2901 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 301, Santa Monica, CA 90403

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Prevention & Cleanings

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Santa Monica Dentists Dr. Harkavy and Dr. Ragoza: Protect Your Future With Proper Cleaning and Prevention

Preventing & Cleaning

The Santa Monica dentists, Hale & Hale, DDS have some simple, common sense tips they call “The Basics.” And it’s really very easy to fall into a good dental routine that will prevent many potential problems from occurring later on. Proper cleaning combined with a few tried and true home techniques will help you breeze through your next dental exam!

 

Prevention is the best, most cost effective and pain free way to obtain long lasting dental health. Our compassionate, experienced and gentle dental hygienists are your vehicle to this goal. Your dental hygienists will use special instruments to remove plaque and calculus from your teeth. We will screen for oral cancer, evaluate your supporting bone structure, and assess your current dental work. We offer a simple fluoride treatment with will effectively strengthen your teeth against decay and sensitivity. Your fluoride treatment which will be personalized to meet your unique needs and circumstances. Your hygienist will review customized home dental hygiene care for you to perform on your own between dental visits.

Preventing & Cleaning

“The Basics” By Hale & Hale: Santa Monica Dentists

Regular brushing and flossing is the most important thing you can do to maintain a healthy smile. Beyond that, see us twice a year so we can stay on top of any potential problems you can’t see. Gum disease, cavities, and even oral cancer are easily prevented if symptoms are identified early on by a dentist.

Your Dental Exam gives us, your Santa Monica dentists, the chance to catch up on your dental health and check for any potential issues that you might not be aware of. Many dental diseases aren’t detectable without proper screening.
Here’s a tip: for the best brushing results, brush twice using each hand to hold your toothbrush. You can reach different angles with the toothbrush depending on which hand you use, so using both means you can clean more of your teeth. 

What Happens During a Routine Check-Up?

A Dental Exam and a Professional Cleaning

As a new patient, we’ll make sure you have a complete experience. Before we do anything, you’ll get a complete tour of our office where you’ll meet our dentists and staff. Next, we’ll perform a complete review of your dental history and the current condition of your overall dental health.

The Dental Exam:

We’re your partner in dental care, and want to make sure you understand all of your options when it comes to your oral health. We will take as much time as you need to discuss your specific dental situation in as much detail as you like. Don’t forget to ask any questions you have about cosmetic procedures too!

If you’re coming in for a hygiene appointment, you’ll meet with the rest of our awesome team for a Professional Dental Cleaning. New patients will get a dental review and X-rays before the cleaning, in the same appointment!

Our Professional Dental Cleaning:

Brushing and flossing at home minimizes the build-up of plague and tartar, but it’s still best to get a professional cleaning every six months. A deep, gentle cleaning keeps your dental health in excellent shape.

Has it been a while since you’ve had a check-up? That’s fine – we’re just happy to see you now. You’ll be amazed at how clean and fresh your mouth will feel after a professional cleaning.

Here’s a tip: fluoride is great for your teeth but it’s only in tap water, not bottled. If you primarily drink bottled water, check with our dentists to make sure you’re getting enough fluoride from other sources.

Looking for Santa Monica dentists with same or next day appointments? Call us at (310) 453-9631 or contact us online – we’re always happy to meet new patients!

Meet our Team

Dr. Ragoza and Dr. Harkavy are the newest additions to a trusted dental practice that has long been a pillar of the L.A. and Santa Monica communities since 1987. They continue the legacy of excellence that has made this practice a favorite among entertainment and tech professionals, community leaders, and anyone who values exceptional dentistry in a welcoming, modern environment.

dr. ragoza headshot photo

Dr. Ragoza

DMD

dr. shula headshot photo

Dr. Harkavy

DDS

Request Appointment

Call us at 310-453-9631 or use our form to schedule your appointment and find out why people stop at Hale & Hale, DDS when searching for a lifelong dentist. Santa Monica is a great location to get dental work and is easy to reach from all around the greater Los Angeles area.

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Keep In Touch

Dr. Shula Harkavy, DDS

Dr. Harkavy grew up in Seattle, Washington and now resides in Westchester with her husband and son. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Washington and graduated from dental school at the University of the Pacific, San Francisco. Dr. Harkavy completed her residency at Cedar Sinai Hospital here in Los Angeles following graduation.

Dr. Dennis Ragoza, DMD

Dr. Dennis Ragoza grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut, and earned both his undergraduate and dental degrees from the University of Connecticut. He completed his residency at St. Barnabas Hospital in the Bronx, NY, before moving to the sunny West Coast. He now resides in Manhattan Beach.