Dental Cleanings
Maintaining oral health is not only about brushing and flossing your teeth. While those habits are important, your oral health routine should also include frequent dental visits for a thorough examination and dental cleanings.
Your mouth might feel clean and fresh after brushing, but that’s often not enough to keep bacteria at bay.
Many people dread dental cleaning sessions because they may have had negative experiences in the past. However, avoiding dental exams and cleanings leads to a never-ending painful journey.
The American Dental Association advises dental visits twice a year to prevent cavities, tooth decay, and gingivitis.
A visit to your dentist for a cleaning session comprises two distinct aspects – a dental exam followed by a cleaning. Dental cleanings refer to the removal of plaque and tartar in the mouth to prevent cavities and periodontal disease.
A dental exam includes the doctor conducting a thorough inspection of your mouth with a small mirror and evaluating the condition of your gums and teeth. A dental assistant may carry out an X-Ray to have a more detailed view and rule out any abnormalities that might not be visible in an oral examination, including the following oral health issues.
After the dental exam, the dentist will proceed with your cleaning, which entails. That process typically includes the following procedures.
After giving a thorough inspection, the hygienist starts the process of dental cleaning. This is different than the daily brushing you do at home and can help to get rid of harmful bacteria hiding behind your teeth or in some of the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Sometimes, when plaque builds up due to the negligence of oral health, it hardens into tartar.
We cannot remove it at home with vigorous brushing, and only a dentist or hygienist can come to your rescue with the help of a scaler and removes all the tartar.
Once excess plaque and tartar are removed from your teeth, the next step is polishing. You’ll choose a toothpaste, and your dentist or assistant will use a high-power electric brush to clean away the stains from your teeth.
The hygienist will floss between your teeth and guide you on the right way of flossing to keep your teeth free of any plaque. It’s an important habit to keep up at home and can make your dental visits much easier.
Lastly, the hygienist will conduct a fluoride treatment by applying a fluoride paste (foam or gel) on a mouthpiece and inserting it over your teeth. A fluoride treatment will give your teeth added protection from cavities and bacteria.
The duration of a dental cleaning varies slightly from person to person. Generally, it might take 30 minutes to one hour to have a clean mouth free of plaque and tartar.
Oral hygiene is a crucial step toward a healthy and happy life. Regular dental cleanings will not only freshen your breath and give you a brilliant smile, but cleaning can help to ward off dangerous oral health conditions, including
Regular dental visits can also save you painful and costly long-term health problems such as cardiovascular disease, endocarditis, or pneumonia.
Going in for a professional dental cleaning along with getting routine dental exams every six months is an easy way to ensure you have a healthy mouth, and it’s a great option for preventative care.
The cost of a dental cleaning depends on your location, insurance plan, and the type of cleaning you need. However, a dental cleaning session typically costs $75 to $200 without insurance. If there's any need for X-rays, the cost might go up to $400.
We at Smile Grove City are an in-network provider of dental services. Even if you do not have insurance, feel free to contact us to discuss your options. Our in-house insurance or other low-cost out-of-pocket options can help make dental cleanings affordable and give you the smile you always wanted.
Good oral health will have a positive impact on your life, no matter what. Oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, may give you a sparkling smile, but visiting a dentist for a regular dental cleaning might save you from other general health issues before they progress into something more serious.
Our team of compassionate and trustworthy professionals is ready to offer quality and affordable dental cleaning services. Feel free to look around and learn more about our treatment plans, or book an appointment!
We look forward to meeting you. Call (614) 350-5300 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
