Routine Dental Cleanings and Scalings
Routine Care
Every patient should commit to routine dental care. Routine visits are usually a dental cleaning called a prophylaxis, a periodic exam, and any necessary radiographs. Sometimes we recommend fluoride varnishes if you are prone to cavities, on well water, or younger in age (children and teens). We provide routine care for many patients just like you.
The greatest benefit of dental cleanings is that it helps patients keep their teeth for the rest of their lives. We can catch any area on a tooth that is becoming a cavity while it is usually small. We almost never see large areas of new decay on patients we see regularly. We see large areas of decay (cavities) usually on patients who have not been to a dentist in many years. Again it's OK and we'll help you fix any areas that are in need.
Dental scaling ("deep cleanings")
If it has been several years since your last dental cleaning, your gums may need several years of treatment to get them back into optimum health. This is where scaling comes in. This is a procedures that is similar to a cleaning, but much more thorough, and the instruments remove plaque, bacteria, debris, tartar from under the gums. Gums are shaped around teeth like a turtleneck, and this cleaned the inside of the turtleneck collar. Usually this is performed under local aneshesia so you are comfortable.
Like all treatment, it varies upon clinical diagnosis and with each patient. Please give us a call to set up a convenient appointment.