Although a dental cleaning appointment sounds specific to having the teeth cleaned, there are other services included in these appointments, all of which help ensure good oral health. Good oral health is essential because it encourages the rest of the body to also be in good health. To understand the entire scope of dental cleaning appointments, it is necessary to become familiar with the other services involved.
Outlined below are the services provided during a dental cleaning appointment.
The main service provided at a dental cleaning appointment in a general dentistry setting is for the teeth to be cleaned. The teeth will be gently flossed, ensuring the removal of any left-behind food debris. Then, the front and back of each tooth will be carefully brushed using an electrical dental toothbrush and a strong-soluted toothpaste. To complete the dental cleaning, another special dental instrument will be used to polish the front of each tooth, which ensures a shiny, healthy smile.
Another service included in most dental cleanings is the application of fluoride. This is a mineral commonly used in general dentistry as a way to strengthen the enamel and remineralize the entire tooth. The application of fluoride is a quick process, taking less than five minutes. The fluoride is administered in gel, foam or liquid form via a dental tray that the patient bites down on.
Two other possible services that may be included during a dental cleaning appointment are X-rays and an examination. Individuals who undergo routine dental appointments will usually have X-rays taken once a year during their dental cleaning, though an examination will likely be done every time. X-rays help identify an extensive shift in the teeth, gums or jawbone, while also determining if there are any abnormalities that require a diagnosis and treatment. Examinations do the same, but they only provide the general dentist with visible signs of disease in the mouth.
Some people wonder whether all the services listed above are necessary during a dental cleaning appointment. Generally speaking, everything is necessary, as they all encourage good oral health. X-rays can be skipped if someone is afraid of the energy wavelengths, but they should understand the risk of skipping them. Additionally, fluoride is not as necessary as the dental cleaning itself, though without it, the enamel can become weak over time.
Undergoing a dental cleaning on a regular basis is essential in ensuring good oral health. Although it can be easy and tempting to skip these appointments, remember their importance, which includes cavity and infection prevention.
When looking for more information on dental cleanings and what to expect, reach out today. Questions and concerns can be addressed, which can be helpful in deciding to undergo routine cleanings. Give us a call today!
Request an appointment here: https://dentalinnovationstx.com or call Dental Innovations at (281) 665-2848 for an appointment in our Katy office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Katy, TX.
Sugar is one of the main contributors to dental cavities and other oral health concerns, which is why many general dentists encourage patients to limit or avoid sugar consumption. This review discusses the effects that sugar can have on oral health and how to reduce the risk of oral health complications through dietary changes and…
After each routine visit to your general dentist, you may receive a few tips or recommendations from your dentist to continue to maintain or boost your oral health. Although these tips vary from patient to patient, there are a few tips that dentists share across the board.Dentists recommend that you brush your teeth at least…
A successful smile makeover can transform how you look and address lingering issues that you may be self-conscious about. Whether you do not like the shade of your teeth or think that the gaps between your teeth are too large, cosmetic dentistry can offer smile makeover services tailored to your goals.Since smile makeovers are unique…
A denture reline is a normal part of wearing dentures. Relines are needed to fix ill-fitting dentures. You experience bone loss when you wear dentures, and eventually, that will cause the dentures to fit poorly. The reline adjusts the shape of the dentures, so they fit once again. Most people need a reline every two…