What are the different types of dental cleanings?
There are different types of dental cleanings. First, I would like to start with a regular cleaning, which is a cleaning for healthy gums. This is for patients who don't have gum disease. They are supposed to come in for dental cleanings every six months. It's very important to be on a six-month recall because we need to check the gums to see if there is anything going on, such as bleeding or another condition that should be addressed.
The second type is a gingivitis cleaning. Gingivitis cleanings are for gums with bleeding, sensitivity, and swelling. During this stage, the patient still has a good amount of bone. It's very important to mention this because if the patient starts to lose bone, the disease progresses to a different stage called periodontal disease. When I say periodontal disease, that means it is associated with bone loss.
At this stage, the patient is supposed to come to the dental office for cleanings so we can check the condition of the gums. We can do the proper cleaning, which is called a gingivitis cleaning, and then bring the patient back in four weeks for an evaluation so we can check the gums for improvement. If there is no improvement and we see that the gum pockets are measuring higher than they should be, such as 4 mm or more, then we have to address another type of cleaning, which is called periodontal cleaning.
Why are dental cleanings important?
Dental cleanings are important for removing bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth and gums.
Are dental cleanings painful?
In some cases, a dental cleaning might be a little uncomfortable, especially when bacteria have gotten below the gumline and there is gum inflammation and bleeding, which we call gingivitis. The discomfort may continue for one or two days as the gums recover.
How long does a dental cleaning take?
A dental cleaning takes about half an hour to 45 minutes. This depends on the condition of the gums.
What happens during a teeth cleaning?
During a teeth cleaning, we remove bacteria from the surface of the teeth and also check a little below the gumline. This varies depending on the amount of tartar on the surface of the teeth. If the tartar has accumulated just above the gumline, which is common on the lower front teeth, we often see a lot of tartar buildup.
In patients who come every six months for their cleaning, the hygienist is usually able to remove all the deposits during that cleaning. If there is more tartar buildup and the pockets are more than 3 mm, such as 4 or 5 mm or higher, then we have to bring patients in for different stages of cleaning.
Why is it important to have a dental cleaning every six months?
It's very important to have a dental cleaning every six months. Gum disease has been associated with overall health conditions such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
What should I do if my teeth or gums feel sensitive after a dental cleaning?
If your teeth or gums feel a little sensitive after a dental cleaning, I would like you to use some warm salt water: a glass of warm water with half a teaspoon of salt. Swish it in your mouth twice a day, morning and night, for a couple of days. If your teeth feel sensitive, you can get some Sensodyne toothpaste and use that instead of regular toothpaste.
If you're ready to schedule an exam or would like to learn more about our services, we'd love to hear from you. Call us at (727) 732-2633 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.