Professional Teeth Cleaning
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends routine dental visits at intervals determined by your dentist. Dentistry is not a one-size-fits-all type of care. Some people need to visit the dentist twice a year, others need more frequent visits that are tailored to their unique needs to make for optimum oral health. Typically, someone with a healthy mouth is recommended to have two cleanings per year.
What happens during my cleaning appointment?
When you come in for a cleaning at OmniSmiles, you’ll be greeted by our lovely hygienist and taken back to the hygiene room. The first thing we like to accomplish is a thorough review of your medical and dental history. It’s important to notify your dentist of any important health considerations including, but not limited to, your most recent visit to your Primary Care Physician or Specialty Physician(s), any updates or changes in medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements, and of course, any concerns you have regarding your oral health. Notifying us of any changes in your overall health and medications may help provide valuable links to potential risk factors for oral health. This includes dry mouth, gum inflammation, or contraindications to certain types of medication or dental treatment.
Why are cleanings necessary?
While brushing twice a day and flossing at home are very important for maintaining a healthy smile, everyone’s teeth will eventually need a professional cleaning. Almost immediately after our teeth are cleaned, our mouths develop a “biofilm” of bacteria, most of which can be removed with routine brushing and flossing. However, some of the tartar and build up that develops cannot be removed at home. It is important to have these deposits removed by a dental professional using specialized tools. If these deposits are not removed at regular intervals and increase over time, it may lead to a more serious condition known as periodontitis- also known as gum disease.
After reviewing your medical and dental concerns, and depending on your last dental examination, we will most likely take a series of x-rays. The x-rays help to identify any potential issues that we cannot see with the naked eye. This includes bone loss, cavities, and tooth infections. After this, the hygienist you’re working with will begin to clean your teeth with the combination of hand instruments, an ultrasonic scaler, flossing, and polishing. Once this is complete Dr. Haddad will perform a comprehensive exam, and answer any questions you may have.
To find out more about which service options are best for you, please call (810) 687-5040 or request an appointment online.
