Prevent Oral Issues with Cleanings
Having your teeth professionally cleaned goes beyond achieving a bright, shiny smile. Regular dental cleanings are one of the most important ways we help you prevent oral health issues.
A teeth cleaning is part of your routine preventive visit to our practice, where we’ll also provide tips on your at-home oral care routine, diet, and address any concerns or questions you may have about your smile. Plus, there’s nothing like that smooth, fresh feeling after your cleaning!
Regular dental checkups are a crucial part of maintaining your oral and overall health. The frequency of your visits to Signature Smile General & Cosmetic Dentistry is based on your individual needs and oral health.
What Is a Teeth Cleaning?
A professional teeth cleaning at our office is the only way to remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing may leave behind.
Along with brushing twice a day for two minutes and daily flossing, visiting us for a cleaning at least twice a year helps us detect and prevent common dental issues, like tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease. Early detection of oral health problems makes them easier, more affordable to treat, and less likely to cause future complications.
Procedure Overview
The details and order of your teeth cleaning appointment may vary depending on your individual needs, but the process generally follows these steps:
- First, the hygienist or dentist will remove tartar and plaque from your teeth using a scaler or dental pick. Plaque that remains on your teeth for too long hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. For larger amounts of tartar, we may use an ultrasonic scaler, which uses ultrasonic waves to break up the calculus, making it easier to remove with less scraping.
- Next, we use a special polisher and paste to remove stains and smooth the surfaces of your teeth. The polisher applies a mildly abrasive paste with a small, spinning rubber cup that’s similar to toothpaste but thicker.
- During the cleaning, we’ll rinse your teeth with a jet of water and suction away excess water and saliva. This helps clear away plaque, tartar, and polishing paste. If necessary, we may dry your teeth with a few puffs of air to get a clearer view of any buildup or surface irregularities.
- Finally, we’ll floss your teeth to remove any leftover polishing paste. After your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, we’ll conduct an examination of your teeth, gums, tongue, and the rest of your mouth to ensure everything looks healthy.