A dental cleaning is a preventative treatment that can protect teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. The treatment is performed to remove plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces. Plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth surfaces. It is made up of bacteria, acids and food particles, and it eats away at teeth surfaces. Plaque also calcifies when left on teeth for extended periods, turning into tartar.
Tartar cannot be removed by brushing, and it facilitates tooth decay. The only way to get these deposits that serve as free housing for oral bacteria off your teeth is to have a dentist scrape them off with a scaler.
Professional teeth cleaning should be part of everyone's oral hygiene routine. Dentists recommend getting the treatment at least two times a year. This reduces the odds of gum disease developing or progressing. It also improves the appearance of the person's teeth since tartar gives teeth a yellow tint.
Getting your teeth cleaned by a dentist starts with a consultation. During the appointment, the dentist will examine the patient's teeth looking for signs of developing issues. X-rays may be taken to evaluate teeth roots and gum pockets.
The dentist will then use an instrument called a scaler and a dental mirror to remove tartar and plaque from teeth surfaces. Ultrasonic instruments can also be used to clean teeth. It is a painless procedure, so local anesthetics are typically not used.
When the dentist is done removing tartar and plaque deposits from the patient's teeth, they will use dental floss to clean interdental spaces. The dentist might finish up the treatment by performing a fluoride treatment to remineralize the patient's teeth and protect them against tooth decay.
Most patients who get teeth cleaning do not feel uncomfortable while the dentist works. In the rare event a patient experiences pain during the treatment, the dentist can use other tools to improve the patient's experience.
Dental cleanings typically take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. The patient spends the entire time laying back in a dental chair. By the time the treatment is over, the patient's teeth should be free of tartar, which improves their aesthetics. Professional teeth whitening goes a long way when it comes to keeping teeth free of tartar and the issues that it can cause. It also allows for the early detection of developing oral issues, which typically leads to less invasive treatments and lower dental bills.
The benefits of getting regular teeth cleanings include:
Regular dental cleanings should be part of your oral hygiene routine. Call or visit our Santa Barbara clinic to learn more about how our dentist can protect your oral and overall health with a professional teeth cleaning.
Request an appointment here: https://wrightdentalco.com or call Wright Dental Co. Dental Office of Dr. Houston Wright at (805) 914-0505 for an appointment in our Santa Barbara office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning in Santa Barbara, CA.
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