Regularly scheduled professional cleanings are critical to maintaining a healthy mouth and beautiful smile.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY VISIT?
During your cleaning appointment, the hygienist will examine your mouth and perform the following procedures:
- Remove plaque Tooth decay (cavities) is caused by the buildup of plaque which is a sticky film containing bacteria that attack tooth enamel. The bacteria also produce toxins that inflame the gums, leading to periodontal disease. Preventative cleanings reduce your risk of developing cavities and periodontal disease.
- Remove tartar Plaque left on teeth over time hardens and becomes calculus (tartar). It can only be removed with dental tools. Tartar builds up from the top - down pushing the gum tissue away from the tooth over time. This can cause gums to bleed, leading to periodontal disease and bone loss.
- Polish teeth: This final step removes minor stains and any remaining plaque, making teeth their whitest and brightest!
For most people, Addison Grove Dental recommends a professional cleaning every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
ULTRASONIC CLEANINGS
We also use ultrasonic cleaning at Addison Grove Dental when necessary to clean teeth and keep them healthy. Rather than manually scaling your teeth, we use a device that vibrates at an extremely high frequency for effective and delicate cleaning of your teeth. The pulsating movements cause plaque and tartar to fall off your teeth and then we rinse them away with a water tip directly attached to the scaler.
Our ultrasonic cleaning device also helps to eliminate tartar and a hard, calcified type of tartar called calculus. Before ultrasonic cleaning became mainstream, dentists had to scrape plaque and tartar manually. This sometimes resulted in damage to the patient’s tooth enamel.
Ultrasonic cleaning is the most effective way to treat gum disease
Contact Addison Grove Dental in Addison, TX, to schedule your dental cleaning today. Our team is committed to providing quality preventive services to keep dental disease at bay. We are all about long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!
Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Cleaning in Addison
What Is The Difference Between A Regular Cleaning And An Ultrasonic Cleaning?
A regular cleaning primarily uses manual hand instruments to scale the teeth. An ultrasonic cleaning uses a specialized device that vibrates at a high frequency to break up hardened calculus (tartar) and calculus. We utilize ultrasonic technology when necessary to provide a more efficient and thorough cleaning for our patients.
How Often Should I Schedule A Dental Cleaning In Addison?
While the standard recommendation is every six months, some patients with a history of gum disease or rapid tartar buildup may benefit from more frequent visits. During your exam at Addison Grove Dental, we will evaluate your oral health and recommend a schedule that ensures your teeth and gums stay healthy and strong year-round.
Will My Dental Cleaning Be Painful?
We prioritize patient comfort and use gentle techniques to ensure a positive experience. For patients with sensitive teeth or significant buildup, our ultrasonic cleaning technology offers a delicate alternative to traditional manual scaling. The high-frequency vibrations effectively remove debris with minimal pressure on the tooth enamel.
Can Dental Cleanings Help Improve Bad Breath?
Yes. Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by bacteria and tartar trapped below the gumline and between teeth. Because these deposits cannot be removed by brushing alone, a professional cleaning is one of the most effective ways to eliminate the source of the odor and refresh your breath.
