Professional dental cleanings are a vital part of proper oral hygiene. Dental cleanings are typically part of a preventative care exam performed biannually, where your mouth, gums, and teeth are thoroughly examined for any complex problems. Even with proper at-home dental care, plaque and tartar can still develop and even lead to gum disease. Teeth cleaning is a general dentistry service that everyone needs. You should never put it off, or it can lead to tooth problems later.
If gum disease is present, periodontist Dr. Robert Cain has over 20 years of experience accurately diagnosing and treating patients with gum disease. Dr. Cain can properly check for any signs of gum disease during your comprehensive exam.
With specialized tools and materials, a highly trained dental hygienist will carefully perform your routine dental cleaning. During a professional dental cleaning, plaque and tartar are carefully removed from your teeth and gums. In our Knoxville, TN dentist office, professional dental cleanings will leave you with a clean, bright, healthy smile.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
Our highly trained and experienced dental hygienists will thoroughly examine your gums, teeth, and mouth. Then they will start a vigorous deep cleaning process by removing any buildup of tartar and plaque from your teeth using a special set of tools designed just for this purpose.
Our hygienist will help you feel relaxed and calm before treatment and will answer any questions you may have. If you feel any discomfort, let your hygienist know so that we can make the appropriate adjustments for your comfort.
Next, professional brushing and flossing tools remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that a regular toothbrush cannot reach.
Finally, we polish your teeth with a low-speed rotary brush fitted with a soft rubber tip. We apply a slightly gritty, toothpaste-like gel, and the tip spins around and polishes the teeth, making them smooth and shiny.
A fluoride treatment may be administered to protect your teeth against cavities. Once the cleaning is complete, Dr. Cain will review any recommended treatments.
The Importance Of Regular Teeth Cleaning
A professional tooth cleaning helps to eliminate disease-causing bacteria. Patients who receive bi-annual dental cleanings enjoy cleaner, whiter, healthier smiles. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during their cleaning and enjoy a fresh, clean feeling after treatment.
At home, brushing and flossing at least twice daily can help keep your teeth clean in between professional cleanings. Our Knoxville, TN dentist office staff can help patients learn practical techniques for brushing and flossing for improved oral health.
Dental Anxiety
It has been estimated that 3 out of every 10 American adults avoid their regular dentist appointments because of fear and anxiety. Dental anxiety is a condition that prevents people from getting the dental care they need.
Routine dental health exams and cleanings can help keep your teeth clean and healthy and may prevent the need for further dental care, meaning less time in the dentist’s chair.
For patients with dental anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry options. You can receive sedation dentistry even for routine dental cleaning to help you feel relaxed during your treatment. Dr. Cain will discuss sedation options with the patients before their procedure.
Dental Cleaning FAQs
Does a dental cleaning prevent bad breath?
Yes. A dental cleaning can rid your mouth of old food particles, odor-causing bacteria, tartar, and plaque in a single visit. It is difficult to develop halitosis if you visit the dentist at least twice a year for a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning.
Will a dental cleaning make my teeth sensitive?
No. Tooth sensitivity after a dental cleaning is not common. If your teeth become sensitive after leaving the dentist office, it is very likely to go away after a couple of hours. Patients who have not been to the dentist in a while may get tooth sensitivity for a couple of days after their visit. Remember, tooth sensitivity after a dental cleaning is only temporary.
How often should I get dental cleanings?
Professional dental cleanings are an important part of routine oral hygiene. Most dentists recommend getting a dental cleaning at least twice a year. Fortunately, this procedure is not expensive, and most dental insurance plans cover the cost. Teeth cleaning treatment at the dentist will remove harmful bacteria that are hidden and hard to reach with regular toothbrushing at home.
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
We offer detailed professional dental cleanings in our Knoxville, TN dentist office. If you are searching for an experienced dentist, Dr. Cain is available for your oral health needs. Contact us by calling 865-483-6991 or scheduling an appointment online.
