About Dental Cleanings
Dental cleanings are an integral part of maintaining good oral hygiene. Our team of dental hygienists at Beachwood Dental offer thorough cleanings to our Los Alamitos patients in order to remove plaque and other built up bacteria left on the teeth and underneath the gumlines, using scaling techniques. Though at-home dental care is crucial to oral hygiene as well, routine dental cleanings, or prophylaxis, is necessary in order to help prevent gum disease and prevent plaque from hardening in hard-to-reach places, as well as filling any needed places and addressing cavities. A consult at our office can help to determine the level and extent of the cleaning needed and will depend on the needs of the patient. Each patient should leave with a healthier, cleaner mouth after their treatment.
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What to Expect
Dental cleanings are generally painless, but if a patient has sensitive teeth or gums, a topical numbing cream can be used. If the patient has trouble getting through a dental cleaning due to anxiety or a strong gag reflex, mild sedation options are also available. A cleaning may begin with an ultrasonic instrument that helps to loosen plaque and tartar before our hygienist switches to fine hand tools (scalers and curettes) to carefully scale or scrape the build up from the gumline and enamel. Once the deposits are removed from the teeth, our hygienist can polish the teeth using a special toothpaste and tool. If needed, our hygienist can go over good home oral care routines and help the patient with their brushing and flossing technique for better check-ups.
Treatment Aftercare
After the teeth are cleaned, the dentist may perform an oral exam to check for signs of oral cancer and gum disease. To keep their teeth smooth and healthy, patients should establish a home routine that includes brushing and flossing their teeth at least once a day. The dentist may offers suggestions or specific instructions, like a special mouthwash or toothpaste to treat the patient's specific concerns. Patients should be sure to schedule their next dental cleaning before leaving the office for six months or when their dentist recommends they return. Waiting too long between cleanings can lead to longer appointments and more invasive treatments.
Clean and Polished
To get your healthiest smile, schedule a professional dental cleaning with our dental hygienist team today. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that have built up over time to help you avoid gum disease, cavities, and infections. A cleaning also gets your teeth whiter and brighter by polishing the enamel and removing stains.
