We will thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, gently removing plaque and tartar that may have built up. This includes flossing between your teeth and scraping off plaque that has accumulated beneath the gum line, using water or an ultrasonic cleaner. After your cleaning, your teeth will be polished and your smile will be left feeling refreshed and reinvigorated.
If it’s been a while since you’ve had dental x-rays taken, your dentist may recommend x-rays. Dental x-rays allow us to see beneath the surface, and find problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. With x-rays, we can make more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatment plans.
Your dentist will review your x-rays before taking an in-depth look at your teeth and gums. If we notice any areas of concern, we’ll take the time to explain our findings, and help you decide how to best address it. Our goal is to keep you informed and educated, so you can make the right oral health decision with confidence.
Based on what we uncover during your exam, you’ll work together with your dentist to create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to fit your unique needs, budget, and lifestyle. If we find your mouth to be healthy and in good shape, we’ll simply schedule your next regular checkup and cleaning!
No matter what kind of treatment you’re scheduling, our team is here for you. We can answer any insurance or financing questions you may have, and will do everything we can to ensure every visit is simple and stress-free.
You should brush your teeth at least two times a day for two minutes at a time. Begin by holding your brush at a 45-degree angle relative to your teeth and gums. Clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces of each tooth using small, circular strokes, spending about 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. Make sure your toothpaste has fluoride, and is ADA-approved, and remember to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3-4 months.
Begin by gathering around 24 inches of dental floss. Wrap most of it around one index or middle finger, and wind the remaining few inches around the index finger of your other hand. Holding about a 1-inch section, keep it taught between your fingers and thumbs as you gently glide the floss between your teeth. Use a gentle rocking motion instead of trying to force the floss down, as it can slip and that force can damage your gums. When the floss is between your teeth, take it into the gum line following the c-shaped curve of the tooth to dislodge plaque and bacteria. Keep repeating this process for both sides of every tooth, keeping sure to wind a new 1-inch section each time to help prevent the spread of bacteria.
Prophylactic cleanings are also referred to as “regular cleanings.” These are the cleanings you receive during your regular dental appointments, and are important to get every 6 months to help prevent decay and keep bad breath at bay. We will remove any buildup of plaque, tartar, or bacteria from your teeth and floss between them to ensure your smile stays healthy and free of debris.
Periodontal cleanings, also known as “deep cleanings,” are only required for patients with periodontal, or gum, disease. As the name suggests, these sessions are more thorough than regular cleanings. During your visit, your dentist or hygienist will carefully scrape away plaque and tartar that has built up between your teeth and gums, as well as taking care to smooth out the roots of your teeth, to eliminate pockets that can trap bacteria and perpetuate gum disease. Deep cleanings are an important part of every periodontal maintenance routine, and are meant to help those suffering from gum disease preserve their oral health.
For most patients, dental insurance policies fully cover routine preventive care like cleanings, exams, and x-rays. Even if preventive care is not 100% covered by your insurance plan, it will likely be at least partially covered. Some plans may even cover treatments that are considered optional, such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments. For specific details about your insurance plan, get in touch with us today, and find out how we can help maximize your benefits.