Dental Cleanings East Wenatchee Preventative dentistry appointments, such as professional dental cleanings and dental exams, can reduce the number of concerns that patients face. At Johnson Family Dental we encourage professional dental cleanings every six months. This allows us to work with you on a proactive approach to your dental wellness. Addressing concerns when they are in their early stages can help to potentially avoid larger concerns and the need for additional treatments. Even with a good home dental hygiene routine, tartar can accumulate on the teeth and below the gum line. If left unchecked, there is the risk of serious chronic concerns and potentially the loss of previously healthy teeth. What is a Dental Cleaning?Before starting the cleaning procedure, the teeth and gums will be checked for any potential signs of concern. This could include inflammation in the gums, dark areas on teeth, and a buildup of plaque and tartar. This will let the hygienist know what areas will need special care during the cleaning. If there are much more serious concerns uncovered, our dentist will need to perform a more complete dental exam. ScalingThe hygienist will use a dental tool known as a scaler to remove any accumulated plaque and tartar that is on the teeth. Special attention will be given to accumulations between teeth and near the gum line. This is important, as these hard-to-reach areas are often not addressed by flossing and brushing alone. Flossing and PolishingThe teeth will be flossed thoroughly, getting into those hard-to-reach areas that you may miss when you floss every day. The teeth will be polished, and stains addressed. A gritty toothpaste will be used to remove the stains and polish the teeth. Most patients report that they love the results of the polishing step of the treatment. Do Dental Cleanings Hurt?Generally speaking, patients should not feel discomfort during a professional cleaning. There are, however, some factors that can contribute to the likelihood of discomfort.If there are signs of gum inflammation and gum disease, or perhaps decay in one or more teeth, there may be some sensitivity felt. If it has been some time since your last cleaning, you may feel some minor discomfort that should pass quickly. If you have a temporomandibular disorder (TMD), you may feel some discomfort in your jaw during and after the treatment. Be sure to communicate any discomfort felt, so that a solution can be offered. Further Recommended TreatmentsIf your professional cleaning does not uncover any areas of concern, the next step will be to schedule your next cleaning and checkup. If there are some potential areas of concern, our dentist will recommend a course of treatment. This could include fillings or root canal therapy for any teeth that have cavities and signs of advanced decay. Any signs of gum disease will need to be addressed. Failing to address gum disease concerns can lead to advanced infection, abscesses, and the risk that it could potentially spread throughout your body. You are also at an increased risk of losing the tooth. Dental Cleanings in East WenatcheeAt Johnson Family Dental we understand your unique needs, and they are important to us. Quality is of utmost concern to us and this results in the excellent patient care that we provide. Schedule your dental cleaning with Johnson Family Dental, by calling us today at (509) 886-8833. Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning? Regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is a routine procedure to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from above the gum line, preventing cavities and gum disease. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease by cleaning below the gum line, removing plaque and tartar from tooth roots, and smoothing root surfaces to promote gum healing and reattachment. Can dental cleanings help with bad breath? Yes, dental cleanings can help with bad breath by removing plaque, tartar, and food particles that harbor bacteria. Regular cleanings also help prevent gum disease, a common cause of persistent bad breath, ensuring your mouth stays healthy and your breath fresh. |
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