Taking Care Of Your Teeth
Scheduling regular teeth cleanings and checkups is a vital step in maintaining optimal oral health, impacting not only the teeth but also the gums and the entire mouth. These cleanings remove the plaque, tartar, and bacteria that contribute to decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath.
A hygienist can clean areas that are typically hard to reach with daily brushing and flossing. Regular dental examinations provide an opportunity for dental professionals to monitor your oral health closely and identify problems early, which can help avoid painful and expensive treatments in the future.
Additionally, these cleanings can naturally brighten and whiten your teeth, eliminating the need for chemical bleaching. They are crucial for removing plaque, a substance that damages enamel, tartar build-up that may cause gum disease and stains from beverages like coffee and tea. These checkups also involve looking for signs of receding gums and detecting any chipped or broken teeth, as well as other indicators of oral disease and infection.
What happens during a cleaning?
Gum Health
Often undervalued yet incredibly important, your gums are essential for holding your teeth in place and defining your smile. Our examination will include a detailed inspection of your tongue, gums, teeth, and all other mouth areas, with special attention to the gum line. This comprehensive check is aimed at ensuring the total health of your mouth and preventing any signs of inflammation or early gum disease. We promise to approach the topic of your flossing habits with understanding and without harsh judgment.
Plaque and Tartar
A soft, sticky layer known as plaque tends to accumulate on teeth. If not regularly and thoroughly cleaned through brushing, flossing, and professional dental care, it can harden into tartar, which is generally darker and often located in difficult-to-clean spots like the gumline. A trained dental hygienist possesses the right tools and expertise to delicately yet effectively remove both plaque and tartar from these hard-to-reach areas. After removing these deposits, we can then polish your teeth to erase stains and make them gleam.
The Final Exam
After the cleaning process, it’s prime time for your dentist to conduct a detailed examination of your teeth. They will look over your dental chart and x-rays, honing in on any potential problem areas or worrisome trends. The dentist may recommend further dental treatments or provide advice on ways to halt or reverse conditions like tooth decay, inflammation, or gum disease. We are eager to answer any of your questions or hear about any discomfort, sensitivity, or dental pain you might have experienced.
The Cost Of A Cleaning In Sparta
Routine checkups and cleanings are such a great way to prevent and avoid dental problems that most insurance companies will nearly completely cover them on a routine basis. Usually every 6 months. If you are without dental insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $120 to $300 and up, especially if it’s your first visit or first cleaning in a long time.
When we determine the actual cost of your treatment we refer to a few important factors:
- Your current oral health.
- Whether or not any new x-rays are required.
- The amount of time required by the dental team to meet your specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies that will be needed to serve all your needs.
These routine appointments are very important to us, as we see them as the most effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, prevent serious dental pain and keep you as happy and healthy as possible.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s usually best to come in for a teeth cleaning and checkup every 6 months. However, based on your specific dental needs, the dentist might propose more regular visits. Conversely, if insurance or financial considerations are a concern, we can schedule your appointments further apart if it’s crucial.
If you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain in your mouth, it’s important to contact us without waiting. Cleanings provide an opportunity to prevent dental issues, but they’re not the only time for discussing these concerns. Please let us know about even seemingly minor problems right away, so we can resolve them while they’re still easily manageable.
The average expected length is 30 – 40 minutes
Use a toothpaste that both controls tartar and contains fluoride. Despite excellent brushing habits, the only way to effectively remove plaque between teeth and prevent tartar in those tricky areas is through regular flossing. Don’t forget to rinse daily with an antiseptic mouthwash to help kill plaque-causing bacteria.
Keep up the good work your dentist has done by continuing to brush and floss your teeth diligently after they have been cleaned.
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