About the service

What is a professional dental cleaning?

A professional dental cleaning removes the plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can't reach. At our Sonoma, CA office, dental cleanings are done by registered dental hygienists who take their time, work gently, and send you home with teeth that feel smooth and fresh. It's one of the simplest things you can do for your smile.

Who a regular teeth cleaning is for

  • Anyone due for their routine six-month visit
  • People whose tartar builds up quickly and need to come in more often
  • Coffee, tea, and red wine lovers who want surface stains polished away
  • Anyone who hasn't had a cleaning in a while (truly, no judgment)

What to expect during your dental cleaning

  1. A quick check-in. We ask how things feel and whether anything's been bothering you.
  2. Gentle tartar removal. Your hygienist uses a Cavitron ultrasonic scaler plus hand instruments to clear away buildup, checking in with you as she goes.
  3. A smooth polish. We polish your teeth so they feel clean and glassy.
  4. Home-care tips for you. You get personalized pointers for brushing and flossing, based on what we actually see in your mouth.

If you're nervous, just tell us. We'll go at your pace.

Registered hygienists and Cavitron ultrasonic care

Every cleaning is done by a registered dental hygienist who isn't rushing off to the next patient. The Cavitron uses gentle vibrations and a cool water spray to loosen tartar, and hand instruments take care of the finer details. It's thorough without being rough.

Why Sonoma patients stay on track with cleanings

Once plaque hardens into tartar, it keeps irritating your gums until someone removes it. Most people do well with a cleaning every six months, and some need to come in more often. Pairing each cleaning with a dental exam means small problems get caught early.

If we spot signs of gum disease, we'll show you what we see and recommend periodontal therapy for gum disease to clean below the gumline. Many patients also add a quick fluoride treatment for extra protection. Only the treatment you actually need, never more.

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Removes tartar brushing can't reach
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Helps prevent cavities and gum disease
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Fresher breath and a brighter smile
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Done by registered dental hygienists
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Home-care tips made just for you
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Genuinely non-judgmental, however long it's been

The heart behind your dental cleanings

For Dr. Riley Oliver, a great cleaning starts with feeling welcome, which is exactly why she opened Sonoma Springs Dental: warm, personal care held to an exceptionally high standard. A University of the Pacific graduate who studied hospitality, art and science, she built a team of registered hygienists who take their time and never lecture. She pairs each cleaning with a careful exam, so nothing gets missed. You leave feeling fresh, informed, and genuinely glad you came.
"Don't let it fool you. We have a lot of fun here, but we focus on extremely high-quality care. You're going to get that perfect little mix."
Dr. Riley Oliver, Sonoma dentist and founder of Sonoma Springs Dental
Dr. Riley Oliver
Founder & Dentist
Dr. Riley Oliver, DDS, dentist in Sonoma, CA and founder of Sonoma Springs Dental
Your new boutique dental home in Sonoma.
Your new boutique dental home in Sonoma.
Your new boutique dental home in Sonoma.

About us

Dental cleanings at Sonoma Springs Dental

To us, boutique dental care means you matter: personal, cozy, unhurried, and held to an exceptionally high standard. At Sonoma Springs Dental, Dr. Riley Oliver's boutique dental home in Sonoma, even a routine cleaning gets our full attention.

  • Unhurried by design. Your hygienist sees one patient at a time, so your cleaning is thorough and calm, never squeezed in.
  • A space that feels like home. Our standalone office is built around a green, light-filled atrium, with easy parking right outside and a cozy feel that makes checkups something to look forward to.
  • A team that knows you. Our small, all-female team is bilingual in English and Spanish and genuinely non-judgmental, whether it's been six months or six years.
  • A genuinely high bar. Our tools are carefully chosen, never compromised, from the gentle Cavitron ultrasonic to fine hand instruments. Only the treatment you actually need, never more.

Meet the team

“What I love most about working with this team is the ladies themselves. They all have sparkling personalities, and they're all really fun.”

Chelsie, office manager

“My favorite part is the positive atmosphere and being able to help the Spanish-speaking community get access to care.”

Monsé, patient care coordinator

“I love that I can be myself in the office and with my patients, and I show it by wearing crazy colored scrubs each day.”

Cindy, registered dental assistant

“The office isn't a sterile medical atmosphere. It's homey, it's comfortable, it's an enjoyable place to be.”

Mandy, registered dental assistant

Hear it from our patients

“I don't normally associate a dentist's office with being cozy and comforting, but this is. The work has been absolutely exemplary.”

Karen, patient

“This place is definitely not judgmental at all. You can open up about your past dental experiences, and there will be no judgment.”

Jocelyn, patient

“Ever since I was young, I dreaded going to the dentist, but I never expected to actually like coming here. They really treat you like family.”

Jahaziel, patient

Trusted by patients

"It feels more like visiting a friend at their house than going to the dentist."

Dental cleaning FAQs

What happens during a professional dental cleaning?

Our registered dental hygienists remove the plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can't reach. We use a gentle ultrasonic Cavitron along with hand instruments, then polish your teeth smooth. Before you go, we share home-care tips tailored to your mouth.

Does a dental cleaning hurt?

For most people, no. You may feel some pressure or a little scraping, especially where tartar has built up, and our hygienists check in with you as they go. If you're nervous, just tell us. We'll go at your pace.

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

Most people do well with a cleaning every six months. Some people need to come in more often, for example if tartar builds up quickly or gums need extra care. We'll recommend what's right for you, not a generic schedule.

What if I need more than a regular cleaning?

Then we'll tell you honestly and explain why. A regular cleaning keeps healthy gums healthy, but if we see signs of gum disease, periodontal therapy cleans below the gumline where bacteria hide. Both are valuable, each at a different stage, and we'll show you exactly what we're seeing before we recommend anything.

It's been years since my last cleaning. Is that okay?

Absolutely. We're genuinely non-judgmental, and we're simply glad you're here. We'll take a careful look, explain what we find, and make a plan that feels manageable. No lectures, just a fresh start.

Can't I just brush and floss well at home instead?

Great home care matters, but it can't replace a professional cleaning. Once plaque hardens into tartar, a toothbrush and floss can't remove it, and it keeps irritating your gums. Regular cleanings plus a dental exam catch small problems while they're still small.

Does insurance cover dental cleanings?

Usually, yes. Preventive cleanings are covered by most dental plans. We accept all major insurances and will confirm your benefits ahead of time, so you know what to expect.

Where can I get a dental cleaning near me in Sonoma?

Right here at 17776 Sonoma Hwy, in our light-filled office with parking right outside. Call us at (707) 935-8200 or visit our contact page for more options. We'll get you settled, go at an unhurried pace, and send you home feeling fresh.

We're looking forward to your visit.