Dental Checkups & Teeth Cleanings
There are many ways you can play an active role in maintaining your oral health. Having your teeth cleaned in our office every six months is an excellent place to start. Our hygienists and dentists identify plaque and problem areas while thoroughly cleaning your teeth, providing you with information to help you maintain a happy, healthy smile.
Why is it important to have consistent teeth cleanings and checkups?
Routine checkups are an essential part of proper oral hygiene. Some of the benefits of regular teeth cleanings include:
- Healthier bones and gums.
- Longer lasting teeth.
- Early detection and treatment of cancer and other oral health conditions.
- Beautiful, healthy smiles.
What happens when we miss teeth cleanings?
Failure to keep up on proper oral hygiene can lead to:
- An impaired ability to eat and digest foods, leading to nutritional and systemic problems.
- Bad breath, resulting from advancing periodontal disease and/or residual food particles.
- Negative effects on cardiovascular well-being and overall health.
- Gum infection and inflammation.
What to Expect at Your First Checkup
Our new patient visits and dental cleaning appointments are each about an hour. We take pride in getting to know each of our patients, tailoring treatments to the health needs and goals of every individual. Here’s what to expect the first time you come to our office:
- Dental History—A dental team member will gather dental and medical histories to provide a clear picture of your current health, including any medical conditions that can impact dental treatment.
- Digital X-rays—We take digital x-rays as diagnostic tools for your comprehensive oral exam. If you have had x-rays taken within the last 5 years, please have them sent to our office. If you are unable to obtain them, please expect new radiographs to be taken in order to thoroughly diagnose your current dental health.
- Oral Screening and Teeth Exams—After we perform an oral cancer screening, we will examine your teeth for current status and any restorative needs.
- Gum Evaluation and Teeth Cleanings—Our doctors and hygienists will evaluate your gums, measure periodontal pockets, and clean your teeth by identifying and removing tartar and plaque.
- Oral Hygiene Instruction— During your visit, our team will review proper oral hygiene and assist you with home care tips and tools that will help you with your dental health. Please ask any questions you have along the way as we are here to assist you always.
Preventing Tooth Decay
There are several simple, affordable ways to fight tooth decay.
- Brush in the morning and in the evening right before bedtime.
- Floss every evening before your bedtime brushing.
- Have dental cleanings and checkups twice a year.
- Eat fewer sugary and acidic foods outside of mealtime.
- Use a prescription fluoride toothpaste which can make teeth more resistant to decay.
- Ask your dentist about additional home care tools like interproximal brush, electric toothbrush, flossing aids, dry mouth aids, etc.
The Teeth Cleaning Procedure
When you come in for a cleaning, your dental hygienist identifies and removes stain, plaque—a soft film that can be removed by brushing—and tartar—a hardened plaque that requires dental instruments for removal. We make every effort to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the tiny spaces between your teeth and along the gum line where bacteria gather. We finish your cleaning with polishing and flossing for a smooth and clean feel.
Are there different kinds of teeth cleanings?
Yes. A regular teeth cleaning every six months is called a prophylaxis in dentistry.
Other cleaning procedures that are considered periodontal ( gum and bone health) treatments are:
- Full Mouth Debridement—a pre-cleaning for those with severe calculus build up.
- Scaling and Root Planing—a deep cleaning for those with early stages of gum disease.
- Perio Maintenance—a periodontal cleaning for those with a previous history of gum disease and surgery.