Regular dental cleanings are an essential part of preventive dentistry and a great way to ensure your smile stays healthy and beautiful for a long time.
But, how often should you get them and what happens if you have an underlying condition?
We will answer all these questions and more in this article. Keep reading!
As mentioned before, dental cleanings are a preventive measure that can help you keep decay and gum disease at bay. During the treatment, the dentist will likely use an ultrasonic instrument to remove plaque and tartar build-up. The dentist can also use scalers to remove smaller pieces of plaque and ensure your teeth are perfectly clean.
While you may be diligent about your oral hygiene, the truth is that a regular toothbrush can't remove plaque as effectively as the dentist. If you skip your appointments, then more plaque and tartar will build up, which will make it more difficult for the dentist to remove them. Moreover, plaque is one of the main culprits for gum diseases and cavities, so it's important to have it removed periodically.
You can still get a dental cleaning if you have gum disease. In fact, your dentist may actually recommend a deep dental cleaning so they can reach under the gums and remove the bacteria that has led to this condition in the first place.
A dental cleaning can also help you prevent other conditions. Once it reaches deep under the gums, plaque can travel through the bloodstream and increase your chances of developing heart disease or a stroke.
A lot of people assume that sedation dentistry is only suited for complex dental procedures or surgery, but that simply isn't the case.
If you have dental anxiety or a condition that prevents you from sitting still during the procedure, then you can discuss oral conscious sedation options with your dentist. For instance, laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, can help you relax and feel comfortable during teeth cleaning.
Depending on the dentist, the type of cleaning, and your location, a teeth cleaning can cost anywhere between $70 and over $200. You should check your insurance policy too as most of them cover teeth cleanings as preventive care.
At Bayview Dental, we are a family dentist practice in Center City with a focus on preventive care. We strive to help our patients understand that coming to regular appointments and addressing minor issues before they turn big, will benefit them in the long run.
If you have any questions about our services or if you are ready to book your appointment, then we are waiting for you to get in touch with us.