Dental Cleaning Basics

People generally visit their Denver dentist once or twice a year to get for a proper dental cleaning. At this procedure, the dentist or dental hygienist will take X-rays to look for any effects of tooth decay, remove any plaque and tartar that has built up, and inspect the mouth for signs of gum disease. Plaque and tartar present prime opportunities for bacterial growth. In an ideal setting like that, bacteria will grow and can infect the teeth and gums. If the adjacent tissues of a tooth are compromised the bone may recede, exposing the tooth material to bacteria and further infection. This condition often develops into what is referred to as periodontal disease and often the main cause of tooth loss.

Subsequently, tooth loss can lead to pain caused by further untreated 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 Denver dentists 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.

Denver 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 Denver 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.