Longmont Teeth Cleanings
If you’re proactive about your oral hygiene, you know the importance of visiting your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning. Dr. Hedrick and her team will help you maintain your oral health with their care, expertise, and state-of-the-art technology not commonly found in other dental practices. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect when it’s time to visit us for a cleaning.
What Is a Dental Teeth Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning at a dental office is a form of preventive dental care. It’s also referred to as a hygiene appointment. It includes two steps: an exam (checkup) and a dental cleaning.
Dental checkups and cleanings protect oral health and protect the overall health of your body. For example, periodontal disease can spread bacteria to the rest of your body and cause more issues.¹ Identifying and treating these issues before they cause problems in the future can prevent the need for more treatment as well as save you money.
Checkup
The checkup portion may include taking a 3D scan of your teeth, X-ray images, photographs, and an evaluation to determine tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer.
Cleaning
The cleaning portion may include removing plaque and tartar, reducing bacteria in your gums with an ultrasonic, and polishing your teeth.
How Often Do I Need to Have My Teeth Cleaned at a Dental Office?
Dental exams and cleanings are scheduled at regular intervals depending on your specific needs. Most people with a healthy mouth will need a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. However, if you have gum disease, then you may need to visit the dentist more often. Check out our blog post on how often to see the dentist. If you’re not sure how often you should visit us, Dr. Hedrick and our hygienists will work with you to determine the appropriate schedule for your hygiene appointments.
What Is the Process?
If this is your first visit to our office, we will need your contact information, insurance information, and medical history. During the intake phase, we’ll learn about your history so we can provide the best care for you. Not only will we be asking questions regarding your medical information, but we will ask questions regarding what you’re looking for in a dental experience. We want to exceed your expectations and provide a terrific experience.
We check your temperature and review your medical history at each checkup. We also perform an oral cancer screening and airway assessment, and we take X-ray images and photographs as needed. On average, X-ray images are taken annually to look for any changes or teeth problems. We sometimes use a 3D scanner to see how your teeth fit together. This technology also enables us to simulate how it would look to straighten your teeth and track any changes with receding gums.
At each checkup, we measure the spaces between your gums and teeth to check for infections and see if there are any unhealthy areas. Deeper areas between your gums and teeth that are difficult to keep clean harbor bacteria, which could cause tooth loss and other health problems. Our hygienists will let you know if they see any issues and discuss with you how to best treat them.
After your teeth are carefully and thoroughly cleaned, Dr. Hedrick will use the information that our hygienists have gathered with 3D scans, X-ray images, photographs, and gum measurements to determine if you need any additional care. She will also answer any questions you may have about your teeth and gums.
Do I Need Fluoride during My Teeth Cleaning?
Fluoride is a natural mineral that builds strong teeth and prevents cavities. It can also help strengthen weaker areas like exposed root surfaces and is beneficial for sensitive teeth. Fluoride treatment can be easily applied after your teeth are cleaned. Ask Dr. Hedrick or your hygienist if a fluoride varnish treatment is recommended for you.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Also referred to as gum disease or periodontitis, periodontal disease is an infection of gum tissue and loss of bone around teeth. It is caused by bacteria and deposits trapped under the gumline. Symptoms may include bleeding gums, teeth that shift out of place over time, receding gums, and bad breath.
Periodontal disease requires professional treatment. If not treated properly, it can cause bone loss, loss of teeth, and even spread bacteria to the rest of your body.
If you have periodontal disease, you will always need to maintain the gums. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to practice good oral hygiene at home. Maintaining regular hygiene appointments and allowing Dr. Hedrick to evaluate your mouth will help detect problems early.
Scaling and Root Planing
Also referred to as deep cleaning, this is how we treat gum disease. It is a non-surgical procedure where teeth are thoroughly cleaned below the gum line. An anesthetic is used to make sure you are comfortable. A soft tissue laser may be used during this procedure to remove bacteria and unhealthy tissue. The laser also helps the gums heal more quickly and has a better outcome than what we have been able to achieve before. Periodontal cleanings take more time than a healthy-mouth cleaning as they include an unbelievably detailed, deeper cleaning to remove deposits that keep the gums from healing.
Soft Tissue Laser
Lasers are becoming more common in dentistry. Soft tissue lasers can be used at any appointment to reduce bacteria in your gums and during periodontal cleanings to remove diseased, non-healing tissue. Most dental offices do not have soft tissue lasers, but we do.
Why Choose Longmont Dental Loft for Dental Exams and Cleanings?
It’s our opinion that great teeth cleaning comes down to people and technology. From the moment you walk into our office and speak with one of our patient coordinators, you’ll notice our warm and safe atmosphere. Not only are our hygienists enjoyable to be around, but they’re also deeply experienced in hygiene. You can be sure they’ll provide the top care you deserve. And, of course, Dr. Hedrick will participate in your exam.
As for technology, our office has state-of-the-art machinery and devices. For example, we have a 3D Primescan scanner, CBCT, and a soft tissue laser. Together, these high-tech instruments enable us to not only provide better care but also a better experience. If you have any questions about dental checkups and cleanings at our office, please contact us at 303-772-6333.
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References
- Mayo Clinic. Periodontitis. Mayoclinic.org. Retrieved November 7, 2023 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/periodontitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354473.