You know you should brush and floss every day, but did you know you should also see your dentist every six months? We recommend you visit our dental office in Tulsa, OK, twice yearly for a cleaning. These cleanings are part of our general dental services. Regular cleanings and good oral hygiene at home keep your mouth healthy.
At Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Trace Bridges is committed to keeping your teeth and gums in the best possible shape.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning in Tulsa, OK
Routine cleanings, also called prophylaxis cleanings, focus on preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Here’s what happens during a dental cleaning:
Exam: First, our hygienist will perform a quick exam of your mouth. Using a small mirror, they’ll check each tooth and look closely at your gums for signs of any issues like cavities, gum disease, or other concerns. If they spot something serious, they may bring in the dentist to take a closer look.
Scaling: Next comes the scaling step, where the hygienist removes plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth, and when it hardens, it becomes tartar. Tartar can’t be removed by brushing at home, so the hygienist uses a special tool to gently scrape it away from your teeth and along the gum line. Getting rid of tartar helps protect your teeth and gums from infections.
Toothpaste Cleaning: After scaling, the hygienist will clean your teeth with a high-powered toothbrush and a gritty toothpaste. This step helps remove any remaining plaque and makes your teeth feel smooth. Even though the toothbrush is powerful, it’s safe and leaves your teeth polished. The hygienist will also floss to remove anything left between your teeth.
Polishing: Now, it’s time for polishing. The hygienist will use a special paste and a soft brush to polish each tooth, giving your smile a shiny, smooth finish. Polishing also helps remove surface stains, leaving your teeth brighter.
Fluoride: Finally, the hygienist will apply a fluoride varnish to protect your teeth. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel, which helps prevent cavities. The fluoride treatment is quick and easy—it’s simply brushed onto your teeth and stays there to protect them until your next cleaning.
What If It’s My First Visit?
If it’s your first time visiting Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, please bring a valid ID. You can fill out your health history forms on our website before your visit. We might also ask for X-rays from your previous dentist.
At your first visit, we’ll take X-rays, provide a cleaning, and check your teeth and gums. Feel free to ask us any questions about our office, treatment options, or any dental concerns you have.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment we recommend if you show signs of gum disease. During scaling, we use special tools to remove harmful bacteria from your teeth and gums. We clean at and below the gum line.
Once scaling is done, we move on to root planing. This involves smoothing out the rough surfaces of your tooth roots, making it harder for bacteria to build up. Root planing also helps your gums reattach to your teeth.
Together, scaling and root planing are effective ways to fight gum disease. If you have ongoing gum issues, we may recommend this deep cleaning several times a year, depending on your symptoms.
X-rays and Screenings
We take digital X-rays at least once a year to help us spot problems that might not be visible during a regular exam. X-rays allow us to see inside your teeth and jaw, helping us detect issues like cavities between teeth, gum disease, or even problems with your tooth roots.
They also help us monitor your oral health, catch early signs of problems, and plan the best treatment for your needs. Since digital X-rays use less radiation than traditional X-rays, they are a safe and effective way to get a clear picture of your dental health.
In addition to X-rays, we offer these screenings:
- Oral cancer screening: We check inside your mouth for any signs of cancer. Our team looks at your gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat for sores, bumps, or changes in color. We may also feel along your jawline and neck for any lumps or swelling.
- Cavity screening: We use a special tool to look for areas of decay or damage. If we find a cavity, we might suggest a dental filling. In severe cases, we will recommend tooth removal.
- Gum disease screening: During regular visits, we check for red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Our hygienists may also measure the pockets around your teeth. Let us know if you have inflamed and sensitive gums so we can recommend the best preventive treatment.
Why Routine Dental Visits Are Essential
The American Dental Association suggests getting a dental cleaning every six months. Routine dental visits are key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. A dental exam in our Tulsa, OK, dentist office helps us spot problems early before they become more serious and expensive.
Our hygienists will thoroughly clean your teeth during your visit and check for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other issues. After the cleaning and exam, we’ll advise you on how to prevent and treat any problems we find. We screen for common dental issues that can affect not just your mouth but your overall health, too.
Routine visits are essential for everyone, especially younger patients who might be more at risk for cavities. Poor dental habits or a diet high in sugar can increase the chance of tooth decay. By visiting the dentist regularly, you can prevent dental problems that could impact your overall health and well-being.
After your child’s cleaning, we can place dental sealants on the molars. Sealants are coverings that prevent leftover food from getting stuck in deep tooth grooves.
Regular visits and preventive care can help improve your smile. We’ll recommend the right option if you need treatment for damaged or missing teeth. We can also suggest cosmetic care if you have healthy teeth but want to change the look of your smile.
Insurance Coverage
Because you should visit the dentist twice a year, you may wonder about the cost of a routine visit. Dental insurance typically covers routine preventive dental care, which includes dental cleanings and X-rays. We will file insurance for you.
Our office also accepts CareCredit, which offers financing options for dental care. CareCredit helps make regular dental visits affordable.
Dental Cleaning FAQs
Read answers to these common questions about dental cleanings in Tulsa, OK:
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Most people should get a dental cleaning every six months. This helps keep your teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. We recommend that patients of all ages visit us for cleanings twice a year.
How often should I visit the dentist if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, we will recommend cleanings every three to four months. We will provide a deep gum cleaning to prevent harmful bacteria from affecting your teeth and gums. More frequent cleanings can keep gum disease in check.
What are the benefits of regular dental cleanings?
Regular dental cleanings:
- Prevents Cavities: Cleanings remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can cause cavities if it builds up on your teeth.
- Stops Gum Disease: Removing plaque and tartar helps prevent gum disease, which can lead to red, swollen, or bleeding gums.
- Keeps Your Breath Fresh: Clean teeth and healthy gums help prevent bad breath caused by bacteria.
- Brighter Smile: Dental cleanings remove stains from food, drinks, and tobacco, leaving your teeth looking whiter and brighter.
- Saves Money: Catching problems early, like small cavities or gum issues, can help you avoid more expensive treatments later.
- Protects Overall Health: Good oral health is linked to a healthy heart and lower risks of other health problems, like diabetes.
Should I brush my teeth before a dental cleaning?
Yes, you should brush your teeth before a dental cleaning. It helps make the cleaning easier.
But don’t stress if you forget—your hygienist will clean your teeth thoroughly no matter what. Just do your best to keep up your regular brushing and flossing routine!
What should I do if I feel sensitivity after a cleaning?
You may feel some sensitivity after a cleaning if you already have sensitive teeth or gums. After your cleaning, you can try toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. It can help reduce the discomfort over time.
You should also stay away from very hot or cold drinks and foods for a few days. Stick to lukewarm or room-temperature items. When you brush again, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth gently. Don’t press too hard, especially on sensitive areas.
Sensitivity usually goes away on its own in a few days. If it doesn’t, or if it gets worse, call our dentist. He can check if there’s another issue.
What is the difference between a dental cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A dental cleaning and a deep cleaning are similar, but they’re done for different reasons. A regular cleaning focuses on the surfaces of your teeth and the area above your gums.
The hygienist removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
You need a deep cleaning, also called a scaling and root planing, if you have gum inflammation or gum disease. It cleans below your gums, where plaque and tartar have built up and caused infection. The hygienist or dentist will clean the roots of your teeth and smooth them out to help your gums reattach to your teeth.
What if I haven’t had a cleaning in a long time?
If you haven’t had a dental cleaning in a long time, don’t stress! We’re here to help you get your oral health back on track.
Since it’s been a while, our dentist or hygienist might need to do a deeper cleaning. This could involve removing more plaque and tartar than usual, especially if it’s built up over time. If it’s been a long time, your gums might feel a bit sore or bleed a little during the cleaning. This is normal and should get better quickly.
After your cleaning, our dentist might suggest coming back sooner for another cleaning or treatment if needed. He will help you get back on track.
Can cleanings whiten my teeth?
Dental cleanings can make your teeth look a little whiter, but they’re not the same as teeth whitening treatments. During a cleaning, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar, which can make your teeth look brighter. They also polish your teeth to remove surface stains from things like coffee, tea, or soda. In addition to cleaning your teeth at home, dental cleanings help remove surface stains that can affect your tooth color.
Schedule Your Next Visit
Keep your teeth and gums healthy with a dental cleaning in our Tulsa, OK, dental office. Call 918-347-1114 or schedule an appointment with us online. Let us know if you have questions about regular dental care. We will be happy to help.