Gums and teeth benefit from brushing and flossing, but dental plaque and stains build up on tooth surfaces over time, leaving hard deposits that cause decay and that brushing, rinsing, and flossing alone can’t remove. At Mill Pond Dental, our Cape Cod dentist, Dr. Tudor, creates dental plans that include teeth cleanings every six months. Professional dental cleanings are one of the simplest preventive measures that can help you maintain and enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.
What Is a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Having your teeth cleaned regularly helps prevent gingivitis, tooth decay, and loss of enamel from teeth. The type of cleaning you will need depends on the extent of the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. If buildup is extensive — which can result in inflammation of the gum tissue and some bone loss — a deep cleaning may be required.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
During a professional teeth cleaning, our dental hygienist will use traditional instruments as well as an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque, tartar, and stains that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. An ultrasonic scaler achieves the desired results more comfortably by using a spray of water to remove the hardened debris, minimizing the scraping affect produced by traditional tools. A deep cleaning takes more time to complete than a traditional cleaning, and can even take up to 1 1/2 hours per side. During this process, the gums may feel sore, and local anesthetic may be applied to minimize any discomfort that may occur.
Teeth-Cleaning Services
Services your hygienist will perform during your teeth cleaning include:
- A review of your dental and medical history
- An oral cancer screening
- An evaluation of your overall oral health
- X-rays to detect decay
- A deep cleaning to remove stains, plaque, and tartar
- Fluoride application
- Sealants
- Polishing of all teeth
- At-home oral health education and instruction
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FAQ
[spoiler title=”How much does a teeth cleaning cost?” open=”0″ style=”1″]How much a teeth cleaning costs depends on your particular dental situation and the extent of the plaque and tartar that needs to be removed. At Mill Pond Dental, we offer a variety of financing options so that you can afford and plan for the type of cleaning that best serves your needs.[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=”Does a professional cleaning whiten teeth?” open=”0″ style=”1″]A professional teeth cleaning will remove stains and your teeth will appear whiter; however, if you are looking for a dramatic change, at Mill Pond Dental we offer teeth-whitening services that can give you a dramatically whiter smile quickly and affordably.[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=”What at-home teeth-cleaning products are the best?” open=”0″ style=”1″]Dr. Tudor recommends looking for dental products with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. Pick toothpaste with fluoride in it to fight cavities. Your rinse should also have fluoride and bacteria-fighting properties.[/spoiler]
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