What are the different types of dental cleanings?
Depending on the health of your gums and your overall oral health, there are a few different types of professional dental cleanings.
Patients with healthy gums or only mild gingival inflammation typically receive a routine dental cleaning. For patients with more advanced gingivitis or periodontal disease, we recommend a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing.
The goal of a deep cleaning is to thoroughly remove plaque and buildup that have accumulated around and between your teeth. The main purpose of any dental cleaning is to disrupt the biofilm that naturally forms on the teeth. Breaking up that biofilm significantly reduces the amount of bacteria in your mouth, which benefits not only your oral health but your overall health as well.
How often should you have a dental cleaning?
The frequency of your dental cleanings depends on the health of your gums. If your gums are healthy, twice a year is usually sufficient.
If you have gingival inflammation, we may recommend visits every three or four months, depending on the severity of the inflammation. If you have periodontal disease, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance every three months following scaling and root planing, or a deep cleaning.
These more frequent visits allow us to thoroughly remove plaque and biofilm while also monitoring your oral hygiene habits at home and helping you maintain healthy gums.
Is dental cleaning painful?
A professional dental cleaning in a healthy mouth should not be painful. However, if you have gingival inflammation or periodontal disease, it can be somewhat uncomfortable.
The good news is that it does not stay that way. The more consistent you are with your oral hygiene at home and the healthier your gums become, the more comfortable your future dental cleanings will be.
What does a dental cleaning appointment look like?
Your dental hygienist will begin by reviewing your medical history to make sure there have been no changes that could affect your treatment. Depending on your needs, we may also take dental X-rays during your appointment.
Next comes the professional dental cleaning itself. In our practice, we use a gentle piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler that is comfortable and gentle on both your teeth and your gums. We also use traditional hand scalers to ensure we thoroughly remove any plaque and tartar that may have accumulated.
At the end of your appointment, we'll polish your teeth with a polishing paste, and if appropriate, we may also recommend applying a fluoride treatment.
Does dental cleaning damage the teeth?
Many patients ask whether dental cleanings or the instruments we use can damage their teeth. The answer is no.
Enamel is the hardest tissue in the human body and is extremely resistant to damage. The instruments used during a professional dental cleaning are specifically designed to safely remove plaque and tartar without harming your teeth. Dental cleanings are a safe and important part of maintaining your oral health.
How can sensitive teeth be treated after cleaning?
There are several ways to help reduce tooth sensitivity after a dental cleaning. One option is applying a concentrated fluoride treatment, called fluoride varnish, which can help desensitize the teeth.
We may also recommend a desensitizing toothpaste, either a prescription-strength product or an over-the-counter option, depending on your needs.
It's important to have realistic expectations. Most desensitizing toothpastes take several weeks, and sometimes even a few months, before you begin to notice a significant difference. In most cases, sensitivity gradually fades over time rather than disappearing immediately.
Dental Cleanings at Dentistry of Chelmsford
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 (978) 381-1210 or email [email protected]. We look forward to caring for your smile.