Understanding the Dental Cleaning Process: What Can You Expect?
At Indigo Dentistry, we are proponents of prevention to maintain long-term healthy smiles. Dr. Collier and her patient-friendly team proudly offer a range of preventive dental services, including professional cleanings, to lower the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, bad breath, and a host of oral health problems. Here’s all you need to know about the dental cleaning process and what you can expect in your next appointment.
How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?
The frequency of preventive cleanings will depend on your smile’s unique needs. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends scheduling dental visits at intervals determined by a dentist. Most dental professionals recommend twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings for patients with healthy teeth and gums. If, however, you have gum disease or are at risk of developing oral health problems, you may require more frequent care.
What Is the Step-by-Step Process of a Professional Dental Cleaning?
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, continually builds up on the teeth and along the gum line. If not removed by regular brushing and flossing, it hardens to tartar, which only professional dental tools can remove. Our dental hygienist at Indigo Dentistry uses an instrument called a dental scaler to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup, especially along the gum line and in between the teeth.
The next step is polishing your teeth with a high-powered electric brush and a special gritty toothpaste. This step helps scrub away any remaining plaque along with surface tooth stains, leaving your teeth smooth and clean. We will also floss between your teeth to remove any trapped debris, ensuring your gums remain healthy. After your dental cleaning, we may recommend a topical fluoride treatment to help lower your risk of cavities.
During your visit, you can expect a thorough dental exam, which involves an evaluation of every aspect of your oral health. We will check for signs of gum disease and tooth decay and evaluate your oral structures. If we detect any oral health concerns, Dr. Collier will outline a custom treatment plan to get your smile’s health back on track. Early intervention helps prevent the need for costly and involved treatments down the road.
What Are the Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings?
Regular dental cleanings at Indigo Dentistry offer several benefits, including the following:
- Preventing Dental Disease: Removing plaque and tartar buildup lowers the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, two leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
- Ensuring Early Intervention: Dental cleanings offer an excellent opportunity to identify early signs of dental disease, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
- Improving Your Overall Health: Regular cleanings lower the risk of gum disease, which has been linked to serious systemic conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Brightening Your Smile: During your dental cleaning, we will remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, or other dark foods, leaving you with a brighter smile.
- Freshening Your Breath: Professional cleanings remove food debris and odor-causing bacteria, leaving you with a cleaner, fresher smile.
Dental Cleanings Near Me in Cedar Hill, TX
If you haven’t had a dental cleaning lately, we invite you to contact Indigo Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Dr. Collier and her team are committed to providing you with personalized, cutting-edge care to keep your smile healthy and bright. Call us at (972) 779-0300 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!