Dental Cleaning Albany, OR
At Calapooia Family Dental, we offer a wide variety of preventive services to keep your teeth and gums in pristine condition. One of the most common preventive treatments is a professional dental cleaning. Our cleanings are designed to eliminate plaque, tartar (calcified plaque), and bacteria from areas above and below your gum tissue.
Professional Cleaning Process
Our dental hygienist is most often the one to perform a professional cleaning. During the procedure, we utilize a special hand tool known as an ultrasonic scaler. This revolutionary device has a tip that produces high-frequency vibrations. When combined with water or a cleaning solution, these vibrations procedure microscopic bubbles that implode on the surfaces of your teeth.
The bubbles and their implosions help break up plaque and tartar deposits, while bursting the cell walls of harmful bacteria, effectively eliminating your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Ultrasonic scalers also eliminate any risk of damaging your enamel during the procedure. The same cannot be said for conventional metal scalers.
Once your teeth have been properly scaled, our hygienist will floss your teeth. Flossing helps remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from areas that cannot be reached with a toothbrush. Daily flossing can drastically reduce your risk of gum disease, and in turn, tooth loss.
After your teeth are clean, we apply a special polish to the enamel. Polishing your teeth helps restore the sheen of your smile! We may also recommend fluoride treatment, especially for children prone to tooth decay, to prevent potential cavities.
The Importance of Cleanings
The harmful bacteria found in plaque can create several problems for your teeth and gums. Along with strong at-home oral hygiene practices, professional cleanings are the best way to prevent the two most common issues: tooth decay and gum disease. As your general dentist, our top priority is helping you and your family maintain healthy, beautiful smiles!
During your cleaning appointment, Dr. Summers or Dr. Hagerty will also perform a thorough dental examination and review your dental history. This individualized level of care is a crucial part of diagnosing potential problems. Regular appointments allow us to catch these problems in their beginning stages before they progress into major oral health complications.
After Your Cleanings
Professional cleaning is just one part of a much larger picture when it comes to your oral health. After your cleaning, we may review the proper brushing and flossing techniques to ensure you implement stronger practices at home. Be sure to ask any questions and voice concerns. Patient education is the foundation of excellent oral health.
Before you leave our office, we may ask you to schedule another appointment. The American Dental Association suggests scheduling a cleaning twice a year, roughly every six months. Routine cleanings and exams can prevent the need for restorative dentistry, saving you from additional appointments and costly procedures.
Only Dr. Summers or Dr. Hagerty will be able to determine how often you should visit our office. While every six months is the standard, some patients may need to schedule more frequent appointments. Conversely, people in excellent oral health may be able to get away with fewer visits, although this is atypical.
Schedule Your Professional Cleaning Now!
Protect your oral health now! Call (541) 936-9222 to schedule your professional dental cleaning! |