Undergoing professional dental cleanings twice a year is important for the health and appearance of your smile. The American Dental Association recommends that patients schedule dental visits at “intervals determined by a dentist” to maintain optimal oral health.
While many patients take these important preventive steps as a given, it is important to remember that teeth cleanings are not performed purely for cosmetic reasons or purely as a precautionary step. Dental cleanings are critical for preventing serious dental problems that can lead to tooth loss, advanced infections, and other complications.
If it has been several months or longer since your last dental cleaning, it is never too late to begin regaining optimal oral health through convenient and affordable cleanings at our dental practice. No matter how long it has been since your last visit, we welcome you to schedule a professional teeth cleaning by call (520) 353-3002.
Oral health in the United States has drastically improved over the last century due to improved dental technology and a better understanding of the role cleanings play in preventing dental problems. Most dental problems stem from tooth decay or gum disease. Dental cleanings address both of these problems by removing the home of harmful bacteria — plaque and tartar.
Food, sugars, bacteria, and saliva interact and gradually form plaque. With good oral hygiene habits, much of this biofilm can be removed. Even diligent brushing and flossing cannot completely prevent the formation of calcified plaque, which is known as tartar.
Once tartar forms on the base of your teeth and the crevices of molars, it cannot be removed through brushing. Even a quality electric toothbrush may not be able to completely remove tartar. Plaque and tartar effectively form a home where bacteria can thrive and degrade the enamel. As bacteria digest sugars, the microbes release small amounts of acid that eventually demineralize and eat away at enamel. Over time, this process can form small pits (cavities) that will continue to grow.
Dental cleanings directly address this problem by removing calcified tartar. This can drastically reduce your risk of developing tooth decay. Plaque and tartar also play a role in gum disease. Plaque and tartar allow bacteria to remain near and below the gumline. The presence of these microbes creates an inflammatory response. As your body tries to fight off the infection, your gums can become swollen and tender.
As gum disease progresses, it can lead to gum tissue recession and even tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. As a means of preventing tooth decay and gum disease, teeth cleanings are not optional. They are very much necessary.
Dental cleanings are one of the most effective means of preventing serious dental problems that any dentist can offer. The convenient treatments offer the following benefits.
Affordability
Teeth cleanings are one of the most affordable treatments any dentist will offer. Most dental insurance plans cover most or all of the costs associated with a teeth cleaning. Dental plans cost between $15 and $50 a month. Before you purchase a dental plan, be sure to visit our Accepted Dental Plan page to ensure that our office works with that provider.
Convenience
Dental cleanings can be completed in under one hour. Our receptionist will be glad to schedule your cleaning during a time that is convenient for you. If you do not have other dental problems that require treatment, cleanings only take around two hours of your time per year!
Effectiveness
Dental cleanings are an effective means of preventing dental problems. Healthcare agencies like the National Institutes of Health agree. Dental cleanings are a necessary treatment for maintaining oral health and preventing serious dental problems.
Long Term Cost-savings
Teeth cleanings may be completely covered by some dental plans. The preventative treatments can prevent the onset of cavities and gum disease. Those dental problems can be costly to treat. On the more extreme end, a cavity can lead to a root canal infection and the need for root canal therapy. Advanced gum disease can lead to gum tissue recession, damage to your tooth, or even tooth loss.
A Consistent Track Record For Our Office
Regular visits to our office allow Dr. Asadi and our dental team to better understand your unique oral health needs and personal goals. Having a trusted dentist who understands your needs is an important aspect of maintaining oral health. Most adults appreciate the value of having one primary care physician who understands your medical history. The same principle holds true for a dentist.
Cosmetic Benefits
Although cosmetic considerations are not the primary aim of teeth cleanings, you will certainly enjoy a whiter smile after the treatment. Cleanings remove dark areas of tartar along your teeth. Once the cleaning has been completed, our hygienist will use a special rotary tool to polish your teeth.
If yellow teeth and dark patches of tartar leave you embarrassed to smile, we highly recommend scheduling a teeth cleaning soon. To enjoy further whitening results, our office can schedule a professional teeth whitening.
Cleanings are convenient and comfortable. During your visit, our dental hygienist will use a special metal tool to gently remove tartar from the surface of your teeth. This procedure is called scaling. Hygienists undergo special training that allows them to detect and effectively remove plaque and tartar from every crevice of your tooth and just below the gumline.
Teeth cleanings are non-invasive, so there is no need for anesthesia or injections. Once your teeth have been cleaned, a rotary device will be used to polish your teeth. If your hygienist notices any signs of tooth decay or gum disease, Dr. Asadi can treat those dental problems at that time or a later appointment. Your teeth cleaning may or may not be followed by an exam.
Most patients benefit from twice-a-year cleanings at six-month intervals. Dr. Asadi may recommend that patients have their teeth cleaned more frequently if they:
Dental cleanings can help Dr. Asadi diagnose and treat a dental problem before it becomes a serious issue.
We understand that life is busy, and sometimes oral health treatments can take a backseat to family and work. No matter what your life situation is, we strongly encourage all of our patients to schedule teeth cleanings at regular intervals as recommended by Dr. Asadi. It is never too late to regain control over your oral health.
Our office is always welcoming new patients, and you will not be judged on how frequently (or infrequently) you have visited your dentist in the past. Dr. Asadi’s dental practice is welcoming and friendly. To schedule your next teeth cleaning, please contact our office online or call 520-353-3002. We even book appointments online.
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