To maintain healthy teeth and gums, the American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that both children and adults should visit their dentist at least twice a year for regular teeth cleaning appointments. For patients with periodontitis (gum disease) or other oral health conditions, we may recommend even more frequent cleanings.
A routine teeth cleaning involves the use of specialized tools by trained dental hygienists to remove plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth's surface. This procedure is also an opportunity for your hygienist to educate you on better oral care practices at home by identifying where your brushing and flossing habits are effective and where they may need improvement.
Daily brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining good oral health, but they are not always sufficient. Tartar buildup can only be removed by a dental professional, making routine teeth cleanings necessary.
The American Dental Association recommends getting professional teeth cleanings twice a year, at six-month intervals. However, if you have an increased risk of dental conditions, you may need more frequent visits. The important thing is to maintain regular cleaning appointments for personalized care.
Both routine teeth cleanings and deep teeth cleanings are important dental procedures that aim to help you maintain good oral health. However, there are some differences between the two.
A routine teeth cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a regular dental cleaning that is typically done every six months to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. This is a simple and non-invasive procedure that involves using a scaler and polishing tools to clean the teeth and remove surface stains. Routine teeth cleanings are generally recommended for patients with healthy gums who do not have any signs of gum disease.
On the other hand, a deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more advanced dental procedure that is typically done when there is evidence of gum disease, such as periodontitis. Deep teeth cleanings involve removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gum line using special tools. The procedure also involves smoothing the tooth roots to promote healing and prevent further gum disease development. Deep teeth cleanings are more invasive than a routine cleaning and may require local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
In summary, a routine teeth cleaning is a preventive measure to maintain good oral health, while deep teeth cleanings are a therapeutic measure to treat gum disease. Your dentist or dental hygienist can recommend the appropriate cleaning procedure based on the health of your teeth and gums.
At Dentist of Anaheim, we understand that you may have lots of questions about the teeth cleaning procedure. However, we want to assure you that routine teeth cleanings are a painless and straightforward procedure that can alleviate your anxiety in the long run.
During the cleaning, our dental hygienist will utilize tools like a small mirror to examine your mouth and a dental scaler to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup around your gums and between your teeth. Don't be alarmed if you hear scraping sounds, as it's a normal part of the process. They'll also use a specialized high-powered electric toothbrush to brush your teeth and floss to reach all the tricky spots that may be hard to clean at home. To provide extra protection against cavities, we often finish the cleaning process by applying fluoride treatment in a flavor of your choice, which can safeguard your teeth against cavities for several months.
Typically, a routine teeth cleaning will cost around $100, with a general range between $75 and $150. Periodontal cleanings may cost slightly more. Fortunately, most dental insurance plans cover the majority, if not all, of the expenses for routine teeth cleanings. Consistently scheduling routine teeth cleanings is one of the most affordable and straightforward ways to maintain your dental health in the long run.
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