DENTAL CLEANING AND EXAM

Even if you brush your teeth twice daily and floss once per day, it is important that you have a professional cleaning on a regular basis (of course, if you aren’t quite so meticulous about your oral hygiene, it’s even more important). After a thorough dental cleaning, your teeth will feel smooth and squeaky-clean, and they will probably look a lot brighter too. But professional dental cleanings aren’t done for looks alone....

Why do your teeth need this kind of attention? Essentially, it’s because over time they tend to build up a layer of plaque (a sticky, bacteria-rich film) and hard deposits (called tartar, or calculus) that are very difficult to remove without special tools. When these deposits are allowed to remain on the tooth surfaces or below the gum line, they provide ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and multiply. The acids produced by some bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease. If left uncontrolled, this can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums and possibly influence systemic (whole body) diseases.

problems.


Dentists have a special term for a dental cleaning: prophylaxis, which comes from the Greek word meaning to protect or guard against. In this case, the focus is on preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Performed in conjunction with a routine dental examination, a professional dental cleaning can go a long way toward controlling these two common maladies. During your dental cleaning, it’s also a good opportunity to take a close look at your oral health in general and check for common problems.


Our Dental Hygienists

The Professional Dental Cleaning Appointment

Regular dental cleanings are a must to maintain proper oral health. At Smile Essentials, our dental hygienists are highly trained professionals who use a special set of instruments designed just for this purpose. Because everyone’s teeth are a little different, your dental cleaning will be tailored to your particular needs. Most people don’t feel any noticeable discomfort during dental cleanings. Some even report they enjoy the experience – especially the dramatic results when it’s done! If you haven’t had a dental cleaning in a while, it may take you a few moments to get used to the feeling of getting your teeth cleaned. If you experience any discomfort, it may be possible to apply a topical numbing gel or another type of anesthetic.

At Smile Essentials, here is what you can anticipate during your dental cleaning appointment:

Intraoral/Extraoral Examination

Oral Cancer Screening

Recommended Radiographs

Recommended Intraoral Photos

Periodontal Probing/Monitoring

Tartar and Plaque Removal

Rubber Cup Polishing

TMJ Examination

Floss

Fluoride Treatment

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