Preventative dental care helps you avoid serious oral health issues. Even though cavities remain one of the most common dental problems, they can lead to tooth loss when ignored. When you visit your dentist for teeth cleaning twice a year, you also get x-rays and an exam. Your dentist can find cavities and gum disease in the early stages. Routine cleanings and exams cost less than fillings and root canals, as well. Invest in your oral health by scheduling teeth cleaning appointment today.
Preparing for Dentist Teeth Cleaning
You should plan for your preventative dental care by scheduling dental teeth cleaning appointments twice a year. You can do a few things to make this more convenient. First, talk to your dental insurance company to see how much coverage you have. Many insurance companies cover a large portion of basic exams and cleanings since these appointments prevent problems leading to more expensive procedures. If you need to self-pay, talk to your dentist about discounts and payment plans. Many dental offices can schedule your cleanings for the entire year and send reminders near your appointment date.
How long should a typical dental cleaning take?
Plan to spend about an hour to an hour and a half at your dentist on the day of your cleaning. The cleaning alone should take about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the amount of plaque and time since your last cleaning. The rest of the time, you spend getting x-rays and an exam by the dentist.
Who Needs a Dental Deep Cleaning?
Dentists recommend deep cleaning teeth when patients have gum disease. Once gum disease progresses, permanent damage can happen. Dentists try to reverse gum disease long before gums begin to recede and teeth become loose. If your dentist finds signs of gum disease during your exam, you may need to schedule a deep cleaning quickly to get your gum disease under control.
Expect your dental deep cleaning to take longer than a regular cleaning appointment. It can take up to 45 minutes to clean one quadrant of your mouth. You may also need to break up the treatments into more than one appointment. The dentist may give you a local anesthetic to numb your gums during the procedure. During the treatment, dentists clean under the gum line. The professionals at Sapphire Smiles Dentistry can help you get gum disease under control.
Why does it take more than one sitting for a dental cleaning?
A routine dental cleaning procedure should only take one sitting. If your dentist finds problems with your teeth or gums, you may need to schedule another appointment for the treatment. Patients with gum disease may need to schedule a deep cleaning. In severe cases, a patient may need more than one cleaning appointment to complete gum disease treatment.
Find Teeth Cleaning Near Me
You can often find teeth cleaning near me by calling your insurance company. Your dental insurance company may also have an online directory of dentists on the plan. A quick online search may also produce several results near your home or work. Use the dental websites to learn about services, payment options, and the staff. You may also find information about the dentist’s education and experience. Online reviews or personal recommendations may also help in your search. A dental center in Houston, TX can help care for the oral health of your entire family,
Tartar Removal Dentist
If you procrastinate on dental care, your plaque may turn into tartar. Dental hygienists have a more difficult time removing the tartar, as it forms a hard barrier. If you have tartar buildup, the dentist or hygienist must use a tool called a scaler to remove it. You may feel some pressure as the professional scrapes this metal tool across your teeth. While dentists can remove tartar, prevention of tartar remains the best way to protect your oral health. Talk to your dentist about the best products to use at home and schedule two dental appointments each year with Sapphire Smiles Dentistry.
My teeth feel pretty clean– What’s wrong with a little bit of plaque?
Bacteria in plaque form acids when you eat or enjoy a beverage. The acids begin to destroy the enamel on your teeth. Acids from plaque also contribute to cavities and gum disease. The bones that keep your teeth in place can become weakened when this bacteria moves under your gum line, as well.
Paying for a Dental Cleaning
If you do not have dental insurance, look for a dentist that offers self-pay discounts. You may also find dentists that offer promotions to attract new patients. A commitment to dental cleaning appointments may save you money over time, as you can prevent expensive dental problems. Cavity fillings, root canals, and extractions can leave you with large medical bills. If you develop severe gum disease, you may also need to pay more for deep cleaning.
Why is fluoride treatment an important part of dental cleaning?
Fluoride helps your teeth resist damage from bacteria and can also reverse minor decay.
Conclusion
You can easily prevent severe dental problems by attending routine dental appointments. Most dentists recommend cleaning and exam twice a year. You may also get x-rays at these appointments. Many insurance companies cover preventative care. Many dental offices also offer discounts for self-pay patients. If you have gum disease, you may need a deep cleaning to get the symptoms under control. Make an appointment with Sapphire Smiles Dentistry to take charge of your oral health today!
