When it comes to taking care of your body, don’t forget about your teeth! A sparkling smile doesn’t just make you look good; it’s also a crucial part of your overall health. Regular visits to the dentist for cleaning can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent problems down the line. Let’s break down the process so you know exactly what happens during a professional dental cleaning.
Importance of Dental Care
You might think teeth are just for eating and talking, but they do so much more. They’re also essential for the shape of your face and have a big impact on your overall health. Numerous health problems, like diabetes or heart disease, have been linked to poor oral hygiene. Regular cleanings and teeth whitening in Ewing can significantly improve the appearance and health of your teeth, which can help boost your confidence and well-being.
What are the Dental Services?
Dental practices provide many different services to keep your mouth healthy. These can range from fillings and extractions to braces, dentures, and even specialized services for children. Whether you need regular cleanings to prevent problems or more complex procedures, it’s always a good idea to book an appointment with a professional dental service provider for quality care.
The Initial Exam
The first step when you go in for your dental cleaning is a preliminary check-up. This lets the dental hygienist look at the overall state of your teeth and gums.
- Carrying out a visual check: With a simple glance, the dental hygienist can see warning signs like inflammation, plaque, tartar, or even suspicious lesions. This visual inspection is a useful first measure to spot any potential problems.
- Utilizing dental instruments: Next, the hygienist uses special tools called periodontal probes and explorers. They aren’t as scary as they sound. In fact, these small tools help the hygienist check your gums more thoroughly and find areas they might need to focus on.
- Undergoing dental X-rays: Finally, they might take dental X-rays. But don’t worry, this is completely safe and routine. They only do this to get a better idea of your overall dental health and to spot any hidden problems that might not be visible from the outside.
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Now, we reach the central part of the cleaning process. The dental hygienist focuses on getting rid of plaque and tartar, which are bacteria and deposits that build up over time.
- Operating an ultrasonic scaler: The dental hygienist uses something called an ultrasonic scaler. This nifty machine gently shakes away the tartar that has attached itself to your teeth and gums. It’s rinsed away with a stream of water.
- Performing hand scaling: If the ultrasonic scaler isn’t able to get everything, the dental hygienist switches back to handheld tools. Using a combination of dental curettes and scalers, they make sure every nook and cranny in your mouth is as clean as possible.
Teeth Polishing
Now that your teeth are free from plaque and tartar, it’s time to polish them!
- Spreading prophylaxis paste: The dental hygienist uses a special paste and a tool called a rubber cup hooked up to a handpiece. The paste gently scrubs your teeth, pulling off any leftover plaque and making your teeth smooth at the same time.
- Achieving your glossy finish: Once the paste is all rinsed off, your teeth will be sparkling and smooth!
Fluoride Treatment
The final official step in the cleaning process is a fluoride treatment, which is all about keeping your teeth protected until your next visit.
- Imparting the fluoride: Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens teeth and protects against cavities. It can come in many forms like a gel, foam or varnish, and is directly applied to your teeth.
- Enriching your teeth: After your cleaning, a fluoride treatment gives your teeth an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.
Dental Cleanings
Practicing good oral hygiene at home is essential, but you also need professional cleanings from a place like Ewing Dental to maintain optimal oral health. Professionals can help spot potential problems early and show you how to care for your teeth properly.
Oral Cancer Screening
The last step isn’t always included, but many dental practices are now incorporating oral cancer screening into routine check-ups. This is another precautionary step to keep you healthy.
- Undergoing a visual examination: The dental hygienist will check the inside of your mouth for signs of oral cancer, such as lumps, white and red patches, or abnormal sores.
- Examining the physical aspects: Next, they’ll physically check the areas around your head and neck for abnormalities. This includes your jaw, cheeks, and even under your chin!
To End
So there we have it: an in-depth look at exactly what happens during a professional dental cleaning! It’s a straightforward process involving visual exams, plaque and tartar removal, teeth polishing, fluoride treatment, and even oral cancer screenings in some cases. Regular dental visits are a small price to pay for a healthier, happier you. After all, a smile is a curve that sets everything straight!
