Dental Cleanings
Why Dental Cleanings Are Important
Dental cleanings, or prophylaxis, are crucial in maintaining oral health. They serve multiple purposes, including:
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Even with diligent home brushing and flossing, plaque can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. When not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which only a dental professional can remove. Tartar buildup can lead to cavities and gum disease.
- Preventing Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Regular professional cleanings can help prevent gum disease by removing the bacteria that cause it.
- Early Detection of Oral Health Issues: Regular visits to the dentist allow for early detection of potential problems such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Early detection means simpler and less invasive treatments.
- Maintaining Fresh Breath: Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, can indicate underlying oral health issues. Dental cleanings help remove the bacteria that cause bad breath and leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
- Overall Health Benefits: Studies have linked poor oral health to systemic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Regular dental cleanings contribute to better overall health by preventing oral infections that can spread to other body parts.
What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning
Our friendly and experienced dental hygienists will guide you through a comfortable and thorough cleaning process. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Examination: Before the cleaning begins, the hygienist will start with a preliminary examination of your mouth. They will use a small mirror to check for signs of gum disease, cavities, and other potential concerns.
- Scaling: The hygienist will use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar around the gum line and between the teeth. You will hear scraping, but this is a normal and crucial part of cleaning.
- Polishing: Once all the tartar is removed, the hygienist will polish your teeth with a high-powered electric brush and gritty toothpaste. This helps to remove surface stains and any remaining plaque.
- Flossing: After polishing, we’ll floss your teeth to remove plaque and any leftover toothpaste from between your teeth.
- Rinsing: We’ll provide a rinse that may contain liquid fluoride to eliminate any debris in your mouth.
- Fluoride Treatment: As a final step, a fluoride treatment may be applied to your teeth to help fight cavities. This treatment involves a gel or foam applied to the teeth
How Often Should You Get Dental Cleanings?
The American Dental Association recommends regular dental cleanings and check-ups at least twice yearly. However, the frequency of cleanings can depend on individual oral health needs. Some patients may require more frequent visits due to specific conditions like gum disease or a history of cavities.
Benefits of Choosing Lake Hickory Dental
Highly Qualified Team
Our team of dental professionals delivers top-notch care. Each member is highly trained and brings a wealth of experience to ensure your dental cleaning is thorough and effective. We stay updated with the latest advancements in dental hygiene to offer you the best possible care.
State-of-the-Art Technology
We use the latest technology to enhance our dental cleaning services. Our advanced equipment ensures precise and comfortable cleanings, minimizing any potential discomfort.
Comfortable Environment
We strive to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We design our welcoming office environment with your comfort in mind, and our friendly staff is always ready to assist you with any concerns or questions.
Personalized Care
We understand that every patient is unique. That’s why we customize our dental cleaning approach to meet your individual needs. Whether you require a simple cleaning or have specific oral health concerns, we tailor our services to ensure the best outcomes.
Patient Education
Part of our commitment to excellent care includes educating our patients on proper oral hygiene techniques. Our hygienists will provide you with tips and advice on how to maintain healthy teeth and gums at home. This includes proper brushing, flossing techniques, and dietary recommendations to support oral health.
Schedule Your Dental Cleanings in Hickory, NC
Don’t wait until you have a dental issue to visit Lake Hickory Dental. Preventive care is key to maintaining a healthy smile. Schedule your dental cleaning today! Let Dr. Robert Steljes (Dr. Rob) and his team help you achieve and maintain better oral health. Our services include general dentistry, emergency dentistry, and dental implants in Hickory.
