Taking Care of Your Teeth
Regular dental cleanings and checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health, benefiting your teeth, gums, and entire mouth. These visits allow your hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that brushing and flossing alone can’t reach, helping prevent decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Routine checkups help dentists identify potential issues early, saving you from more complex, costly procedures later. Regular cleanings also naturally brighten your smile by removing stains from coffee or tea, eliminating the need for chemical bleaching. Additionally, dental exams help detect receding gums, chipped teeth, and signs of oral infections or diseases.
What Happens During a Cleaning?
Gum Health
Your gums are vital to a healthy smile, holding teeth securely in place. During your cleaning, we’ll carefully examine your gums, teeth, tongue, and other areas of your mouth, paying special attention to signs of inflammation or early gum disease. We’ll discuss your flossing routine compassionately and without judgment.
Plaque and Tartar
Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on your teeth and can harden into tartar if not removed regularly. Tartar often appears darker and gathers near the gumline, where it’s challenging to clean at home. Our skilled dental hygienist uses specialized tools to gently remove plaque and tartar buildup, followed by polishing your teeth to eliminate stains and enhance their appearance.
The Final Exam
After your teeth have been cleaned, your dentist will perform a thorough examination. They’ll review your dental records and X-rays, checking for any concerns or changes. Your dentist may suggest additional treatments or provide recommendations to help prevent tooth decay, inflammation, or gum disease. This is a great opportunity to discuss any dental concerns or sensitivities you may be experiencing.
The Cost of a Cleaning in Sparta
Routine dental checkups and cleanings are essential to preventing dental issues, and most insurance plans typically cover these visits almost entirely every six months. Without insurance, the cost generally ranges from $120 to $300 or more, especially if it’s your first visit or you’ve gone a long time between cleanings.
Several factors can influence the cost of your dental cleaning, including:
- Your current oral health condition.
- Whether new X-rays are needed.
- The amount of time required for your treatment.
- Any specialized equipment or supplies used during your visit.
Regular cleanings and checkups help prevent more serious dental procedures, minimize potential pain, and keep your smile healthy.
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
Typically, dental cleanings and checkups are recommended every 6 months. Depending on your oral health, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits. If financial or insurance issues are a concern, we can adjust the frequency accordingly.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, don’t wait—contact us immediately. Addressing even minor issues quickly can prevent them from becoming serious or painful problems later.
A typical dental cleaning usually lasts between 30 and 40 minutes.
Brush daily with fluoride toothpaste specifically designed to control tartar. Regular flossing is essential to remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas, and daily use of an antiseptic mouthwash helps eliminate bacteria.
Absolutely! Continue brushing and flossing regularly after your cleaning to maintain the great results achieved during your visit.
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