Dental prophylaxis, also known as teeth cleaning, is the process of removing surface deposits and tartar from the teeth. During this dental treatment, it also involves polishing the teeth to remove any residual plaque and polishing them to shape. Even if you’re one of those people who are diligent about brushing and flossing daily, with a toothbrush, it isn’t possible to reach the tiny recesses in your teeth and it’s important to note that these spots are where most plaque build-up occurs. As a preventative measure, visiting your dentist on a bi-annual basis for professional teeth cleaning basis helps prevent the progression of periodontal disease (gum disease), gingivitis and promotes good oral health hygiene.
Because a lot can happen to your teeth between cleanings, this is an opportunity to check in and make sure that everything is as it should be. Teeth cleanings are performed by either the hygienist or the dentist. It first starts with an exam where Dr. Feng examines examines your gums and teeth, checking for any apparent abnormalities. X-rays will be taken during your regularly scheduled appointment if required, followed by a professional teeth cleaning. A typical cleaning typically comprises of 4 steps:
You may do a great job of brushing and flossing your own teeth, but there are some spots where you miss. Even the most diligent brushers are not able to get every crevice between teeth as there are simply some spots which are hard to reach. These areas can include the back molars in your mouth, and the area below the gum line. When this happens, calculus can build up and bacteria can travel into the inside of your teeth causing periodontal disease. Even though periodontal disease is not common in very young people, it can grow worse without you ever knowing because it is a silent process. However, with proper dental oral hygiene, you can to take a proactive approach to protecting your teeth and health. Some benefits to a routine teeth cleaning include:
If you have periodontal disease, we will need to do a deep cleaning where it involves both scaling and root planing as regular or standard cleaning treatments are no longer appropriate. During a deep cleaning, tartar will be removed between your teeth and gums down the entire length of each tooth, stopping where the gum and root, and bone meet.
If you are treated for periodontal disease, we will consult with you and explain the components of an ongoing periodontal maintenance program. Typically, an interval of three months between appointments is most effective, as we will require more frequent and in-depth gum and bone care procedures to keep your mouth healthy.
At the office of Sloan Creek Dental, we understand how important it is for families to maintain their oral health. We offer an affordable $129 new patient special for those without insurance, which includes an oral exam, X-Rays, and a professional cleaning. We also accept most PPO insurance, where our experienced team of professionals will provide a detailed explanation of your benefits, enabling you to get the services you want within your out-of-pocket expenses.
We are also committed to providing exceptional dental care in a stress free and friendly environment. You can expect the personalized attention you and your family deserve. If you have any questions, or would like to schedule an appointment for the family, our practice offers a variety of flexible appointment options. You can even schedule an appointment online! We also accept walk-in patients, so you can come to us if you have an emergency or urgent issue. For more information on scheduling, please call our Fairview office at (972) 468-1440.
