Professional Dental Cleanings
The Dental Cleaning Process at Three Rivers Dental
A dental cleaning (prophylaxis) is a preventive treatment performed on healthy teeth and gums to maintain oral health and prevent issues like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Routine cleanings are only performed on patients with healthy gum tissue, meaning there is no significant bleeding, pain, or signs of inflammation.
Our knowledgeable hygienists provide thorough, gentle dental cleanings while maintaining patient comfort. For patients with healthy gums and no active periodontal disease, a standard dental cleaning includes:
- Health Exam: A general oral health exam is performed to check for any pre-existing issues.
- Tooth Polishing: The teeth are polished to remove surface stains and plaque buildup.
- Ultrasonic Scaling: An ultrasonic scaler is used to initially remove tartar deposits.
- Hand Scaling: Any remaining tartar is carefully removed using hand instruments.
- Flossing: The cleaning is completed with a thorough flossing to ensure all debris is removed.
We will also provide oral hygiene instructions on proper flossing and brushing technique.
We help patients who want to improve their overall health and lifestyle by providing guidance on habits that support both their dental and general well-being. Dental education is also a crucial part of each dental checkup. We provide oral hygiene instructions on proper flossing and brushing techniques to help patients maintain a healthy, lasting smile. In addition, we will use the help of our dental technology to help patients visualize potential areas of concern or to suggest additional treatments.
When Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) Is Needed
If a patient experiences bleeding, tenderness, or inflammation, it may indicate gum disease or unhealthy gum tissue. In these cases, a non-surgical periodontal therapy called scaling and root planing (SRP) is necessary to remove tartar and bacteria below the gumline, helping to heal the gums and prevent further bone loss.
Dental Cleanings Are Vital
Biannual dental visits are essential to reduce the risk of additional dental work or care. Regular dental treatments provide patients with valuable information to address:
Periodontal Maintenance Cleanings
Periodontal maintenance cleanings are performed following periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing). During this appointment, bacterial plaque and calculus both above and below the gumline are removed.
To further customize and tailor treatment to your individual needs, we also offer salivary testing. This allows us to analyze the specific bacteria present in your mouth and develop a personalized periodontal care plan that effectively targets the root cause of gum disease.
We recommend scheduling visits biannually to avoid infection or decay. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.
Book Teeth Cleanings with our Three Rivers Dental Team
We love building lasting relationships with our patients and making every visit a positive experience. Whether you’re a longtime patient or visiting for the first time, you’ll always be treated with kindness, respect, and individualized care. Call us today to schedule your next dental cleaning and experience a fresh approach to dental care.