Patty, Registered Dental Hygienist
What are the four different kinds of dental cleanings?
The four different kinds of dental cleanings are:
- First there is a regular cleaning, which is a cleaning in the presence of no inflammation.
- The second cleaning is a gross debridement, when you have gingivitis and the beginning of periodontitis, where we do a little bit deeper cleaning to make your gums healthy.
- The third cleaning is a deep cleaning. That means you have pockets and bone loss around your teeth. We go in those deep areas and clean them out and laser them so we get really good, healthy results.
- After that, we do what we call periodontal maintenance, where you would come in every 3 to 4 months so we can maintain your oral health.
Why are dental cleanings important?
The importance of dental cleanings is that your overall oral health is related to your body. Inflammation in your mouth causes inflammation in your body. Taking care of your teeth and getting regular cleanings is very important for overall health.
How often should you have a dental cleaning?
You should have a dental cleaning at least every six months, maybe more often if your dentist recommends that.
Should a dental cleaning be painful?
A dental cleaning should not be painful, but if you have disease in your mouth, it can be a little sensitive. If it is sensitive, then we can use a really good topical anesthetic if you need it.
How long does a typical dental cleaning take?
A typical dental cleaning takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
What happens during a teeth cleaning?
During the teeth cleaning, depending on your schedule, we will take cavity-detecting X-rays. We will also check the bone level around your teeth by calling out numbers. We call it probing. Then the dental cleaning itself, be it a regular cleaning, a gross debridement, a periodontal maintenance, or a deep cleaning. And then Dr. Gearin always comes in and does an exam during that time.
Is a dental cleaning done in one appointment?
Normally, yes. But if it's a deep cleaning, then we do two appointments. Sometimes it takes two, depending on the health of your mouth and how much tartar buildup you have and how long it's been since your last dental cleaning.
Do dental cleanings bother your teeth?
No, dental cleanings actually make the teeth healthier and the gums healthier. Dental cleanings do not bother your teeth.
What if you have sensitivity after a dental cleaning?
After a dental cleaning, if you have sensitivity, we recommend either Sensodyne toothpaste, which you can buy over the counter, or we also have a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste that we recommend, especially for our older patients, for sensitivity. It helps with cold sensitivity as well as dental decay.
How can I schedule a dental cleaning at Gearin Aesthetic and General Dentistry?
If you want to learn more about Gearin Aesthetic and General Dentistry, our services, or have questions regarding your oral health, please call Gearin Aesthetic and General Dentistry at (702) 710-8847 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.