More than "Just a Cleaning"
Just as the field of dentistry has advanced through the years, so have our preventive services. What was often referred to as "just a cleaning", is now much more. A professional dental cleaning includes the cleaning and polishing of teeth, which most patients are familiar with. However, some of the other services include a thorough hard and soft tissue evaluation, oral cancer screening, periodontal disease screening, and much more. Your cleaning appointment will include a dental exam and the following:
Removal of Tartar (also known as Dental Calculus), is a crusty deposit that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly bonded to the tooth surface. Tartar forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed by a dental professional with special dental instruments.
Removal of Plaque Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that coats teeth and contains bacteria. It is a growing colony of saliva, food debris, and living bacteria. This bacteria produces acids that attack tooth enamel causing cavities, gingivitis and bad breath. Fighting plaque is the most critical factor in protecting your teeth and gums.
Teeth Polishing Removes stains and plaque and leaves your tooth enamel glossy and smooth. Polishing goes beyond achieving a whiter smile. When paired with dental scaling, in which plaque and tartar are scraped from the teeth, tooth polishing can freshen your breath and help you avoid tooth decay.
