By Leo Cora
You already know that regular brushing and flossing is critical to protect your teeth and gums, but do you care enough about regular dental cleanings? Many people won’t schedule a dental appointment until they have a problem or condition that needs immediate attention. Dental cleanings are just as important, and if this is the first time you are seeing your Bellmore dentist for a routine cleaning, here’s what to expect.
Understanding dental cleanings
During a dental cleaning session, your dentist will clean your mouth and remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar. As required, they may recommend using dental sealants or other procedures. If you are someone who is scared of such procedures, you can talk to the dentist to learn about sedation choices that will help you feel more relaxed. In general, dental cleaning can be divided into three categories:
Prophylaxis: This is a preventive cleaning procedure for patients who have healthy teeth and gums. You just need one appointment, and your dentist will tell you when to return for a second cleaning session. Usually, a gap of six months is recommended.
Gross debridement: If you haven’t been to a dentist for over a year, you will usually need this option. Gross debridement is similar to prophylaxis, but the procedure takes longer. The dentist will remove tartar and plaque but will also check for additional concerns.
Root planing and scaling: These are deep cleaning procedures, often used when there are evident signs of gum disease. The dentist will go beyond the gum line and clean out bacterial growth, calculus, and plaque from the roots. The combination of these treatments is highly effective for anyone with mild to moderate periodontitis. Root planing and scaling are usually done under local anesthesia.
What happens during a dental cleaning session?
As the first step, your dentist will use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar. Many dental clinics also rely on ultrasonic scalers. The procedure is not supposed to cause pain, but if you have gum disease, they may recommend local anesthesia. The next step is usually about polishing your teeth using pumice or a particular paste. Polishing helps remove the biofilm covering teeth that can otherwise damage the enamel. If you have deep crevices in your molars that aren’t cavities, your dentist may also suggest sealants to help prevent additional concerns like decay. Fluoride treatments are also often included in dental cleaning sessions to strengthen the enamel.
How long does the procedure take?
A routine dental cleaning session shouldn’t take more than an hour. Procedures like root planing, scaling, and debridement may take longer.
Should you spend on routine dental cleanings?
The short answer is yes. With routine dental cleanings, you can prevent a wide range of teeth and gum problems, including decay, cavities, and gum disease. Oral health is linked to your overall health, and some studies show that dental cleanings can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease. Oral exams and cleanings can also help address bad breath, which is often a result of hardened tartar and gum disease. If you are concerned about the cost of routine dental cleanings, remember that other treatments are even more expensive.
Are there any risks?
Dental cleaning is safe and doesn’t pose any risks. However, it is common to experience discomfort, sore gums, and sensitivity immediately after the procedure, but these side effects should go away in a few days.
Final word
See your dentist in Bellmore if you haven’t booked an appointment in more than six months. You can ask for their advice on how to care better for your teeth and gums to avoid common dental diseases and conditions.
