The professional dental cleaning appointment is one of the most important, and often neglected, dental services available. This is because it helps to prevent a serious condition called periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease. Left undetected and untreated, periodontal disease can result in the destruction of gum tissue and bone, eventually causing the teeth to loosen and fall out. The best way to prevent this is by regularly undergoing a professional dental cleaning.

Plaque and Tartar

Plaque is a sticky substance that is formed by oral bacteria. Plaque sticks to the teeth and the area around the gum line. In addition to creating a favorable environment for the growth and development of bacteria, plaque secretes acids that eat away at tooth enamel, eventually leading to tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Plaque is a substance that can be removed by brushing and flossing at home. However, once it has hardened into tartar, it is only removable by a dental professional using specialized tools.

Professional dental cleanings help:

• Remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gum line
• Prevent periodontal disease
• Prevent the destruction of gum tissue and bone loss
• Prevent teeth from loosening and falling out

Professional Dental Cleaning: What To Expect

Practicing early prevention techniques and becoming educated on oral health is a vital function of any reputable dental practice. Your dental team will show you areas that require more attention so that you can practice better oral care at home.

Most professional dental cleanings take place while the patient is lying down in a dental chair. A typical appointment takes anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour.

Some common elements of a professional dental cleaning include:

Tartar Removal

Although you may be vigorously brushing and flossing at home, tartar can still accumulate on your teeth when you are unable to reach some areas. Tartar is only removable with specialized dental tools in the hands of a dentist or dental hygienist.

Teeth Polishing

Teeth polishing helps to restore the shine of your teeth so that they are incredibly smooth and attractive.

Periodontal Evaluation

During each of your dental cleaning appointments, we will be checking for the symptoms of periodontal disease. Some typical tests include measuring gum pocket depth, looking for bleeding, and checking for signs of bone loss.

Is professional dental cleaning a painful process?

As with most dental procedures, many patients are concerned that a dental cleaning appointment may hurt. If you have been practicing sound oral hygiene at home, you should not expect to experience any discomfort during your appointment. On the other hand, if you have been somewhat negligent in your oral care at home, you may experience some minor discomfort during your appointment.

A topical anesthetic is always available to help ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during your professional dental cleaning. These appointments are vital in maintaining your oral health. Do not neglect them due to misplaced fears. The more proactive you are in caring for your teeth, the less pain you will experience down the road.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you have been neglecting this vital dental treatment, we encourage you to contact our office today to schedule your next professional dental cleaning.