Will a dental cleaning hurt if I haven't been in years?

There might be some tenderness, especially if you have built-up tartar or gum inflammation. We can use numbing gel on sensitive spots and take breaks if you need them.

How much does a dental cleaning cost with Medicaid in Houston?

For children under 21 on Medicaid or CHIP, routine cleanings are typically covered every six months under EPSDT benefits. For adults on Texas Medicaid, routine cleanings are generally not covered — adult dental benefits are limited to emergency care. If you don't have Medicaid, we accept CareCredit and Sunbit for patients without insurance, subject to lender approval. Call 832-779-5522 with your card and we'll verify your specific coverage before your visit.

How long does a dental cleaning take?

A routine cleaning takes about 45-60 minutes. We remove plaque and tartar, polish your teeth, check for cavities, and take X-rays if it's been over a year since your last set.

Do I need to make an appointment for cleaning at Mi Smile on Airline Drive?

Yes, please call 832-779-5522 to schedule. Our front office team is available Mon 9am–5pm for scheduling, and clinical appointments are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday 9am–6pm. Call 832-779-5522.

Dental Cleanings – North Houston | Mi Smile Family Dental

Name: Mi Smile Family Dental
Address: 11834 Airline Drive, Houston, TX, 77037, US
Telephone: 832-779-5522

Written & reviewed by Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH · DDS — University of Colorado Denver (2013) · MPH — University of Oklahoma · Licensed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners · Medicaid Provider · Last reviewed 2026
General information only — not a substitute for professional dental advice. Call 832-779-5522 for a personal evaluation. Content reviewed against ADA guidelines and CDC oral health data.

General Information Only: The content on this page is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment needs vary. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH to receive a personalized assessment. In a dental emergency, call 832-779-5522 or visit your nearest emergency room.

Many patients avoid dental cleanings because they're embarrassed about the condition of their teeth or worry the hygienist will judge them for waiting too long between visits.

Dr. Maddipati explains exactly what she finds during your cleaning without making you feel bad about it. She shows you the problem areas on your X-rays and tells you what needs attention now versus what can wait if money is tight.

Despite diligent brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar accumulate over time, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Our professional cleanings keep you ahead of these problems.

What Happens During a Cleaning?

Physical Exam – Quick check of your entire mouth
Removing Plaque & Tartar – Specialized tools remove buildup around the gum line and between teeth
Polishing – High-powered brush and gritty paste deep-cleans teeth
Professional Flossing – Removes residual plaque from between teeth
Rinse – Clears away debris
Fluoride Treatment (optional) – Applied to protect against cavities

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready To Get Started?

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What a Professional Cleaning Actually Involves

1. Scaling

Our hygienist uses hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler to gently remove hardened plaque (tartar or calculus) from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing — it requires professional instruments.

2. Polishing

A gentle rotating brush with a mildly abrasive paste polishes surface stains and smoothes the enamel — making it harder for plaque to re-attach between visits.

3. Flossing

Professional flossing reaches between each pair of teeth, clears residual debris, and checks for any bleeding or tenderness between teeth — an early indicator of gum inflammation.

4. Fluoride Application

When appropriate, a fluoride varnish is applied at the end of the cleaning to strengthen enamel and reduce cavity risk — particularly beneficial for patients with a history of cavities or those at elevated risk.

A routine cleaning for a healthy patient typically takes 45–60 minutes, including the exam.

Routine Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning — What's the Difference?

A routine cleaning (prophylaxis) is appropriate for patients with healthy gums and minimal tartar build-up. If gum disease is present — meaning tartar and bacteria have accumulated below the gum line — a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing may be recommended. This treats the roots of the teeth below the gum line to stop the progression of gum disease.

Dr. Maddipati will tell you clearly which type of cleaning you need during your exam, and explain why — before any procedure begins. Learn about periodontal deep cleanings →

Every Patient Sees Dr. Maddipati — Every Single Visit

Dr. Soujanya Maddipati

DDS · MPH

At Mi Smile Family Dental, you don't get handed off to an associate or rotated between providers. Dr. Maddipati personally sees every patient — new or returning — at every appointment. That consistency is deliberate: she believes the relationship between patient and dentist matters for your long-term oral health and your peace of mind.

Dr. Maddipati holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Colorado Denver and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Oklahoma. Her public health training shapes everything about how this practice is run — because she believes quality dental care should be accessible to every family, regardless of income or insurance.

If you have questions, she answers them. If she finds something during your exam, she shows you on the X-ray and explains what it means. Nothing happens without your full understanding and agreement.

DDS – University of Colorado Denver MPH – University of Oklahoma Texas-Licensed Dentist Medicaid Provider Bilingual EN · ES Practicing since 2022 on Airline Drive

Licensed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners

Insurance, Medicaid & Payment Options

Texas Medicaid (STAR) accepted — covers cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants for eligible patients
CHIP accepted — comprehensive dental coverage for children whose families qualify, including preventive services
Most PPO plans accepted — Aetna, Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Humana, United Healthcare and more
Medicare Advantage with dental benefit accepted — coverage varies by plan; we verify before your visit at no charge. Learn about Medicare dental coverage →

Medicaid & CHIP Families

Preventive visits — cleanings, exams, X-rays, fluoride, and sealants — are typically covered for children under 21 on Texas Medicaid (STAR) and CHIP through EPSDT benefits. Adult Medicaid dental coverage in Texas is limited to emergency care; routine cleanings are generally not covered for adults 21+. We accept Medicaid for both adults and children — and we'll verify your specific plan before your visit at no charge. Dr. Maddipati sees every patient personally, regardless of insurance type.

Private Insurance (PPO)

Most PPO plans cover preventive services at 100% when in-network. We handle the paperwork and verify your benefits before your appointment so you have a clear picture of what to expect.

No insurance? CareCredit and Sunbit financing break treatment costs into manageable monthly payments — ask at the front desk. Approval is quick and often happens during your visit.
We verify your benefits before your appointment so you always know what to expect. Call 832-779-5522 — we're happy to check for you.

Coverage details are determined by your specific plan. We verify benefits on your behalf. This page provides general guidance only.

Proudly Serving Houston and Surrounding Communities

Mi Smile Family Dental is conveniently located on Airline Drive in North Houston, and we are proud to welcome patients from our core service neighborhoods: Greenspoint (77060), Aldine (77037, 77038) along the Airline Drive corridor, Greenspoint North (77067) along I-45 north, and Greater Inwood / Hidden Valley (77088) near Hwy 290.

We also warmly welcome patients from North Houston near Spring (77073), North Houston District (77014), the FM 1960 / Champions area (77090, 77066), Aldine Far North (77039, 77032), Northside / Independence Heights (77076), Greater Inwood West (77086), Acres Home (77091), and Northeast Houston / Eastex-Jensen (77093). Wherever you are coming from, you are always welcome here.

Real Patients · Verified Google Reviews

What Our Patients Are Saying

4.9 · 70+ Google Reviews · Mi Smile Family Dental

“Dr Maddipati was awesome, she explain everything clear, and always making sure that I was telling comfortable; her team also was so kind. I definitely will be back.”

Teresa M. · Google · 2 years ago

“Service is amazing very welcoming and friendly , loved how every concerned i had was answered and explained throughly!”

Hillary V. · Google · a year ago

“Great experience i loved coming here . Office is very clean and organized.The front desk lady is very nice as well the assistants and the doctor Maddi. They are nice people attentive patient caring .Any concern you have they answer and explain to you step by step. Any other dentist places they just worry about the money and not the patients here they not like this. I went to get x-rays done due to me having some pain concerns about my cavities they sat me in the room and the doctor explain to me everything i was looking at the screen "x-rays". Will be coming back !!”

Alexandra S. · Google · a year ago

“100% best experience at a dentist office EVER! After a horrible visit at the hospital dealing with a major infection, I walked into Mi Smile with no hope. Boy, did the staff change my day and my life! Best prices, even without insurance! Will be bring my whole family back! Thank yall so much”

Shelby R. · Google · a year ago

These are actual reviews from our Google Business Profile. Last names have been shortened to initials to protect patient privacy. English reviews appear as the patients wrote them. Read all reviews on Google

Dental Cleanings – North Houston