Regular teeth cleanings are a cornerstone of maintaining optimal oral health at Bryon Haley, DDS PA in Kansas City, KS. These cleanings do more than just enhance your smile—they are essential for preventing oral health issues and keeping your teeth and gums healthy for life.
A teeth cleaning is a professional procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that accumulate on your teeth over time. While brushing and flossing at home are vital for daily oral hygiene, professional cleanings are essential for reaching areas that are difficult to clean on your own, ensuring a thorough removal of harmful substances that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues.
This is the most common type of teeth cleaning, recommended for patients with generally healthy teeth and gums. Prophylaxis involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, polishing the teeth, and flossing to ensure a fresh, clean mouth.
Also known as deep cleaning, this procedure is for patients with signs of gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from reattaching. Local anesthesia is usually used to ensure comfort during the procedure.
This type of cleaning is for patients who haven’t had a teeth cleaning in a long time or have significant plaque buildup. It involves a more extensive cleaning process to remove thick deposits of tartar and evaluate the health of your teeth and gums.
The first step involves using specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gum line. This step may involve manual tools or ultrasonic scalers that vibrate and spray water to loosen and remove debris.
After scaling, your teeth will be polished using a soft rubber cup and a mildly abrasive paste. This step removes any remaining plaque and polishes the teeth to reduce the future buildup of plaque and tartar.
Your dental hygienist will floss between your teeth to ensure that all debris is removed, and to check for any potential areas of concern that might require additional care.
Depending on your oral health needs, we may recommend additional preventive treatments during your visit, such as fluoride applications to strengthen your enamel or dental sealants to protect your molars from cavities.
Regular teeth cleanings offer numerous benefits that extend beyond just oral health:
The American Dental Association recommends that most people have their teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months. However, depending on your oral health needs, our dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings, especially if you are prone to cavities, gum disease, or have other risk factors.
After your teeth cleaning, your teeth will feel smooth and clean, and your mouth will feel refreshed. You might experience some mild sensitivity or gum tenderness, but this should resolve quickly. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and following any additional recommendations from our dentist will help you maintain the results of your cleaning.
At Bryon Haley, DDS PA in Kansas City, KS, we are committed to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Regular teeth cleanings are an essential part of your oral health routine, and our experienced team is here to provide you with gentle, effective care.
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