-up or need treatment for gum disease, we use advanced technology, gentle techniques, and a personalized approach to keep your teeth and gums in top condition.

Preventive & Deep Cleaning Services, Scaling & Root Planing, and Gum Health Care 

What is the Difference?

Basic Cleaning (Prophylaxis):

  • For patients with healthy gums and no significant bone loss

  • Focuses on cleaning above the gumline

  • Removes plaque, tartar, and stains

  • Usually completed in a single visit without anesthesia

 

Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing):

  • Recommended for patients with gum disease (periodontitis)

  • Cleans below the gumline, where bacteria and tartar accumulate

  • Smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach and heal

  • Performed in quadrants (one quarter of the mouth at a time)

  • Often requires local anesthetic for comfort

What to Expect During Your Cleaning

Basic Cleaning (Prophylaxis):

  • Hygienist examines your mouth and gums

  • Plaque and tartar are removed using ultrasonic and hand instruments

  • Teeth are polished to remove stains

  • Flossing and fluoride treatment (if recommended)

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Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing):

  • Local anesthesia is applied to the treated quadrant(s)

  • Plaque, tartar, and bacteria are removed from below the gumline

  • Root surfaces are smoothed to encourage gum reattachment

  • Post-treatment instructions are given for healing

  • A follow-up visit may be scheduled to evaluate progress

Why You Might Be Diagnosed for a Deep Cleaning (SRP)

During your exam, we measure your gum pockets using a periodontal probe.

  • Healthy gums have pockets 1–3 mm deep.

  • Gum disease is indicated by pockets 4 mm or deeper, often with bleeding, swelling, or bone loss visible on X-rays.

 

Deep cleaning is prescribed to:

  • Remove bacterial buildup causing inflammation

  • Stop gum disease from progressing

  • Prevent tooth loss

  • Reduce the risk of systemic health issues linked to gum disease (heart disease, diabetes, etc.)

 

Why Deep Cleanings Are Done in Quadrants

We perform scaling and root planing in quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) for:

  • Thoroughness: Allows focus on one section at a time for a detailed cleaning

  • Comfort: Limits the number of teeth that need to be numbed in one visit

  • Healing: Gives each section time to heal before the next is treated

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Why Numbing Is Needed for Deep Cleaning

Scaling below the gumline can be uncomfortable without anesthetic, especially if the gums are inflamed. Local anesthesia ensures you remain comfortable while we remove tartar, bacteria, and infected tissue from deep pockets.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Cleanings?

Routine cleanings: Most dental insurance plans cover routine preventive cleanings at or close to 100%, typically twice per year.

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Deep cleanings (SRP): Deep cleanings are generally covered partially under your plan’s periodontal benefits and may require a co-pay. At Montana Dental Works, we make the process simple by:

  • Verifying your benefits before starting treatment

  • Explaining your coverage so you understand what’s included

  • Providing clear cost estimates so there are no surprises

Our goal is to help you maximize your benefits and receive the care you need while keeping costs transparent.

  • Where is your office located?
    We’re proud to provide general dentistry services at our conveniently located office at 3 Sunset Plaza, Kalispell, MT 59901.
  • Do you accept Dental Insurance?
    We are in-network with Careington and Allegiance; however, insurance provider networks can change over time. We recommend verifying your coverage with your provider or giving our office a call—we’re happy to help you confirm your benefits.
  • How often should I visit a General Dentist for a check-up?
    It’s recommended to visit a general dentist every six months for a dental exam and professional cleaning to prevent issues like cavities and gum disease.
  • What’s the difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry?
    General dentistry focuses on maintaining and improving your oral health through cleanings, exams, and restorative procedures. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is centered around enhancing the appearance of your smile with treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding.
  • How do I choose the right Dentist in Kalispell, MT for my family?
    Our locally owned practice offers a warm, personalized experience with top-tier dental care. Whether you need routine cleanings or advanced cosmetic services, Dr. Fontana and Dr. McAllister bring years of expertise in general and aesthetic dentistry to help you and your family feel right at home.
  • Do you place dental implants at Montana Dental Works?
    Yes, we do. Our doctors have advanced training and experience in placing and restoring dental implants, whether you need a single tooth replacement or a full-arch solution like All-on-4®. Dental implants are one of the most reliable and natural-looking ways to restore your smile, and we take pride in guiding our patients through every step—from consultation and planning to placement and long-term care.
  • Do you offer sedation options for patients?
    Absolutely. We understand that many patients feel anxious about dental treatment, so we offer several sedation options to help you feel comfortable and relaxed. Depending on your needs, we provide laughing gas, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Our team will review your health history and help you choose the right option so you can have a calm, stress-free experience.
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