Teeth
Cleaning
Culver City

1. Preliminary Oral Exam

First, a dentist or hygienist will examine the state of your teeth and gums. At this point in the process, it is vital to mention any dental issues you have been experiencing, like pain, bleeding, or any other dental issue causing hardship in your day-to-day routine. Aside from the naked eye, the dentist and hygienist will likely use mirrors to see all angles of your teeth. Then, depending on certain factors, they may operate an intraoral scanner to ensure that all surface areas are thoroughly inspected.

If no issues are brought up, then the rest of the exam is used to look for any other overall health issues, including:

• Any signs of early gingivitis, inflammation, or cavities
• An assessment of your oral hygiene and general health.
• Find out whether you are at risk of bone disease or tooth decay.
• A dentist will examine any previous restorations, such as crowns or onlays, to determine if they must be replaced.
• Assess and discuss any bite or jaw problems like TMJ.
• Educate the patient on incorrect brushing and flossing techniques.

The dentist will also conduct an early cancer screening to rule out oral cancer during the examination.

To screen for this, your dentist will feel the following areas: jaw, neck, cheeks, tongue, inner lips, and roof of your mouth. This will give the dentist a working overview of the area and the chance to catch any early signs of cancer.

You should inform your dentist and hygienist of any medications you are taking so they can see the full overview of your health. Certain medications are linked to various health-related issues such as tooth decay in many instances.

Also, if you suffer from any other health issue, such as diabetes, it will be important to inform your dentist because gum disease is often linked to this ailment. If you want them to provide you with the best dental care, you must let them know of any health issues or medications you take in order for them to provide the best dental care.

There may also be a discussion about certain lifestyle choices and the risks of each. To make sure you are aware of how diet, tongue piercings, and tobacco use affect your oral health, those topics may also be discussed.

2. Digital X-Rays

X-rays of the mouth may be taken as part of the examination. However, an x-ray is not necessary for every appointment. A decision on taking an x-ray will be determined based on your risk for disease, current situation, and if there are any concerns you have that would require an x-ray. If it is your first time in a dental office, they will likely take an x-ray for a preliminary assessment.

By taking images of your teeth, gums, and bones, the dentist will be able to determine if there are any issues that cannot be seen with a visual exam.

A digital x-ray can provide information on the following:

• Early stages of gum disease
• The loss of bone in the jaw
• Oral abnormalities such as tumors or cysts.
• Tooth decay

Dentists use digital x-rays as the basis for diagnosing, treating, and tracking your oral health.

3. Plaque and Calculus Removal

The hygienist will use a variety of tools to clean your teeth following the exam. Plaque, calculus (tartar), and bacterial deposits are primarily removed from the teeth surface, the spaces between teeth, and the gum line.

Plaque is the build-up of bacteria that forms in the mouth and on the teeth. If plaque is not removed correctly and in a timely manner, it will turn into tartar or calculus, which will be much more difficult and tedious to remove. It is impossible to remove calculus by brushing yourself. You will need a dental professional to remove all calculus build-up.

The following steps are conducted depending on the level of cleaning needed:

1. Using a mirror, the dentist ensures all surfaces of your teeth are cleaned thoroughly.
2. Gum health will be assessed using a probe to take measurements of the depth of the tooth pocket. The dentist may recommend a more thorough cleaning or other treatment by determining the gums’ health.
3. If you have developed calculus or tartar, The hygienist will use a tool known as a scaler to scrape off calculus and tartar from the tooth’s surface. Because you are awake, you will hear a scraping noise, but it is nothing to be alarmed about. While some people assume this scrapes the teeth and ruins them, that theory is false. The scaler is specifically designed to remove calculus without damaging the tooth enamel.
4. The hygienist will next remove the calculus beneath the gums and at the base of the tooth with a tool known as a curette.
5. The hygienist will then use a polishing paste to polish the teeth. The texture of the paste is somewhat gritty so prepare for that. To apply the paste, the hygienist will use a tooth polisher to remove any stains visible on the surface level of the teeth. Once polished, the teeth will appear shiny and feel smooth.
6. To remove plaque from between your teeth, the hygienist will professionally floss the teeth to get in between each tooth.
7. Lastly, the dentist or hygienist may give fluoride treatments. Fluoride treatment aims to add an extra layer of protection to your teeth. This will protect your teeth in between dental cleanings from cavities. A tray is filled with either a fluoride gel or foam to partake in a fluoride treatment. The tray is then placed into the patient’s mouth for one minute. Once the minute is up, the patient must rinse their mouth with water. Some patients may not require this treatment.

Each step of the dental cleaning process will also involve a suction system to remove any saliva that collects in your mouth.

4. Final Part of the Exam

The hygienist will examine the teeth after the completion of the teeth cleaning. If any findings during the teeth cleaning are brought to the hygienist’s attention, the hygienist will consult with the dentist about the conclusions. This will include the questions that you brought to the hygienist’s attention.

After consulting with the hygienist, the dentist will look over the x-ray images and the measurements taken when getting the gingival pocket probing. If any restorations are being used, such as crowns or onlays, the dentist will go over care and the next steps. Finally, they will finish off their assessment with any findings that are related to the state of your jaw health, bite, and gums.

If anything significant is found, the dentist will discuss further treatment options, and you may do counseling regarding oral hygiene care. Additionally, your dentist will let you know when you need to schedule your next dental cleaning and exam.

What Does A Hygienist Do?

In dentistry, dental hygienists focus on preventing and treating oral health problems. They provide patients with information about the best ways to care for their teeth and gums and influence the patient’s overall health. A majority of their services involve preventive dentistry, including but not limited to cleanings and fluoride treatments.

Your overall health and wellbeing can be dramatically improved by seeing a hygienist twice a year for a dental cleaning.

These oral health professionals are some of the most important in the dental office and must be licensed in the state they work. To get licensed, they must receive their degree from an accredited university or college that offers a dental hygiene-specific program.

Once they receive their degree, they must pass a national board exam and a state clinical exam in order to receive their licensure. From then on, a dental hygienist will be able to identify themselves as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

How Often Should I Get My Teeth Professionally Cleaned?

Dental offices typically provide professional teeth cleanings as part of their standard procedures. Based on the results of a dental exam, the dentist, hygienist, and patient determine how often your teeth should be professionally cleaned.

Most dental professionals recommend seeing their dentist at least twice a year if you have a healthy mouth and practice good oral hygiene. There are, however, some individuals where a dental cleaning is recommended more frequently. The importance of dental health to your overall health cannot be overstated, and dental cleanings play an essential role in this.

What Is The Average Time for A Teeth Cleaning?

Routine dental cleaning generally takes 30 minutes to an hour.

The dental cleaning itself takes about 30 minutes, and if there is an additional exam or treatment needed, the time will be extended.

The severity of your dental health may determine how long it takes. Patients who visit regularly should expect each appointment to last 30 minutes or less since their teeth are always properly handled. In the event that a patient’s teeth are not properly cared for, then the amount of time taken for the appointment will increase.

Whatever the procedure may be or how long it takes, it should be relatively non-painful. During the procedure, you will be seated in a comfortable and reclined dental chair.

Once your teeth have been cleaned and examined, they should look much brighter and feel much smoother. Make sure you let the dental hygienist or hygienist know if the procedure is painful or uncomfortable.

It is the goal of dental cleanings and daily oral care to eliminate oral health problems that cannot be cured without surgery and extensive oral therapy. Having a pleasant experience is one of the goals of the hygienist, dentist, and technicians, so you will avoid serious dental concerns and continue your routine dental checkups each year.

1. Prophylaxis Cleaning

Prophylaxis cleanings are the most common and well-known type of dental cleaning. It is usually your yearly or biannual cleaning of your teeth. People with relatively healthy oral health and no significant dental issues that would negatively impact their gums, teeth, or overall health can benefit from this treatment.

Prophylaxis cleanings remove tartar and plaque from your teeth, gums, and between your teeth. The process involves using a dental scaler or water stream on all sides of your teeth. Typically, dental cleanings are referred to as prophylaxis, which means “to prevent disease.” If you see a dentist regularly, this type of dental cleaning will happen most often.

2. Scaling and Root Planing

Dental scaling and root planing are also known as deep cleanings. Dental cleanings like this are used to treat gingivitis or periodontitis by deep cleaning the gum line and pockets of a patient’s gums.

For those suffering from gingivitis, this dental cleaning will require only one appointment, but for those with periodontitis, it will require several appointments and possibly anesthesia as well.

In scaling and root planning, the plaque that has hardened into tartar and calculus is scraped from the surfaces of the teeth and gums. As this type of cleaning is a bit more invasive and has a greater impact on your teeth, multiple appointments may be necessary in some cases. You may need this type of tooth cleaning if you notice any of the following:

• Swollen gums
• Teeth that are abnormally loose
• Bleeding gums

3. Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning

Periodontal maintenance cleanings are recommended for people suffering from severe oral health issues. It is important to keep gum disease and periodontitis under control regularly if you want to prevent even a chance of the disease reaching an endpoint.

Maintenance dental cleanings require more frequent visits than routine dental cleanings, just as scaling and root planing do.

4. Gross Debridement

In terms of dental cleanings, gross debridement is the most aggressive. People who haven’t seen a dentist in years and who practice poor at-home dental care usually benefit from this type of teeth cleaning.

The plaque build-up is tremendous, and the tartar and calculus that has formed are layered extensively on the tooth and at the gum line.

To loosen the tartar and clean the gum roots and gum line, an electric tool will be used. Unless your teeth are severely damaged and show a large amount of plaque buildup, these appointments shouldn’t last long.

A standard prophylaxis treatment will be performed by the dental hygienist following the successful removal of tartar.

Regular Teeth Cleaning

In order to maintain overall health, oral hygiene, and dental health, it is necessary to have a routine dental cleaning. Without proper care, teeth can weaken, become more prone to cavities, and eventually lose both bone and teeth. The following are some of the things you can expect during a regular teeth cleaning:

• A thorough visual inspection of the teeth is performed
• Gum health will be checked by probing the teeth
• Plaque will be removed using a scaler
• Afterward, your teeth will be polished
• Flossing will be performed on the teeth

Essentially, regular teeth cleaning involves cleaning the surfaces of the teeth up to the gum line. In cases where bacteria and tartar have formed below the gum line, the dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning.

Deep Dental Cleaning

When teeth need to be cleaned above and below the gum line as well as at the roots, a deep cleaning is necessary. Bacteria can infect the gums when plaque accumulates on the roots and exterior of teeth. Cleaning deep beneath the gum line is achieved using a scaler and an ultrasonic device to remove build-up.

A deep cleaning appointment can be intense and require more than one appointment. To prevent permanent tooth loss, it is important to remove bacteria growth from the roots and pockets of the teeth. Following are some signs you may need a deep cleaning:

• Gums that are red and swollen
• When brushing or flossing, there is bleeding
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Gum pockets are enlarged by more than 5 mm

What Happens During A Deep Dental Cleaning?

During a deep dental cleaning, some of the same steps will be carried out as during a regular dental cleaning. In some cases, X-rays may be necessary for a thorough examination.

Once this is complete, the hygienist will:

• The gum area is anesthetized to help minimize discomfort.
• Plaque and tartar are scraped from the roots of the teeth with a scaling tool
• Healing can be aided by antibiotics.
• To prevent bacteria from re-forming, the surface of the root is smoothed with a planing tool.

Benefits of a Deep Dental Cleaning

Deep cleaning is an extremely effective method of preventing periodontitis. This very simple preventative treatment can eliminate several health risks for patients with signs of gum disease.

There are many benefits to a deep dental cleaning, including:

• A deep cleaning can help patients with periodontitis or gingivitis.
• Gum disease is just the beginning of tooth decay, which can affect the tooth’s structure as well as the roots. Deep cleanings can prevent decay and more invasive, expensive dental procedures.
• Among the leading causes of bad breath is gingivitis. Bad breath can be resolved by removing and cleaning the diseased bacteria below the gum line.
• Gingivitis and periodontitis can both cause gums to recede and become inflamed. The position of your teeth can shift and move, causing drastic negative changes to your smile.

Disadvantages of A Deep Teeth Cleaning

There are some common disadvantages to having deep teeth cleaning, even though it is a low-risk procedure. A common side-effect of the procedure is sensitivity in the teeth and gums. In particular, the gums may be sore after the anesthetic wears off.

To manage the soreness after a deep cleaning, eat a softer diet and avoid cold drinks and food. In the meantime, keep your mouth healthy by practicing good oral hygiene. A proper at-home treatment will alleviate the discomfort within about two weeks.

In addition, the following are other less common disadvantages you should be aware of:

• For patients with fillings, the scraping process during the deep cleaning can cause fillings to loosen and become dislodged.
• Gum tissue may sometimes not reattach to teeth after the procedure.
• In rare cases, nerve damage has occurred.
• It will not cure gum disease; it will only help manage the problem.
• In all likelihood, more than one appointment will be required.
• Good oral hygiene must be practiced consistently to reap the full benefits.
• If an infection develops, this could affect the immune system.
• If bacteria or tartar remains in the jaw, it can cause an abscess.

There are very few disadvantages to having a deep cleaning. Most patients experience only minor soreness after their procedure. Symptoms should subside within two weeks. As a result, the benefits of a deep dental cleaning far outweigh its disadvantages.

Advantages of A Deep Teeth Cleaning

If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning of your teeth, you should take it seriously. Among the primary reasons for this procedure is the presence of plaque and tartar below your gum line. Plaque left in pockets and untreated will result in gum disease. As a result, inflammation, bone loss, and tooth loss may occur.

Studies have also shown a link between gum disease and overall health. In particular, bacteria associated with gum disease are linked to cardiovascular diseases, endocarditis, some cancers, respiratory diseases, and pregnancy problems.

Other advantages to having your teeth deep cleaned include:

• Eliminating bad breath through the removal of bacteria
• Preventing periodontal disease before it develops
• To prevent gum disease and protect the roots, plaque needs to be eliminated from the tooth roots.
• By treating gum disease early, it can be prevented from progressing into more severe periodontitis.
• Aids in treating and eradicating infections.
• It prevents bone and tissue degradation
• Encourages tissue regeneration.

The key to good oral health is preventing plaque and tartar buildup. A dentist’s recommendation for a deep dental cleaning should not be ignored. The benefits of having a deep clean far outweigh the disadvantages.