Compare 217 dental hygienists in Cloverhill, Nashville. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
A routine visit with the hygienist lasts 45 to 60 minutes. They will review your medical history updates, take X-rays if due, and then clean your teeth using hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. They will polish your teeth, apply fluoride if indicated, and measure gum pocket depths (typically once per year). The hygienist will point out areas where your home care could improve and recommend products or techniques. For patients with gum disease, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) may be recommended, which involves numbing and cleaning below the gum line in sections over one to two visits.
Nashville's growth has brought a wave of new dental practices, especially in The Gulch and 12South. Meharry Medical College's dental school offers reduced-cost care through its teaching clinic, which is one of the few options for uninsured patients.
You see a dental hygienist at every routine dental visit, typically twice a year. The hygienist performs your cleaning, takes X-rays, and screens for problems before the dentist examines you. If you have gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), you may need to see the hygienist three to four times per year for maintenance cleanings. Patients with a history of gum disease, heavy tartar buildup, or diabetes benefit from more frequent hygienist visits.
Routine cleaning: $0 copay (covered preventive) · Deep cleaning: $150-350 per quadrant · Fluoride treatment: $0-35 · Sealant: $30-60 per tooth · Periodontal maintenance: $100-200
Preventive dental visits (exam, cleaning, X-rays) are covered at 100% by most dental insurance plans, with no copay and no deductible. Most plans cover two cleanings per year. If you need more frequent cleanings for gum disease, insurance may cover additional cleanings (called periodontal maintenance) but may apply the deductible and a copay. Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) are typically covered at 80% as a basic service. Fluoride treatments are covered for children; adult coverage varies by plan. Sealants are covered for children under a specified age, usually 14 to 16.