Dental cleanings and exams are two of the most basic yet important preventive treatments we provide at our office. During your cleaning and exam, our dental team will:

• Clean your teeth by removing any plaque or tartar (also called dental calculus), which can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease
• Floss and polish your teeth for a healthy, bright smile
• Examine your smile for signs of any damaging dental conditions or diseases

Every time we perform a limited or comprehensive exam we will take X-rays to further evaluate your smile and make certain that you receive the dental care you need. In dentistry there are four types of dental cleanings:

• #1: Prophylaxis

A regular cleaning performed when gums are healthy.  Removing small amounts of plaque above the gums.

• #2: Gingival Scaling

When a patient has gingivitis (bleeding gums), in order to clean and still maintain healthy gums this type of cleaning is needed.

• #3: Full Mouth Debridement

A type of cleaning that removes heavy, hard plaque covering your teeth, allowing the dentist to do a proper and thorough dental exam.

• #4: Scaling and Root Planing

Also referred to as deep cleaning, this cleaning removes plaque under the gums, close to bone.  The patient is numbed for this procedure.

• #5: Periodontal Maintenance

After a deep cleaning is performed, in order to maintain healthy gums and prevent future deep cleaning, this type of cleaning is needed.

The type of cleaning needed and exams are essential in maintaining good oral health, preventing cavities and gum disease, and making sure that any damaging conditions are treated as early as possible.

We recommend that you visit us every six months for a dental cleaning. We may suggest more frequent visits if needed, and we also encourage you to contact us if you suffer from a dental emergency, pain or injury. To schedule your next appointment, we invite you to contact us today. We look forward to caring for your smile!