We all know that brushing and flossing are critical steps to maintain oral health. However, when it comes to seeing their dentist every six months, people often step back. After all, if you don’t have a concern, why should you book an appointment? The truth is regular dental exams and cleanings are highly essential, and you don’t need to have a problem with your teeth and gums to consult your NW Albuquerque dentist. In this post, we are answering some of the most common questions about dental cleanings.
How often should you go for dental cleaning and exams?
Experts recommend routine dental cleanings every six months. Patients who already have issues like gum disease or decay may need more frequent appointments, but your dentist will answer that question better.
What happens during dental exams?
A standard dental exam shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Your dentist will check the condition of your teeth and gums to spot undiagnosed issues (if any). If you haven’t done dental X-rays in more than a year or so, your dentist may suggest that you check the jawbone and overall positions of your teeth. When a patient has restorations like crowns and bridges, the dentist will check if they are in good shape.
What happens during dental cleanings?
Usually, dental cleanings take about 30 minutes. The first step is to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth using a scaler. They will also brush and floss your teeth using a special toothpaste. Depending on your needs, they may or may not recommend fluoride treatment. You must wait for at least 30 minutes after fluoride treatment before eating anything.
Will there be pain?
No, dental cleaning shouldn’t hurt. If you have sensitive teeth, you may experience some discomfort, but let your dentist know in advance so that they can recommend a pain reliever. For someone who has never been through a dental cleaning or oral exam, it may feel more unusual, but as you go for regular appointments, you will feel more comfortable.
What is prophylaxis and gross debridement?
Prophylaxis is the standard cleaning recommended for patients with healthy teeth and gums. If you haven’t gone for a cleaning in more than a year or two, you may benefit from gross debridement, which is a similar procedure but can continue beyond 30 minutes.
Why do some patients need root planing & scaling?
If a patient has mild to moderate gum disease and the dentist finds pockets between teeth and gums, they may recommend deep cleaning procedures. Scaling goes beyond the teeth surfaces to clean the gums, and root planing is a similar procedure that helps address early issues with gum disease. These procedures can take about an hour, and if you have an extreme buildup of tartar and plaque, your dentist may divide the treatment into two appointments.
What are the benefits of dental cleanings?
Dental cleanings drastically reduce the risk of many oral health issues, including decay and gum disease. There is also a strong relation between oral health and overall health, and if you keep your teeth and gums healthy with exams and cleanings, you can reduce the risks of other concerns. Routine cleanings also go a long way in preventing bad breath. Not to forget, the cost of a standard dental cleaning is much less than other treatments for dental diseases.
Most dental clinics in NW Albuquerque offer these cleaning sessions, and if you are new in the city, you can sort between options based on reviews and recommendations. Routine dental exams and cleanings aren’t just for adults – Even your kids need to see a dentist every six months.
