What’s a Cleaning like at CHS Dental?
At our Mount Pleasant dental office, we provide a gentle clinical environment where your comfort is never an afterthought. To ensure a comfortable dental cleaning experience, we use Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) and air polishing instead of traditional scaling with metal instruments. You’ll see the same dentist, Dr. Kusek, at every visit, so you won’t have to explain your full dental history during every appointment. When X-rays are needed, we use digital imaging which gives us clear, detailed images and lets us show you what we see right away.
What Is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
GBT is an alternative to traditional dental cleanings that eliminates the discomfort of over-instrumentation, rubber cups, and abrasive toothpastes. Here’s what you can expect:
- A disclosing solution makes plaque (biofilm) visible, so nothing is missed and patients can see the areas that need attention.
- Warm water, air, and a fine powder gently lift biofilm and stains.
- Hand or ultrasonic instruments are used only where hardened tartar remains.
How Is Air Polishing Different from a Traditional Cleaning?
Traditional dental cleanings utilize hand instruments and rubber cup and paste to remove biofilm. These tools are abrasive and can trigger tooth sensitivity. They are also used across every surface. Alternatively, air polishing uses warm water, air, and a fine powder to remove biofilm, and this process is paired with GBT to disclose where buildup is most prevalent, so healthy enamel does not get over-treated.
Air polishing is designed to be gentler and more comfortable than traditional dental cleanings, so it is a good fit for those who experience tooth sensitivity or dental anxiety.
Is an Air Polishing Cleaning Painful?
Many patients find air polishing cleaning to be more comfortable than traditional cleanings, but sensitivity can vary. Our team will communicate with you throughout the process to adjust to your comfort level. If needed, we can provide nitrous oxide or other types of sedation dentistry to further minimize discomfort and ease dental anxiety.
What Happens at Your Cleaning Visit
Your cleaning visit will be unhurried and relaxed. We schedule enough time for every visit, so you're never rushed out of the chair. Here's how a cleaning visit usually goes:
We’ll discuss your oral health history and note any issues you might be having, such as tooth pain or bleeding gums.
We’ll assess your current oral health with periodontal probing, digital X-rays, and intraoral photography as needed.
Our hygienists will remove biofilm with GBT and air polishing cleaning.
Dr. Kusek will perform a visual exam and review any X-rays or other imaging results.
We’ll clearly explain our findings and walk you through your treatment options without pressure or judgment. For example, if we find a cracked or damaged tooth, we'll talk through your options, which may include a same-day crown completed in a single visit.
We will review your at-home oral hygiene routine and identify areas that could be improved.
You’ll schedule your next visit with us. Typically, we recommend cleanings at six-month intervals, but we may recommend more frequent visits for certain conditions.
New to CHS Dental? Here's What to Expect
We always welcome new patients from Sullivan’s Island, Mount Pleasant, and Charleston. When you see us for your first visit, we will take the time to get to know your medical and dental history, as well as your lifestyle and oral health goals. Whether you’re past due for a dental cleaning or simply want to visit a new dentist in the Charleston area, we meet you where you are and provide a personalized care experience.
Insurance & Cost
We accept all major insurance plans, including out-of-network. Most plans cover routine cleanings with no cost to you. When you schedule your appointment, we’ll review your coverage and run a pre-authorization if needed.
Your Care Team
Our team is led by Dr. Kusek, DDS. Dr. K is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and AAID Associate Fellow. He is also one of few dentists in South Carolina who is IV sedation certified.
Here is what our patients have to say about our team and the exceptional care experience we aim to provide:
“I highly recommend CHS Dental to anyone looking for great dental care. The office is modern and the staff is always friendly and professional. Dr. Kusek is highly skilled and explains everything clearly. The quality of care is top-notch and the staff is always efficient and on time.” – Jeramiah T.
“Amazing experience! The team is super friendly, professional, and really cares about their patients. Dr Kusek explained everything clearly and made me feel comfortable the whole time. The office is clean, modern, and always on time. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a dentist in the area.” – Samuel K.
Serving Mount Pleasant & the East Cooper Area
Our office is located in Mount Pleasant, and many of our patients live right here in our community. Others come to us from across the East Cooper area, including Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms, and Daniel Island, and from Charleston, just across the Cooper River.
Wherever you visit from, you can expect the same level of care. At our office, you'll see Dr. Alex Kusek every time, whether you need a routine cleaning or more complex cosmetic dental treatment. As the owner and only dentist at CHS Dental, Dr. K gets to know your history, your goals, and your smile over the years. That's what long-term care means to us: a partner in your health, not a different face at every appointment.
Schedule Your Next Cleaning
Schedule your next appointment at CHS Dental, and we’ll walk you through every step. Whether you are a new or current patient, we are here for you.