Dental Cleanings

What are dental cleanings?

During professional dental cleanings at Pleasant Family Dentistry, your provider thoroughly cleans your teeth to remove cavity-causing plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach areas. Seeing your dental provider every six months, or more often if they recommend it, for cleanings and exams is the best way to prevent or detect cavities before they become problematic.

What are the benefits of dental cleanings?

Some of the many benefits associated with routine dental cleanings at Pleasant Family Dentistry include:

• Cleaner, whiter, aesthetically pleasing teeth
• Less plaque and tartar buildup
• A lower risk of cavities and gum disease
• Early tooth decay and gum disease detection

Your dentist can complete an exam after dental cleanings to detect or rule out oral health problems before they become serious. 

What should I expect during a dental cleaning?

When you arrive at Pleasant Family Dentistry for a routine dental cleaning, friendly staff members greet you. You rest in a comfortable dental chair in a relaxing room while your provider uses specialized dental tools to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth. They also floss your teeth and brush them using a professional-grade toothpaste. 

If you have gum disease, your dentist might recommend a deeper dental cleaning using scaling and root planing techniques. Doing so allows your provider to remove bacteria and tartar buildup beneath your gum line.

Your provider might recommend dental X-rays to get an in-depth view of structures beneath your gums. Pleasant Family Dentistry offers state-of-the-art laser cavity detection, DIAGNOdent®, and DEXIS™ CariVu™ to monitor areas beneath hard surfaces of your teeth, locate hidden decay, and stop the spread of disease before it destroys your teeth from within.

If you have tooth decay, your provider may suggest you receive a filling, dental crown, or root canal as needed to restore your tooth and prevent further decay. In addition to dental cleanings, other preventive treatments available at Pleasant Family Dentistry include fluoride treatments and sealants.

How should I care for my teeth at home?

To keep your teeth clean at home and reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, brush your teeth at least two times daily using a fluoride toothpaste. Floss your teeth daily, eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and reduce your intake of sweets and sugary drinks. You should also refrain from chewing on hard objects, such as hard candy and ice.

If you’re due for a six-month dental cleaning, call Pleasant Family Dentistry or use the online booking tool today.