Dental Cleanings Near You
When it comes to looking after your dental health, brushing your teeth at home, and coming into a dental clinic for a comprehensive evaluation are two different things. But they’re both important, nonetheless.
Dentists frequently recommend coming in for dental checkups and cleanings about every 6 months. Why? Because they help your dental team stay on top of any potential issues that may seriously impact your teeth and gums further down the line.
Our local dental practice provides dental cleanings near you. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment, contact us today!
The Stages of a Dental Cleaning
The steps involved in a routine dental examination are very straightforward. Overall, the entire process should last no longer than an hour. You’ll mainly work with a dental hygienist, but your dentist will oversee the appointment too, in case anything of notice pops up that needs to be addressed.
First up, is the checkup. By taking x-rays and physically evaluating your teeth and gums, your hygienist will be able to understand the current state of your oral health.
Once this is done, your teeth and gums will be cleaned of plaque and tartar. A scaler is used to scrape this off the surface of your smile and along your gums. With a special gritty toothpaste (sometimes it’s flavored), your teeth will be cleaned and polished. Your hygienist will floss for you too. Before you move on to the next stage of the treatment, you’ll have the opportunity to rinse out your mouth.
Last – but certainly not least – is the fluoride treatment. This involves applying the substance to your entire smile, whether in a varnish, foamy gel, or it’s liquid that you can gurgle. The fluoride remains on your smile for a minute, then you can rinse once again.
If you have queries or concerns about receiving dental cleanings near you, don’t hesitate to let your dental team know so they can take steps to ensure that you’re comfortable.
What Do Dental Cleanings Reveal?
Your dentist and dental hygienist will be able to identify the following through a comprehensive cleaning and assessment:
- Severe discoloration.
- Cavities.
- Irritated or inflamed gums.
- Tooth and bone deterioration.
- The need for a root canal.
- Issues with your bite pattern.
- Signs of oral cancer.
At Oakman Family Dentistry, we offer reliable and effective dental cleanings in Dearborn to all our patients. Call or fill out the online on our website to set up an appointment at a time that works for you!
Our staff is excited to welcome you to our dental clinic in Dearborn!
FAQ’s
A dental cleaning is a straightforward treatment that’s done in about an hour. A dental hygienist conducts most of the duties, and your dentist will come in now and again to look in on you and your smile. The visit typically involves x-rays, scaling to remove plaque and tartar, brushing and flossing, rinsing, and fluoride application.
Yes! In fact, that is the purpose of teeth cleanings. Bacteria, plaque, and tartar are fully removed from the surface of your smile and gums which prevents bad breath, discoloration, cavities, and gum disease. The more regularly you attend cleanings, the less risk there is of such issues developing.
Dental cleanings are not painful! You simply sit in the chair and allow your dentist and hygienist to do their thing. You may experience a bit of sensitivity however, but this is normal. Patients who feel uncomfortable during this type of appointment may deal with dental anxiety or fear. Talk to your dentist about sedation density options if this applies to you.
Each patient is different, meaning the state of their oral health will be different too. On average, most patients are advised to schedule a routine cleaning and subsequent exam every 6 months. For those who are dealing with more serious problems like gum disease, oral cancer, or infection, their dentist will most likely invite them in for cleanings on a more frequent basis.
There are no serious or life-threatening risks associated with dental cleanings. Sensitivity and sometimes soreness may occur, but that’s it. Your gums may bleed a little while your hygienist is working; this means that you need to floss more consistently. If you do experience any adverse side-effects, be sure to contact your dentist right away.