Dental Cleaning Basics

People generally visit their Suwanee dentist once or twice a year to get for a proper dental cleaning. The dentist or dental hygienist will remove the tartar and plaque built up around the teeth, take x-rays to reveal tooth decay or bone loss and also evaluate for any sign of infection in the gum area. Plaque and tartar present prime opportunities for bacterial growth. Once bacteria have settled it can result in irritation and, if left untreated, infection. When the tissues surrounding the tooth are infected, the bone can recede and rendering the tooth even more vulnerable to infection or decay. This condition often develops into what is referred to as periodontal disease and often the main cause of tooth loss.

Subsequently, tooth loss can leave an individual exposed to pain, further infection and decay, as well as chronic head, neck or jaw pain due to the remaining teeth taking on the work of the missing teeth. Additionally, gum disease has been linked with increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Simple, preventative care is the best method for avoiding any complicated dental problems, and the first step is regular dental cleaning. Most dental professionals will inquire about a patient’s daily oral hygiene routine, and make suggestions or recommendations about how they can improve results based on their findings.

Suwanee dentists and oral hygienists use a variety of tools to perform their work, including special tools called “scalers,” which can reach plaque build-up beneath the gum line. Some employ ultrasonic tools that vibrate and break up any plaque, which is then rinsed away with water. At the conclusion of a cleaning the dentist or hygienist will use polishing tools to clear away any surface debris and leave teeth feeling smooth and shiny.

During a traditional cleaning, the patient may have some x-rays taken to determine the presence of any cavities. If a patient has not had a cleaning for a long time, the process will likely take a bit longer than those who have frequent cleanings, but generally appointments last from thirty minutes to one hour.

If at any point during the dental cleaning a patient experiences pain, he/she should tell the dentist or hygienist right away. Many Suwanee dentists offer dental procedures under a light sedation to make the patient more comfortable. Patients who have not had a cleaning in a while may receive instructions about the importance of regular dental hygiene which when followed can greatly improve the overall health of the patient.