Experience a more comfortable teeth cleaning with Guided Biofilm Therapy and air polishing at CHS Dental.
FAGD, Top 6% of general dentists | All major insurance accepted | 5.0 rating on Google with 200+ reviews
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
What Is Biofilm?
Biofilm — commonly called plaque — is the sticky bacterial layer that forms on teeth, gums, and beneath the gumline. Left unchecked, it calcifies into tartar, triggers inflammation, and leads to cavities and gum disease. Most dental problems start here.
How Air Polishing Works
Instead of metal scalers, CHS Dental uses a controlled stream of warm water, air, and fine powder to gently blast away biofilm, surface staining, and early calculus — from teeth, between teeth, along the gumline, and even in deep pockets that instruments physically cannot reach. At our office, we have implemented air polishing over standard polishing methods using erythritol powder. The erythritol is similar to xylitol in the fact that it inhibits the bacteria that causes cavities; overall it is more effective at removing biofilm and plaque. Since it is a powder, we are able to clean every surface of the tooth including in between the gums for a more effective clean. We will also follow through with an ultrasonic scaler which helps remove any hard deposits in between the teeth to ensure a more thorough cleaning.
Clinically More Effective
Research shows air polishing removes biofilm more effectively than traditional polishing cups from pits, fissures, and interproximal surfaces. It's also significantly safer for patients with implants, veneers, and ceramic crowns — the powder is non-abrasive and will not scratch delicate surfaces.
Genuinely More Comfortable
Unlike traditional polishing that can leave teeth sensitive and gums irritated, the air polishing experience is gentle enough that many patients — including those who previously avoided cleanings due to discomfort — describe it as surprisingly pleasant. Reduced sensitivity after treatment is common. At CHS Dental, we use gentle, modern techniques to make your cleaning as comfortable as possible. For added comfort, we offer blankets and pillows so you can relax. If it is also helpful for you, feel free to bring a pair of headphones in. We want to ensure your visit is comfortable.
Professional dental cleanings are an essential part of routine oral care for patients of all ages who wish to maintain healthy teeth and gums while preventing future dental issues like cavities and gingivitis.
A standard cleaning appointment allows us to gently remove stubborn plaque and tartar, evaluate your overall dental health, and determine if any personalized treatments or deep cleanings are needed to keep your smile looking and feeling its best.
For many patients, a professional cleaning every six months is a good rhythm. Some people benefit from coming in more often, especially if they have gum concerns, dental implants, or a tendency toward heavy buildup. On your visit, Dr. Kusek will look at your gum health and history, recommend a schedule that fits you, and explain why.
Yes. Air polishing is designed to be gentle on dental work. It uses warm water, air, and a very fine powder instead of gritty polishing paste, which makes it a good fit for patients with dental implants, crowns, veneers, and other restorations. Before your cleaning, we'll review any dental work you have and adjust our approach, so everything is cleaned thoroughly and carefully.
The first visit includes a full exam, any needed digital X-rays, and time to talk through your goals, so it may take longer than follow-up visits for routine cleanings. We keep appointments unhurried on purpose, so you never feel rushed and there's always time for your questions.
Yes. We accept all major dental insurance plans, including out-of-network plans. Many plans include coverage for routine cleanings and exams, though benefits vary by plan. If you're unsure about your coverage, call us at (843) 884-2021 and our team will help you understand your benefits before your visit.
Absolutely, and you're not alone. Life gets busy, and many patients come to us after time away from the dentist. There's no judgment here. We'll start with a gentle exam, show you what we see, and explain your options clearly. Depending on how much buildup there is, your cleaning may take a little longer or be spread over more than one visit. Our goal is to help you get back on track at a pace that feels comfortable.
Let us know at the start of your visit. We'll go at your pace, check in often, and pause whenever you need. Air polishing uses warm water, which many patients with sensitive teeth find more comfortable. If dental visits make you anxious, we also offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide. Learn more about sedation dentistry →
The cost depends on what your visit includes, such as whether you need X-rays or an exam at the same time, and how much cleaning your teeth need. We'll always give you a clear estimate before we begin, so there are no surprises. Call (843) 884-2021 and our team will walk you through what to expect.
Our team will confirm your appointment within one business day, verify your insurance benefits, and answer any questions — at no obligation.
