For better oral health, our team can control harmful plaque and tartar buildup to fight issues like tooth decay and even gum disease. Our team wants to offer this every six months to help you and your family maintain better oral health. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about our routine six-month dental cleanings.
Plaque Buildup and Poor Oral Health
Over time, as we eat the particles of sugar and starch in our meals can become trapped on or between the teeth. When harmful bacteria consume the particles, this creates a bacterial byproduct known as plaque. This sticky material then coats the teeth and with time will harden into tartar. While brushing and flossing can limit the severity of the buildup, only a professional cleaning can remove all buildup completely, which is why you need one every six months.
Otherwise, the buildup could weaken the outer enamel to cause cavities and even dental infection. The same layers could irritate and inflame the gums to leave you at risk for gingivitis and even gum disease. Of course, the same layers are linked to bad breath and teeth stains too.
Dental Cleanings
What happens during your dental cleaning? Well, our team will use an ultrasonic scaling device to gently but thoroughly break up and remove the layers of plaque and tartar from your teeth. The device does so with gentle vibrations. We then use a manual pick to remove any stubborn portions of tartar along the gum line. The procedure only takes a short period, and we will finish it by polishing your teeth. The polishing not only brightens your smile, but makes it more difficult for plaque and tartar to cling to the teeth before we see you again in six months.
Scaling and Root Planing for Better Periodontal Health
If you have gingivitis or even the early stages of gum disease, we can help by offering a more involved cleaning known as a scaling and root planing. We use the same tools, but remove layers from the roots as well, and from beneath the gums. The procedure takes one visit, or as many as four, depending on the extent of your buildup. We will again polish your teeth to complete the process. Since this is more involved, we may numb your smile ahead of time, and will likely follow this with a routine visit every three to four months to control harmful plaque and tartar to keep the disease in check.
If you have any questions about our dental cleanings, then contact our team today to learn more.
Dental Impressions Offers Healthier Smiles
We want to help you enjoy good oral health and a smile that looks amazing. To schedule an appointment and address harmful surface buildup, then call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
