You’ve probably heard your Garland, TX, dentist say it a million times: cleanings are essential for your smile! We all need to have our teeth cleaned, whether we are 6 or 60. But what makes this routine preventive procedure so important for our oral health? How do we clean your teeth and protect them from tooth decay and gum disease?
When to See Our Team
Ideally, we would like to see our patients for a routine exam and dental cleaning once every six months, which allows us to monitor the smile and identify developing problems in the earliest possible stages. If you have high risk factor for gum disease, or if you already have periodontal problems, we may suggest one every three to four months to protect your smile from the advanced stages of the disease. If you and your family haven’t seen us lately, consider scheduling a visit so we can monitor your smile and ensure bright, healthy teeth and disease-free gums!
Regular Dental Cleanings
A routine dental cleaning involves the dentist using an ultrasonic scaling device to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Plaque forms when bacteria break down food particles, a process that coats the teeth in the sticky substance. Over time, plaque could weaken tooth enamel and inflame gum tissue, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. However, the ultrasonic scaling device employs high-frequency vibrations to break up and remove the plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from the surface of the teeth. A steady flow of water also occurs at the same time, cleansing the smile and allowing the dentist to work with optimal visibility. Afterward, we will use hand scaling to remove the last bits of plaque. The final step is to polish the teeth thoroughly, which leaves them smooth, bright, and offers fresher breath as well.
Scaling and Root Planings
If we find you have inflamed gum tissue and a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, or if you already have the disease, then we may suggest a scaling and root planing. We use the same ultrasonic scaling device, but we’re removing plaque and tartar from the roots, as well as the surface of the teeth. The process could take a single visit, or up to four, depending on the extent of the buildup. The procedure is more involved than regular cleaning, but helps reverse gingivitis and manage periodontal disease, protecting your smile from periodontitis and the risk of tooth loss.
Ready to Have Your Smile Cleaned?
Seeing us for routine care means a chance to help you enjoy a healthier and brighter smile. To learn more about our preventive treatment options, then schedule a consultation by calling Mai Dentistry in Garland, TX, today at 972-530-0552. For our patients who don’t speak English, our office is fluent in both Spanish and Vietnamese.
