Keep your smile healthy with regular cleanings
Taking care of your oral health is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, and regular teeth cleanings are a key part of this. We understand that you'd rather be soaking up the sunshine in Edmonton, AB than sitting in a dentist's chair. However, it's important to prioritize your dental exams and cleanings to maintain a healthy and confident smile. Whether you need a routine cleaning or more extensive dental work, our team at Fresh Dental Edmonton is here to support you in achieving optimal oral health.
Our dental office in Edmonton, AB offers personalized teeth cleaning services to help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. With our gentle and professional care, you can enjoy a healthy and confident smile throughout the year.
What is the importance of getting professional teeth cleanings?
Professional teeth cleanings are more than just a cosmetic treatment for a sparkling smile. They play a crucial role in removing plaque and tartar that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Despite regular brushing and flossing, it's difficult to completely eliminate plaque buildup, especially in hard-to-reach areas. This is where professional cleanings are essential.
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth after eating and drinking. These bacteria produce acids from sugars in food, which can damage tooth enamel and cause cavities. If left untreated, plaque can harden into tartar within a day, requiring professional removal. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, ensuring a healthy and bright smile.
Who benefits from teeth cleanings?
The ADA suggests that individuals should see their dentist for exams and cleanings at least twice a year. If you have a history of gum disease, are prone to cavities, or have chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, you may require more frequent cleanings. Your dentist can offer tailored recommendations based on your specific oral health requirements.
Types of Professional Teeth Cleanings
The type of cleaning you receive at Fresh Dental Edmonton is tailored to the health of your teeth and gums. Here are the various cleaning options available:
- Prophylaxis (Prophy): A standard cleaning for patients with healthy gums, removing plaque, calculus, and surface stains above the gum line. Typically covered by dental insurance and recommended for those without gum disease.
- Gingivitis Therapy: For patients with gingivitis, additional cleaning below the gum line may be needed to address red, swollen, or bleeding gums and remove plaque and bacteria causing inflammation.
- Scaling and Root Planing (SRP): This non-surgical procedure is for advanced gum disease, removing bacteria and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing tooth roots to prevent further buildup. Multiple visits and antibiotics may be necessary.
- Periodontal Maintenance: Essential after gum disease treatment to prevent recurrence, involving regular cleanings above and below the gum line and potentially more frequent dental visits.
The Teeth Cleaning Process at Fresh Dental Edmonton
When you come in for a professional teeth cleaning at our dental office in Edmonton, AB, you can expect a thorough cleaning and assessment of your oral health. Here's what the process will entail:
- Physical Exam: Our dentist or dental hygienist will conduct a comprehensive exam of your mouth to check for any issues such as gingivitis, cavities, or other concerns.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using a scaler, your dental hygienist will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup around your gum line and between your teeth, as these cannot be removed by brushing alone.
- Polish: Your teeth will then be cleaned and polished with a high-powered electric brush and gritty toothpaste to remove any remaining plaque and surface stains, leaving your teeth smooth and shiny.
- Expert Flossing: Our dental hygienist will floss your teeth to ensure all debris and plaque are removed from between your teeth and along the gum line.
- Rinse and Fluoride Treatment: After flossing, you'll rinse your mouth to remove any leftover debris. A fluoride treatment may be applied to help protect your teeth against cavities for several months.
- Final Examination: Our dentist will then examine your teeth and gums, discuss any findings, and recommend any necessary treatments or follow-up appointments.
Benefits of regular teeth cleanings in Edmonton, AB?
Regular dental cleanings by a professional can provide many advantages for both your oral health and overall well-being.
- Prevent Cavities: By removing plaque and tartar, cleanings help prevent tooth decay and cavities.
- Fight Gum Disease: Regular cleanings reduce the risk of developing gingivitis and more severe forms of gum disease.
- Freshen Breath: Cleanings help eliminate bad breath caused by bacteria and plaque buildup.
- Brighten Your Smile: Removing surface stains during cleanings leaves your teeth looking brighter and whiter.
- Boost Overall Health: Good oral health is connected to overall health, and regular cleanings can lower your risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke.
- Detect Oral Health Issues Early: During cleanings, your dentist can identify potential issues like oral cancer, cavities, and gum disease early, allowing for prompt treatment.
What advantages does deep cleaning offer over regular cleaning?
Deep cleaning, also referred to as scaling and root planing, is a thorough procedure that targets tartar and plaque buildup on tooth roots, going beyond the gum line. It is crucial for patients with advanced gum disease (periodontitis) as it aids in eliminating bacteria, reducing inflammation, and preventing additional damage to the gums and bone. In contrast, regular cleaning mainly focuses on surface plaque and stains above the gum line.
