It's not that unusual to put off regular dental care. Some people don't go to the dentist until they experience pain. If it's been a while since your last cleaning, you might benefit from some reminders of what to expect from a routine cleaning.
The Importance of Dental Cleanings
Though it does feel good to face the world knowing that your teeth are clean and fresh, that is far from the only reason not to ignore your dental cleaning appointments. Serious diseases like oral cancers may be spotted and treated when you get your teeth cleaned regularly. Caught early, you can survive oral cancer, and the signs are not easy to spot except with the help of a dental hygienist.
Your dental hygienist is trained to note irregularities in your mouth, gums, and teeth and make your dentist aware of them. For example, a buildup of plaque on your teeth could signal that gum disease is in your future. For some, gum disease can cause problems throughout the body and endanger your heart.
What to Expect with Your Dental Cleaning
- Once comfortably seated, your hygienist will drape you and offer you an eye shield.
- Plaque and tartar removal can be done with handheld instruments or an ultrasonic device.
- After removing the hard stuff, your teeth may be brushed and flossed.
- Your hygienist will complete the cleaning by polishing your teeth with a special paste, making your teeth shiny and bright.
Time for X-rays
The dentist needs to learn more about what is going on with your teeth and most will ask you to sit for dental X-rays. Using this diagnostic method, your dentist can see problems that may not be visible to the naked eye. They can spot tiny signs of decay that can be treated before they damage your tooth, and they can assess issues with your gum health as well.
Many dentists use a tiny camera instead of an X-ray machine to do the same thing and more. Digital images can be stored and easily compared to earlier images for better diagnostics. The digital camera can also provide the dentist with precise measurements of your teeth to better fit you with implants and other prosthetics.
Visit with the Dentist
Once all the cleaning and scanning are done, your dentist will arrive to speak with you about the findings. If you need work done, a list of the procedures along with costs may be provided so that you will know what to expect as you bring your mouth back to a state of health.
To find out more, speak to a dentist. about teeth cleaning.
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