Dental Exams & Cleaning in Philadelphia

At 360 Dental PC, we believe that prevention is the key to long-term oral health—and routine dental cleanings play a vital role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Led by experienced dentist Dr. Sitkovetskiy, our team provides gentle yet thorough cleanings designed to remove buildup, prevent disease, and keep your smile shining bright.

Whether it’s your first visit or your regular checkup, we’re here to make sure your experience is as comfortable and effective as possible.

What Is a Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning—also known as prophylaxis—is a professional procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and surface stains from your teeth. Even if you brush and floss daily, plaque can build up over time in hard-to-reach areas. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can’t be removed with at-home brushing alone.


Regular cleanings not only help your teeth look their best, but they also prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. During your appointment, we also screen for early signs of issues like cavities, gum inflammation, and oral cancer—making cleanings a crucial part of your preventive care routine.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

At 360 Dental PC, we make your dental cleaning experience comfortable, educational, and personalized. Here’s what you can expect during a typical cleaning visit:

  • 1. Oral Examination

    Before your cleaning begins, Dr. Sitkovetskiy or a hygienist will perform a full oral exam to check for signs of cavities, gum issues, or abnormalities in your teeth and soft tissues. This helps us customize your treatment and monitor your oral health over time.

  • 2. Plaque and Tartar Removal

    Using specialized instruments, we’ll carefully remove plaque and tartar from around your teeth and below the gum line. This process is called scaling and is essential to prevent gingivitis and periodontal disease.

  • 3. Polishing

    Once your teeth are free of buildup, we polish them with a gentle, gritty paste that removes surface stains and leaves your smile feeling fresh and smooth.

  • 4. Flossing and Rinsing

    Your cleaning wraps up with a professional flossing and a refreshing rinse to wash away any remaining debris. We may also recommend fluoride treatments or sealants depending on your age and cavity risk.

  • 5. Personalized Recommendations

    We’ll give you tips tailored to your oral hygiene habits and may recommend products or techniques to help you improve your brushing and flossing at home.

Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?

Dental cleanings are not just about aesthetics—they are a crucial step in maintaining your overall oral and systemic health. Here's why these cleanings are so essential:

  • Prevent Gum Disease

    Tartar buildup can lead to gingivitis and more advanced periodontal disease, which can eventually result in tooth loss.

  • Prevent Tooth Decay

    Removing plaque helps stop the erosion of enamel that causes cavities.

  • Catch Problems Early

    Cleanings give us the chance to identify and treat problems while they’re still small and manageable.

  • Improve Breath

    Bad breath is often caused by bacteria and plaque—cleaning your teeth helps eliminate this.

  • Brighten Your Smile

    Polishing removes surface stains from coffee, tea, and wine, helping your smile look cleaner and whiter.

  • Protect Overall Health

    Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Regular cleanings support your total body health.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

For most patients, we recommend a professional cleaning every six months. This timeline allows us to remove buildup before it becomes a problem and to track your oral health over time.


However, if you have certain dental conditions—such as gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, or a history of frequent cavities—we may recommend cleanings every 3–4 months to keep your mouth in optimal condition.