Dental Cleanings at South Fork Dentistry
Hi, my name's Alaina. I'm the dental hygienist at South Fork Dentistry. Recently, we've been getting a lot of questions about cleaning. I'm going to answer some of those today.
What are the different types of dental cleanings?
Good question. The different types of dental cleanings include prophylaxis, which is a cleaning for a healthy adult mouth. We also have periodontal maintenance, which is a cleaning for someone who has previously had gum disease. There's scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, done when it's been a while since you've been to the dentist or you've been diagnosed with gum disease. There's also a gingivitis cleaning for someone diagnosed with gingivitis and has lots of bacteria present in the mouth.
What is the importance of a dental cleaning?
The importance of a dental cleaning is to ensure we don't have too much bacteria in the mouth and to check for any abnormalities. It's not just about the cleaning; it's also about the checkup.
How often should I have a dental cleaning?
Good question. It's a little different for everybody. For a healthy mouth, twice a year is recommended, but some people come as frequently as every three to four months depending on the health of their gums and any systemic health conditions they might have.
Is a dental cleaning painful?
No, dental cleanings should not be painful at all, or if you do experience pain, we can help control that with numbing.
How long should a typical dental cleaning take?
Dental cleanings in our office, because we use the airflow, typically take around 30 to 40 minutes.
What happens during a teeth cleaning?
During cleanings in our office, we'll check your gum tissue and teeth to ensure everything is free of disease and healthy. Then we remove the soft plaque and fine amounts of hard tartar with the airflow. Whatever the airflow doesn't remove, we go in with the ultrasonic to remove the larger chunks. We do some fine detail scaling. You'll get an exam with the doctor and fluoride, and you'll be good to go.
Are dental hygienists able to remove all tartar during a dental cleaning?
Yes, all tartar is removed during a dental cleaning, and that's the purpose of the dental cleaning.
Can dental cleaning damage the teeth?
No, cleanings done in the office with the airflow are very gentle and do not harm tooth structure.
How do I treat sensitive teeth after a dental cleaning?
Good question. Sometimes sensitivity is normal, especially if it's been a while since your last cleaning. You can use over-the-counter pain relief like Tylenol or ibuprofen if the gums are sensitive. If the teeth are sensitive, something like Sensodyne should help.
How can I schedule a dental cleaning?
Easy. Just call the office at (540) 778-9606, or schedule below!