Teeth Cleaning
Ready to have your teeth cleaned?
Most people dread going to the dentist to have their teeth cleaned. For the most part, teeth cleaning in today’s advanced dental offices is quick, easy, and painless. However, having a greater understanding of it can help ease a person’s mind.
Your teeth cleaning at CORE Dental Care will include a physical exam of your mouth, by Dr. Ericksen to check for any signs of gingivitis or other potential concerns. X-rays will be recommended as necessary to help with getting you an accurate diagnosis of your teeth and gums.
The next step is to remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Using a dental scaler or ultrasonic instrument, your hygienist will clean around your gum line and in between your teeth. The more tartar present on your teeth, the more effort will be required to remove it; so brushing and flossing regularly will keep plaque and tartar from build-up to a minimum.
After the tartar has been removed you will have your teeth cleaned with a ‘gritty’ feeling toothpaste. This process is performed by using an electric polisher that is very quiet and comfortable for patients. It leaves your teeth looking brighter and feeling smoother.
Your hygienist will floss your teeth after cleaning them. This will allow him/her to get between your teeth and help to identify any problem spots that may be present with bleeding gums etc. This also serves to remove any leftover plaque or toothpaste from the cleaning process.
Prior to applying fluoride, your mouth will be rinsed out to get rid of any debris. The last step is to apply the fluoride treatment. These usually come in various flavors and will help protect your teeth until your next cleaning. The fluoride is in the form of a varnish, which has a honey consistency, and is applied to your teeth with a brush. There is no need to avoid eating or drinking for an extended time following this treatment.
No matter the steps used for your cleanings, you will need to keep them up on a regular basis. At least two times per year is recommended for most patients to help reduce your risk of developing gum/periodontal disease or having a dental emergency. Regularity is the key to a healthy mouth.
This video shows you how excessive calculus and bacterial deposits are removed from beneath the gumline to help control the spread of periodontitis.