TEETH CLEANINGS
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET MY TEETH CLEANED?
All major dental associations including the ADA (American Dental Association) recommend that you have your teeth cleaned every six months. That’s our recommendation at Premier Dental, too. Dr. Awasthy typically sees patients twice a year for teeth cleanings.
Twice-yearly cleanings help us keep an eye on your oral health. They also allow you to make the most of dental insurance coverage, since your policy typically will cover two cleanings every year. Contact us now to schedule your next checkup in. We’re always accepting new patients!
DID YOU KNOW…
Six-month teeth cleanings are the best way to prevent cavities and gum disease, and help keep your teeth bright and strong.
Ready to schedule a consult?
How It Works: The Teeth Cleaning Process
X-RAYS
X-rays are usually taken once per year, and are recommended for first-time patients. They allow our dental team and Dr. Awasthy to look below the surface and check for hidden oral health issues. At Premier Dental, we use modern digital x-ray equipment that provides better accuracy, lower radiation exposure, and faster overall treatment times.
SCRAPING AWAY PLAQUE & TARTAR
To begin your cleaning, your hygienist will use special dental scaling tools to remove tartar from your teeth. This is important because bacteria-filled tartar cannot be removed with at-home brushing alone. Scaling your teeth helps keep them healthy.
POLISHING YOUR TEETH
Once the bulk of plaque and tartar have been removed, your hygienist will use gritty toothpaste and a polishing tool to brush, buff, and polish your teeth. This leaves them feeling clean and smooth.
FLOSSING
As the final step, your teeth will be professionally flossed to remove any remaining debris and ensure that they are completely clean. This also allows your hygienist to look out for things like bleeding when flossing, which could indicate gum disease or inadequate at-home flossing.
ORAL EXAM
Dr. Awasthy will always perform your oral exam after a cleaning. Clean teeth are easier to diagnose, and this also allows him to discuss any initial findings your hygienist has seen during the cleaning process. During this in-depth exam, he will check all of your teeth, your dental restorations, your gums, and your x-rays to look for signs of any areas of concern. Then, he’ll discuss his findings with you, and schedule any necessary follow-ups.