You know that brushing and flossing every day is important, but did you know you should also see your dentist every six months? We recommend you visit our dental office in Tulsa, OK, twice a year for a cleaning. These cleanings are part of our general dental services. Regular cleanings, along with good oral hygiene at home, keep your mouth healthy.
At Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Jerome Cha is committed to keeping your teeth and gums in the best possible shape.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning in Tulsa, OK
Routine cleanings, also called prophylaxis cleanings, focus on preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Here’s what happens during a dental cleaning:
- Exam: The first step is a physical exam of your mouth. Our hygienist will use a small mirror to check for any signs of cavities or gum disease.
- Scaling: Next, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Plaque is a mix of saliva and leftover food that hardens into tartar over time. Removing it helps prevent tooth and gum infections. The hygienist will gently scrape the plaque and tartar from your teeth and along your gum line.
- Toothpaste Cleaning: After scaling, the hygienist will brush your teeth with a high-powered toothbrush and gritty toothpaste to get rid of any remaining plaque and tartar. They’ll also floss to clean between your teeth.
- Polishing: Once your teeth are clean, the hygienist will polish them with a special paste. This makes your teeth smooth, shiny, and helps remove any stains.
- Fluoride: Finally, the hygienist will apply a fluoride varnish. Fluoride is a natural mineral that strengthens your teeth and helps prevent cavities.
What If It’s My First Visit?
If it’s your first time visiting Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, please bring a valid ID. You can fill out your health history forms on our website before your visit. We might also ask for X-rays from your previous dentist.
At your first visit, we’ll take X-rays, provide a cleaning, and check your teeth and gums. Feel free to ask us any questions about our office, treatment options, or any dental concerns you have.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment we recommend if you show signs of gum disease. During the scaling process, we use special tools to remove harmful bacteria from your teeth and gums, cleaning at and below the gum line.
Once scaling is done, we move on to root planing. This involves smoothing out the rough surfaces of your tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to build up. Root planing also helps your gums reattach to your teeth.
Together, scaling and root planing are effective ways to fight gum disease. If you have ongoing gum issues, we may recommend this deep cleaning several times a year, depending on your symptoms.
X-rays and Screenings
We take digital X-rays at least once a year. X-rays are important because they help us see problems that might not be visible during a regular exam.
In addition to X-rays, we offer these screenings:
- Oral cancer screening: We check inside your mouth for any signs of cancer, looking at your gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat for sores, bumps, or changes in color. We may also feel along your jawline and neck for any lumps or swelling.
- Cavity screening: We use a special tool to look for areas of decay or damage. If we find a cavity, we might suggest a filling or, in severe cases, tooth removal.
- Gum disease screening: During regular visits, we check for red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Our hygienists may also measure the pockets around your teeth to see if there’s any inflammation or infection.
Why Routine Dental Visits Are Essential
The American Dental Association suggests getting a dental cleaning every six months. Routine dental visits are key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. These check-ups help us spot problems early before they become more serious and expensive to treat.
During your visit, our hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth and check for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues. After the cleaning and exam, we’ll give you advice on how to prevent and treat any problems we find. We screen for common dental issues that can affect not just your mouth, but your overall health too.
Routine visits are important for everyone, but especially for younger patients who might be more at risk for cavities. Poor dental habits or a diet high in sugar can increase the chance of tooth decay. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can prevent dental problems that could impact your overall health and well-being.
Along with preventive care, regular visits can help improve your smile. If you need treatment for damaged or missing teeth, we’ll recommend the right option. And if your teeth are healthy but you want a brighter smile, we can suggest cosmetic treatments.
Insurance Coverage
Because you should visit the dentist twice a year, you may wonder about the cost of a routine visit. Dental insurance typically covers routine preventive dental care, which includes dental cleanings and X-rays. We will file insurance for you.
Our office also accepts CareCredit, which offers financing options for your dental care. CareCredit helps make regular dental visits affordable.
Schedule Your Next Cleaning
Keep your teeth and gums healthy with a dental cleaning in our Tulsa, OK, dental office. Call 918-347-1114 or schedule an appointment with us online. Let us know if you have questions about regular dental cleanings. We will be happy to help.