You probably know It’s important to get your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis, but do you know why, or what happens during a professional tooth cleaning? How much do you really understand about what happens when you visit the dentist for an examination and checkup?
In this article, we’ll discuss the most essential aspects of professional teeth cleaning, so you’ll know what to expect the next time you visit the dentist in Tampa.
Preventive Dental Care
Preventative dental care is known as prophylaxis. During a dental exam and cleaning, the dentist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from your tooth enamel, especially in the areas around the gumline. Some of the tools the dentist will use include:
- Mouth mirror. The dentist will use the mirror to see the parts of your mouth that are usually hidden from view, like the backs of the teeth.
- Dental probe. A dental probe is a tool used to measure the depth of the pockets around the teeth and explore parts of the mouth.
- Suction device. The suction device can be used to suck up saliva from the mouth to ensure your dentist can see your teeth properly.
- Ultrasonic scaler. This tool helps remove plaque from the teeth to prepare the enamel for polishing.
During the appointment, the dentist will give you an oral exam to look for problems like cavities, cracks in the tooth enamel, infection, and gum disease. If the dentist finds problems with your oral health, they’ll tell you about the next steps.
The dentist may or may not give you an x-ray to find problems that may be hidden from view, like newly developing cavities or wisdom teeth growing in invasively.
What is Prophylactic Cleaning?
The word “prophylactic” means “intended to prevent disease.” Prophylactic cleanings are important for your oral health and can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums throughout your lifetime. Even if you brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day, it’s still important to go to the dentist for a prophylactic cleaning twice per year.
This type of cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar. This is important because regular teeth cleanings alone don’t always prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your tooth enamel. Dental cleanings also prevent bacterial growth and oral problems.
What to Expect
Most of the time, standard oral cleanings are painless. However, if you’re concerned about discomfort or if you have sensitive teeth, your dentist can use a numbing gel to help you feel comfortable throughout the appointment. Some people experience dental anxiety before an appointment. If this describes you, talk to your dentist to devise strategies that can help.
Need Prophylactic Dental Cleaning? Contact Weninger Dentistry
At Weninger Dentistry, we help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. We’re committed to helping you maintain good oral health. For efficient and effective dental cleaning in Tampa, call Weninger Dentistry today to make an appointment.