Dental Cleanings in Murrells Inlet, SC
Keep your smile healthy and bright with gentle, professional cleanings from Carolina Dental Center.
Regular dental cleanings are the simplest and most effective way to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Our Murrells Inlet dental team provides thorough, comfortable cleanings to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that daily brushing can’t reach.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
During your visit, our hygienists gently remove buildup and polish your teeth to restore a smooth, clean surface.
A typical cleaning includes:
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Scaling – removing hardened plaque (tartar) from the teeth and gumline
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Polishing – smoothing the enamel and removing stains
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Flossing – cleaning between teeth and checking gum health
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Optional fluoride treatment – strengthening enamel and protecting against cavities
FAQs About Dental Cleanings
01
What do you tell patients about each step to help them feel more comfortable?
We will explain to the patient what we are doing and what they may feel during each step of the appointment, and ask them to raise their hand if they need a break, giving them control to stop if needed.
02
What tools or techniques make your cleanings gentler or more effective?
One of the most valuable instruments we have at our disposal is the Cavitron ultrasonic scaler which generates a warmer water flow from the vibration of the tip while aiding in the flushing of periodontal pockets and complete removal of plaque biofilm and calculus. We also have a ProphyJet, which is small particle abrasion that is highly effective at the removal of stubborn stains on the outer surface of teeth.
03
Is there something you do that surprises patients or that they really appreciate?
A lot of our patients are genuinely surprised at how gentle and effective our hygienists are. We communicate thoroughly with our patients and make sure they are comfortable and taken care of with the most state of the art equipment and caring hygienists.
04
What’s the most common issue you see when someone skips cleanings for a while?
Gingivitis and calculus (tartar) buildup between the teeth and under the gum line which leads to bleeding and sensitive gums is the most common issue we see with missed or skipped cleanings.
05
What small habits make the biggest difference between visits?
Flossing on a daily basis (preferably before bedtime), and brushing twice daily for 2 minutes each time makes a remarkable difference between routine hygiene visits with our office. Using an electric toothbrush and a WaterPik, in addition to flossing, are the best aids in maintaining optimal hygiene at home.
06
What’s your go-to advice for patients who struggle with flossing?
For patients that struggle with flossing, we recommend using other adjuncts like the WaterPik and/or other forms of interdental cleaning. Some examples are soft picks or proxabrushes, which are small brushes that look like a pipe cleaner designed to fit between the teeth at the gum line and safely clean the areas where a toothbrush cannot reach.
07
Are there any tools you recommend for better home care (electric toothbrush, water flosser, etc.)?
Overall, we recommend a home care regimen that includes an electric toothbrush, a WaterPik, and floss. Specific product recommendations are made depending upon the patient’s oral health and their needs.
08
How do you approach patients with dental anxiety?
We take our time and explain every step of the process. In some cases, we may schedule shorter appointments in multiple sessions to make it more comfortable to sit for treatment.
09
What do you feel sets your hygiene team apart?
We have hygienists that have been here 20+ years and develop long term relationships with our patients. Our hygienists are highly experienced and care deeply for our patients like their own family.
Dr. Hojnowski Answers Questions About Dental Cleanings
How do you determine how often someone needs a cleaning?
Dr. Hojnowski says, "Hygiene interval is customized for each patient based on their accumulation of plaque, tartar (calculus), and stains, as well as their periodontal health and home care. A normal, healthy patient will visit the office every 6 months for a regular cleaning. Alternatively, some patients may require a 3 or 4-month schedule to provide optimal care and maintain oral health."
What do you tell patients who think cleanings aren’t necessary if they brush and floss?
Dr. Hojnowski says, "While brushing and flossing at home is of paramount importance to maintaining good oral health, even the best brush and floss can only reach 1-2mm under the gum line. Periodontal pockets around the teeth are 3mm or less in health, and 4mm or greater in a compromised environment. In order to reach these areas around all teeth, a professional cleaning is required to keep your mouth healthy!"
Patient Testimonials
Kieth A.
Awesome experience! Highly recommended! Morgan did a great job with explaining what she was doing before she did it. Photos, X-rays etc.. Jamie the Hygienist is the loveliest person also very detailed explaining things and caring about my comfort. Dr. Hojnowski is very friendly, knowledgeable and thorough in explaining things to me. It was my first time there for cleaning and X-rays had been there before for emergency type visit. They’re very accommodating not looking to rush you out of the place and run a top notch quality operation.
Elizabeth B.
Best dental practice ever. Staff is professional and friendly, the dentist is smart, to the point, practical and personable. The dental hygienist was the best I have experienced in over 40 years- she was smart, thorough, knowledgeable and very kind. She worked hard to achieve a superior outcome which I very much appreciated.
Whitney L.
Absolutely wonderful experience with professional assistances, seasoned hygienist and patience and caring dentist! My anxiety was low and I felt truly cared about! Thank you!!
Scotty P.
What a great group,: the front desk is friendly and welcoming, the hygienist are terrific ((Cheryl) and DD Kevin is exceptional.
Kim
If you are looking for a dental office that makes you feel comfortable and gives the highest quality dental care then look no further! I was in the dental industry for 31 years- the last 17 years I worked here. I continue to receive my dental care here because Cheryl and Gail are the best hygienist on the Grand Strand and Dr. Hojnowski is awesome! You will be so happy you came here!
Why Choose Carolina Dental Center?
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Experienced Cosmetic Dentist – Our team brings years of expertise in aesthetic dentistry.
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Advanced Technology – From 3D imaging to digital smile design, we use the latest tools for precise, predictable results.
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Personalized Care – Every smile is unique. We craft customized treatment plans based on your goals and budget.
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Comfort & Convenience – Enjoy gentle care in a welcoming environment right here in Murrells Inlet.
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Proven Results – See real transformations in our patient before-and-after gallery.
Meet Dr. Hojnowski
With advanced skills in procedures such as dental implants and bone grafting, Dr. Hojnowski focuses on comprehensive care that prioritizes comfort, function, and long-term oral health. He is an active member of the American Dental Association, South Carolina Dental Association, Grand Strand Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, and a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.
Services
At Carolina Dental Center, our top priority is providing our patients with the
highest quality care. We take the time to explain every procedure and never rush our patients,
ensuring that they feel comfortable and confident about their treatment. We specialize in dental
implants in Murrells Inlet, SC.
A tooth shaped cap that restores a decayed, broken, weak, or worn down tooth. The dentist also uses crowns to cover dental implants and root canal treated teeth, improve cosmetics, or for full mouth reconstruction cases to open a collapsed bite.
Dental implants are medical devices surgically implanted into the jaw to replace a missing tooth and restore a patient's ability to chew and their esthetics. Implants can also provide support or retention for artificial teeth such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Dentures are a replacement for teeth that have been lost, whether it be a complete arch or a partial arch. Complete dentures cover your entire upper or lower jaw. Partial dentures replace one or multiple teeth where there are still retained teeth on that same arch.
Bridges
A dental prosthesis that is cemented or bonded to natural teeth to replace a missing tooth or teeth. A fixed bridge can also be cemented onto dental implants. Each bridge contains abutments or retainers which are the part that supports or retains the prosthesis, and a pontic that replaces the missing tooth.
Snoring Treatment
We utilize a custom fit dental appliance specifically designed to treat snoring by slightly advancing your lower jaw to open the airway while you sleep. This appliance consists of upper and lower trays to be worn only while sleeping, and also mitigates bruxism (clenching and grinding).
Peridontal Therapy
for Gum Disease
This is a type of non-surgical treatment for gum disease (periodontitis) with the goal to control and manage periodontal disease without the need for surgery. This procedure, also known as scaling and root planing, helps to restore optimal gum health and prevent tooth loss.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning in Myrtle Beach
Keeping your teeth healthy starts with consistent care.
Call (843) 357-2122 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your next cleaning at Carolina Dental Center — proudly serving patients across Myrtle Beach, Garden City, Surfside Beach, and Murrells Inlet.