Professional Dental Cleanings Are Essential for Your Oral Health
Are you diligent about maintaining your oral health, but feel like you’re not getting the desired results? The team at Polasek Digital Dentistry & Schaefer Dental Group provides professional dental cleanings that can transform your smile. With the skill of Howell, MI general dentist, Dr. Kyle Polasek, you can achieve a brighter, healthier, and more confident smile. Learn more by calling our Southeastern Michigan dental practice at 517-546-8983.
What Are Professional Dental Cleanings?
Professional dental cleanings involve removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth and gums by a dental hygienist or dentist using specialized instruments. These cleanings help treat and prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. Our comprehensive cleanings go beyond simply removing plaque and tartar – they’re designed to nurture your oral health and set the stage for a lifetime of vibrant, radiant teeth.
Types of Professional Dental Cleanings
Regular Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
A regular dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is typically performed every six months for patients with healthy gums and minimal plaque buildup. During routine dental cleanings, the dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, flosses between the teeth, and polishes the enamel to remove surface stains.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
Deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is recommended for patients with gum disease or significant tartar buildup below the gumline. This procedure involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth roots and smoothing out rough spots to promote gum tissue reattachment and prevent further gum recession.
Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning
Periodontal maintenance cleanings are recommended for patients diagnosed with gum disease (periodontitis) and have undergone scaling and root planing treatment. These cleanings are typically performed every three to four months to prevent the progression of gum disease by removing plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and below the gum line.
Gross Debridement
Gross debridement is a dental procedure to remove heavy plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums, which can’t be removed with normal dental prophylaxis. During the procedure, specialized instruments are used to scrape away large deposits of dental plaque and tartar, allowing for better visualization of oral structures. This initial step helps improve the effectiveness of subsequent treatments and promotes optimal oral health outcomes.
Benefits of Professional Dental Cleanings
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar you simply can’t reach when brushing and flossing at home.
- Better Oral Health: Professional dental cleanings help improve and sometimes reverse gum disease.
- Fresher Breath: Removing built-up plaque and bacteria can significantly improve your breath.
- Brighter, Healthier Smile: Polishing and cleaning teeth can restore their natural brightness and luster.
- Reduced Risk of Tooth Loss: Maintaining good oral health through professional cleanings can help you keep your natural teeth for life.
Who Needs Professional Dental Cleanings?
Patients of all ages in Howell, MI, and the surrounding areas can benefit from professional dental cleanings at Polasek Digital Dentistry & Schaefer Dental Group, including:
- Children and adolescents to establish good oral hygiene habits
- Adults to prevent and manage dental diseases
- Seniors to maintain their natural teeth and overall oral health
- Individuals with a history of gum disease or other dental problems
- Patients who don’t brush and floss as consistently as they should
- Those with a tendency to develop plaque and tartar buildup
The Dental Cleaning Process
Consultation
Before your cleaning begins, you’ll undergo an initial consultation with Dr. Polasek. During this discussion, Dr. Polasek and our other dental hygienists, will review your oral health history, address any concerns, and determine the most suitable cleaning and cleaning frequency for your needs.
Regular Prophylaxis
During prophylaxis, the dental professional and the hygienist will use specialized tools to meticulously remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. They will also floss between your teeth to dislodge any remaining debris, and then polish your teeth to remove surface stains and leave them feeling smooth and clean.
Scaling and Root Planing
During scaling and root planing the hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the root surfaces of the teeth. They will also smooth out any rough spots on the roots to promote reattachment of the gum tissue and prevent further gum recession.
Periodontal Maintenance
During periodontal maintenance cleanings, the hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line to keep the gums healthy.
Gross Debridement
Gross debridement involves the hygienist using powerful instruments to remove the large deposits of calculus (hardened tartar) from the teeth and gums. This allows for a more accurate oral health assessment during the next visit.
Care Recommendations
After your professional dental cleaning, Dr. Polasek will review the findings of your examination and provide personalized recommendations for maintaining optimal oral health. These recommendations may include suggestions for improving your oral hygiene routine, dietary habits, and any additional treatments or procedures necessary to address specific dental issues. Dr. Polasek will work with you to create a tailored plan to ensure the health and longevity of professional teeth and your smile.
Dental Cleaning Aftercare
To maintain the results of your professional teeth cleaning, it’s crucial to continue practicing good oral hygiene at home. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Flossing at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles.
- Using an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks that can erode tooth enamel.
- Scheduling regular follow-up cleanings and dental examinations at Polasek Digital Dentistry & Schaefer Dental Group in Howell, MI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for regular preventive cleanings and exams. However, this coverage may vary based on the type of dental cleaning, the frequency of the cleanings, and other factors. Your dental team can help you understand your benefits and explore payment options.
Yes, professional dental cleanings are still crucial, even if you practice excellent oral hygiene at home. Dental professionals have specialized tools and techniques to remove hardened plaque and tartar that can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, ensuring a thorough cleaning. Professional cleanings are also ideal if you suffer from chronic dental issues like gum disease.
While dental cleanings are critical to managing and treating gum disease, they may not be sufficient to reverse the advanced stages of the condition. In such cases, additional treatments, such as scaling and root planing or periodontal surgery, may be necessary in conjunction with regular cleanings and improved oral hygiene habits.