Regular dental cleanings for healthy, bright smiles

Approximately 68 percent of adults suffer from tartar. Also known as dental calculus, tartar is a yellowish-brown hardened deposit that forms when plaque accumulates on your teeth. Since tartar bonds very strongly to your teeth, it cannot be removed by regular brushing at home.

At Jonathan J. Golab, DDS, PA, we offer our patients professional dental cleaning services which can keep your teeth white, bright, and healthy.

Why Should You Get Regular Dental Cleanings?

Dental plaque, also known as dental biofilm, is an extremely sticky film that builds up on your teeth. If not removed through regular brushing, plaque hardens into calculus within 24 to 72 hours. Plaque contains bacteria which produce acid that damages your tooth enamel and gums. If left untreated, the damage can become irreversible and permanent. Additionally, poor oral hygiene is also associated with overall bad health and other dental and medical issues like bone degradation, cancers, heart disease, stroke, and other problems.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning Appointment?

Your biannual dental exam appointment is a preventive procedure which involves prophylaxis to remove tartar from your teeth. At Jonathan J. Golab, DDS, PA, we will perform these oral health activities:

• We will first begin by examining the condition of your teeth and mouth before starting your dental cleaning procedure. We make sure that all our tools are disinfected to ensure your safety.
• We may use a dental tool that produces ultrasonic vibrations that can shake loose debris from your teeth. We will then irrigate your mouth to wash away the debris.
• Once the larger pieces of tartar have been removed, we will use dental tools called scalers to gently scrape off the remaining calculus from your tooth surface.
• Once tartar has been removed, we will polish your teeth with granular dental paste to create a shiny and smooth surface.
• Next, we will perform flossing on your teeth to get rid of any trapped debris between teeth or below the gumline.
• We may also recommend a fluoride treatment on your teeth to harden the tissue. We will place a tray filled with fluoride gel on your teeth for 30 to 60 seconds after which you can rinse your mouth.
• We may also apply a fluoride varnish on your teeth for additional protection.

What to Expect After A Dental Cleaning?

Some people may experience increased sensitivity after a dental cleaning. This is because of the newly exposed areas of your teeth that were covered by calculus.

When tartar accumulates on your teeth, your gums may recede, exposing your teeth root to the elements. Since the tooth root is not covered by enamel, it is more sensitive than the rest of your tooth.

How Often Do You Need to Get Your Teeth Professionally Cleaned?

The American Dental Association recommends getting a dental checkup appointment twice a year. During the appointment, we will examine your oral health and give you a professional cleaning.

People who are at risk of dental diseases may have to make more frequent visits to us, typically after every three or four months. These people include those with poor oral health, smokers, substance abusers, diabetics, and people with compromised immune systems and genetic issues.

Make sure you bring your medical and dental records to your appointment. To schedule a visit, call us at (469) 444-2119 today.