It is advisable to consult a dental specialist for teeth cleaning if you have plaque and tartar on your teeth. Sunshine Dental, Inc is a dental practice renowned for its person-centered service, friendly approach, and high standards of dental care. Consult Phillip Chien DDS for teeth cleaning and quality dental treatments.
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Importance of dental teeth cleaning
Most oral health problems are caused by plaque accumulation on the tooth’s surface. The sticky film hosts bacteria that produce acids after consuming the food debris in your mouth. The acid deteriorates the enamel’s surface, leading to cavities.
You can keep your tooth free of plaque by brushing your teeth once a day. Flossing is also crucial for removing food debris between your teeth. However, the plaque may harden and transform into tartar, which is challenging to clean. Only a dental specialist can remove the mineralized film on your teeth.
Tartar is often responsible for gum inflammation, which progresses into gingivitis and eventually periodontitis. Your teeth may change color dramatically since tartar absorbs pigments in drinks and beverages.
More plaque will increase tartar accumulation, starting a vicious cycle that increases your risk of gum disease. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your dentist for a professional cleaning to remove tartar.
Teeth cleaning procedure
The process begins with a visual exam of your oral cavity. Your dentist may use a mirror to assess the extent of plaque and tartar buildup in your teeth and gums. Tartar is usually brown or black below the gum line and yellow above the gum line.
Like most dental procedures, the exam will also determine if you have other oral health issues. Your dentist will check for gum inflammation and tooth decay.
Scaling, polishing, and root planing
The next step to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth is scaling and polishing. A specialized dental toothpaste is used to scrub the tooth’s surface.
Root planing involves polishing the enamel from the top of the gum line to the bottom of the pocket. It removes a thin layer of the tooth’s root to allow the gum to reattach.
Root planing reduces gum bleeding and regulates inflammation by reattaching the gums to the tooth. Since it eliminates pockets around the tooth, it also makes brushing teeth easier.
Additional teeth cleaning treatments
Your provider may recommend additional therapies to improve the health of your teeth. A fluoride treatment hardens the tooth enamel to reduce the risk of cavities. Fluoride is applied as a sticky film, which takes about a minute.
Another procedure is Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR), which utilizes a laser to kill periodontal bacteria. It destroys microbes in inaccessible parts of your oral cavity. LBR is a non-invasive process to arrest periodontal inflammation.
What to expect after teeth cleaning
The scaling and root planing procedure is usually painless. You may experience some discomfort and tooth sensitivity. But the sensations should subside in two weeks and disappear after four to six weeks. Your dentist will provide pain-relief medication if you experience pain during recovery.
Brushing your teeth daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste will eliminate incidences of tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will schedule follow-up visits to check for inflammation and review your progress.
Contact Sunshine Dental, Inc to book an appointment today.
