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Cleanings, minus the dread

Dental Cleanings and Exams at Kitto Family Dental

Regular cleanings keep small stuff small. Ours are gentle and unhurried, and your exam comes with straight answers (and zero lectures).

Call (805) 922-4109Book your first visit
Three generations of a family laughing together outdoors
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS·Last updated
4.9 out of 5 from 473 Google reviews (as of October 2026). Read them on GoogleCaring for Santa Maria families for more than 40 yearsThree dentists accepting new patients

Steady cleanings. Smaller problems.

A standard preventive visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes and includes a professional cleaning, a comprehensive exam, oral cancer screening, and any clinically-needed low-dose x-rays. Most healthy patients come in twice a year.

What are the benefits of cleanings and exams?

Catch small stuff early

Small cavities and gum changes are simpler to fix when found early.

That just-cleaned feeling

We remove hardened tartar that brushing and flossing can’t reach.

Healthier gums

Regular cleanings help keep gum inflammation in check. See gum health.

An oral cancer screening

The doctor checks your mouth, tongue, and neck at every exam.

No mystery about your mouth

You leave knowing what is healthy and what needs watching.

Easier on your wallet

Preventive visits are usually the most affordable care you can get.

Here’s how a cleaning goes.

Check-in and update

Any changes in health, medications, or dental concerns since last visit.

Imaging (as needed)

Low-dose digital x-rays if clinically indicated. Not every visit needs them.

Hygiene cleaning

Gentle removal of plaque and tartar, polish, and floss. Pace to your comfort.

Doctor exam

Comprehensive look at teeth, gums, bite, and oral cancer screening. Plain-language review of what we see.

How often should you come in?

Most healthy adults do well with two cleaning and exam visits per year, roughly six months apart. That rhythm gives us a chance to catch new decay or gum changes before they become bigger problems, and it keeps the cleaning itself quick and comfortable.

Some patients benefit from more frequent visits:

  • If you have a history of cavities, we may suggest every three or four months to keep risk low.
  • If you have active gum disease (periodontitis), maintenance cleanings every three to four months are standard until the gums stabilize.
  • If you smoke, take medications that cause dry mouth, or are pregnant, your gums may need more frequent attention.
  • Children generally follow the same six-month cadence starting around the first birthday.

We’ll tell you honestly what cadence fits your mouth. No upselling.

What a cleaning can (and can’t) do.

Does: removes hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing can’t reach, polishes stain, flosses between teeth, and gives the hygienist a chance to screen for gum changes before they become bigger.

Doesn’t: replace daily brushing and flossing, treat active decay, or whiten teeth (although it does remove surface stain, which can make teeth look noticeably brighter).

How often to come in for a cleaning

Your situationRecommended intervalWhy
Healthy gums, low cavity riskEvery 6 monthsMaintenance; catches small changes early
Early gingivitisEvery 4 to 6 monthsReverses inflammation before bone loss starts
Active periodontitis (post-treatment)Every 3 to 4 monthsPrevents recurrence after deep cleaning
High cavity risk (dry mouth, diet, meds)Every 3 to 4 monthsMore frequent monitoring + fluoride
PregnancyEvery 3 to 6 monthsHormonal changes increase gum inflammation
SmokerEvery 3 to 4 monthsSmoking slows healing and masks gum changes

Who you’ll see.

Portrait of Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Dr. Ashley Kitto Channer, DDS

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. Practicing since 2011, in the practice her father, Dr. Robert Kitto, founded. Full-scope family and restorative care.

Every doctor here sees kids and adults, and you can ask for the same doctor each visit. Meet all three dentists.

Insurance, minus the headache.

  • Most PPO plans welcome. We check your benefits before your visit, including deductible and remaining yearly maximum.
  • A written estimate first. For anything beyond a routine preventive visit, you see what insurance is expected to pay and what you owe before we begin.
  • We file the claim. You don’t need to send anything to your carrier yourself.
  • No insurance? No problem. We explain costs up front. Our membership plan covers routine care for one yearly fee, and CareCredit or Cherry financing can help with larger treatment.

Not sure what your plan covers?

Call with your carrier name and member ID. We’ll tell you what to expect before you book. Heads up: we don’t participate in most DHMO or Medi-Cal dental plans.

Check my coverage

Insurance and payment details

Why keep up with cleanings?

Plaque hardens into tartar that only a cleaning removes. Left alone, it can irritate gums and hide early decay. Most problems found at a routine visit are small, quick, and less costly to treat than the same problem found later.

Got questions? We’ve got answers

Have questions about cleanings and exams?

Do cleanings hurt?
A routine cleaning should not hurt. Some patients feel pressure or coldness. If your gums are inflamed or you have sensitive areas, tell us at the start and we adjust pace and technique. Numbing is available if we’re doing a deeper cleaning.
Why do I need x-rays?
X-rays show us what we can’t see from the surface, including decay between teeth, bone loss, and problems below the gumline. We only take the imaging that is clinically needed for your situation. Digital x-rays use a much lower dose than older film x-rays.
What if I haven’t been in for a long time?
No lectures. We start where you are. Often your first visit back includes a thorough exam so we understand your current state, and a follow-up cleaning scheduled based on what we find.
Does my insurance cover cleanings?
Most PPO dental plans cover one or two preventive visits per year at or near 100%. See our insurance page for how we verify your specific benefits.
How long does a cleaning and exam take?
Most preventive visits take about 45 to 60 minutes. A first visit, or a visit after a long gap, can take a little longer because the exam is more complete and we may need updated x-rays.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar on healthy gums. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, cleans deeper pockets around teeth when gum disease is present. We measure your gums first, so you’ll know which one you need and why. See gum health.
What does the oral cancer screening involve?
The doctor looks at and gently feels your lips, cheeks, tongue, the floor and roof of your mouth, and your neck. It takes a minute or two and doesn’t hurt. If anything looks unusual, we explain what we see and what the next step is.
Will I know the cost before treatment, and when do I pay?
Yes. Before any treatment beyond your exam and cleaning, you get a written plan with a cost estimate. If you have insurance, we check your benefits first and file the claim for you. Your portion is due at the time of service. We accept cash, check, major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit or Cherry for larger treatment. See insurance and payment.

Why people love Kitto.

4.9

473 Google reviews as of October 2026.

Hear it from the neighbors

While you’re here.

Swipe for more. It all happens right here on East Main.

Light reading (for your teeth).

Patient guideHow Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?Twice a year fits most people. Here’s who needs more, or less.Patient guideIt Has Been Years. Where Do I Start?The first step back is smaller than you think. No lectures.Patient guideWhen Should My Child See the Dentist?Why a first visit by age one helps, and how to make it easy.

We accept most PPO plans, CareCredit, Cherry, and offer a membership plan for patients without insurance.

Overdue for a cleaning? No judgment.

Pick a time that fits your week. We’ll handle the rest.

Call (805) 922-4109Request an Appointment
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