Dental prophylaxis, also known as teeth cleaning, is the process of removing surface deposits and tartar from the teeth, keeping the oral cavity in good health. Even if you’re diligent about brushing and flossing daily, 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 regular teeth cleaning helps prevent the progression of periodontal disease (gum disease) and 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 teeth, but there are some spots where you miss. Even the most diligent brushers cannot get every crevice between teeth as there are simply some spots that 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 harmful bacteria can travel inside your teeth, causing periodontal disease. Even though periodontal disease is not common in young people, it can worsen without you ever knowing because it is a silent process. However, you can take a proactive approach to protect your teeth, prevent tooth loss, and stop the progression of gum disease with proper dental oral hygiene. Some benefits to 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 $149 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 when we take care of your dental health. If you have any questions about a teeth cleaning appointment for a healthy smile, or would like to schedule an appointment for the family, our practice offers flexible appointment options. You can even schedule an appointment online!
You can reach us at our Fairview, TX dental office to schedule an in-person consultation with us today – 972-468-1440. Our dental office is located in Fairview, Texas, and our patients visit us from across the surrounding areas, including Allen, Plano, McKinney, and Lucas.
Just about anything you need under one roof. Your Fairview dentist near Allen and McKinney has your family covered.