Understanding the Importance of Dental Cleanings at MVP Family Dental in Jenkintown
At MVP Family Dental, we prioritize your oral health and well-being. Regular dental cleanings are a vital component of preventive dental care, contributing significantly to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Whether you are a family seeking family dental services or an individual needing specialized care, our dedicated team led by Dr. Priya Mathew and Dr. Vineetha Thomas is here to ensure you receive the highest quality of care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
What are the different types of dental cleanings?
There are several different types of dental cleanings. One is your routine cleaning that you come in for twice a year, in the absence of gum disease. If you have healthy gums and maintain good home care, with regular flossing and brushing, and there's no inflammation or bleeding, those are your regular cleanings. Then we have more frequent cleanings, like three or four times a year. These are still cleanings, but maybe you get a lot of tartar buildup. Increasing the frequency of cleanings helps manage that. There's also periodontal maintenance for those with gum disease, which involves scaling and root planing—a deeper cleaning beneath the gums where you're numb for the procedure. If there's tartar under your gums that needs removal, that's the scaling and root cleaning. After that, we do periodontal maintenance, as sometimes we need to get in there more thoroughly. These cleanings not only involve the area above the gums but also below them.
What is the importance of dental cleaning?
The importance of dental cleaning is in removing the bacteria that builds up in the mouth over time. Tartar is a buildup of bacteria that has calcified, and it's often difficult to manage at home. Even with regular use of a water pick, flossing, and brushing, tartar can still build up, especially because of our saliva duct being right under the tongue, leading to tartar buildup on the lower front teeth and other areas that might be hard to reach.
How often should I have a dental cleaning?
You should have a dental cleaning at least twice a year, or every six months. We will determine the need and frequency during your visit at MVP Family Dental, taking into consideration your home care and the status of your mouth.
Is dental cleaning painful?
Dental cleanings are not painful. We are not digging or stabbing; we are just cleaning the plaque off the gums above the gum line. It should not be painful.
How long should a typical dental cleaning take?
A typical dental cleaning takes about an hour or maybe 45 minutes, depending on how much buildup you have. Usually, the appointment is for an hour.
What happens during the teeth cleaning?
During a teeth cleaning, the dental hygienist or doctor uses an ultrasonic instrument to remove calcified tartar, plaque, and bacteria from your teeth. It uses water and an ultrasonic pattern to remove the bacteria. We then manually remove any remaining bacteria with hand instruments, floss your teeth, and sometimes apply a fluoride treatment. We also examine your teeth and may take X-rays during the checkup.
Are dental hygienists able to remove all the tartar during a dental cleaning?
Dental hygienists can remove all the tartar during a dental cleaning. It depends on how much tartar is present. Some people have more tartar than others, and some have tartar under the gums. In such cases, it may take more than one session, but typically, if there's a normal amount of tartar and it's not been 10 years since the last visit, it can be removed in one sitting.
Can dental cleaning damage the teeth?
Dental cleaning cannot damage the teeth. We only remove bacteria and tartar around the tooth, not the tooth itself.
How do I treat sensitive teeth after dental cleaning?
You can treat sensitive teeth after a dental cleaning by using a fluoride regimen. You can also have a fluoride varnish applied at our office after your cleaning to help remineralize your teeth and reduce sensitivity. We also recommend various toothpaste or mouthwashes for sensitivity.
How can I schedule a dental cleaning?
You can schedule a dental cleaning by calling us at MVP Family Dental. The phone number is (252) 616-9444, and we can schedule your cleaning today.
Dr. Mathew, deep cleaning versus routine cleaning. What's the difference?
A deep cleaning versus a routine cleaning differs in that a deep cleaning involves numbing you and going underneath the gums to remove bacteria and tartar. We can usually determine the need for a deep cleaning by doing probing measurements, which show us how well your gums are attached to the rest of your periodontium and the bone underneath. We can also see in the X-rays if there's tartar beneath the gums that needs removal. A regular cleaning stays above the gums and is typically done in the absence of inflammation and heavy bleeding.
Why is dental deep cleaning necessary?
Dental deep cleaning is necessary when tartar has been on the teeth for a long time and has encroached underneath the gums. It is essential to remove that tartar because it starts eroding the bone. The bone decreases, and the teeth start to loosen if the tartar remains for a prolonged period. We need to remove that tartar to allow the gums to heal and reattach to the bone.
How long can I go without a dental cleaning?
I would not recommend going without a dental cleaning for more than six months. It's crucial to keep your teeth clean and have them professionally cleaned because there are spots you can't reach. You risk many dental problems if you don't see your dentist regularly.
What does a dentist hygienist do at the teeth cleaning appointment?
The dentist or dental hygienist at the cleaning appointment will clean your teeth, take X-rays, and measure your gums to assess their health and determine the type of cleaning you need. They will clean your teeth with an ultrasonic instrument and use hand instruments to manually remove tartar and bacteria. They will polish your teeth, apply a fluoride varnish, and conduct a full examination of your mouth and teeth.
How painful is a dental cleaning?
A dental cleaning is not painful. We ensure you're comfortable and stay above the gums without numbing. If we need to go underneath for a deep cleaning, we make sure you're numb and comfortable. You're in control, and if you need anything, you can raise your hand, and we will stop. We ensure you don't feel any pain during the dental cleaning.
Why do my teeth feel weird after cleaning?
Sometimes, after a cleaning, teeth may feel weird because tartar has been removed, leaving spaces where it used to be. This change can feel odd, like you can whistle through your teeth or they just feel different. However, it's a positive change because removing bacteria that has been on your teeth for months or years is beneficial.
Do gums heal after tartar removal by teeth cleaning?
Gums can heal after a teeth cleaning because removing tartar, which consists of harmful bacteria that erode bone and tooth structure, promotes healing.
Do teeth cleaning include cavities?
Teeth cleaning includes an examination to detect any cavities. We examine your teeth and sometimes use X-rays if you're due for them to ensure everything is fine.
How much does a dental cleaning cost?
If you're a new patient, a dental cleaning costs $129 at our office. This new patient special includes all X-rays, an examination by the doctor, a cleaning in the absence of gum disease, a scan of your teeth, and an oral cancer exam. It's a great deal.
How do I keep my teeth clean after teeth cleaning?
After teeth cleaning, maintain cleanliness by brushing twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing regularly at least once a day, and using mouth rinses to help keep your teeth clean.
How should I schedule a dental cleaning appointment?
You can schedule a dental cleaning appointment by calling us at MVP Family Dental.
I hope we've been able to answer some of your questions regarding dental cleanings. We're always here to help. If you have any more questions, please give us a call at (252) 616-9444 to set an appointment. Our staff would love to talk with you!
What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning
When you visit our Jenkintown dental practice for a dental cleaning, you can rest assured that we tailor the process to meet your unique needs. During this appointment, our experienced hygienists will begin by assessing your oral health and then carefully perform a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup. For patients with sensitive teeth, we implement gentle techniques that minimize discomfort, ensuring a pleasant experience.
Understanding the Causes of Sensitive Teeth
Many patients experience sensitive teeth, which can stem from various issues like worn enamel, gum recession, or tooth decay. If you are among those suffering from tooth sensitivity, please know you're not alone. At MVP Family Dental, we provide sensitive teeth treatment options designed to help alleviate discomfort, promoting better oral health and helping you enjoy your daily activities without worry.
Post-Cleaning Advice: Elevating Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Post-cleaning, our team believes in the importance of patient education dental care. We take the time to provide personalized oral health tips tailored specifically to your needs. This includes sharing brushing and flossing techniques that enhance your oral hygiene routine and dietary recommendations for tooth decay prevention. Staying proactive in your dental health is essential, and our advice aims to empower you to maintain a strong foundation of oral hygiene at home.
We also highlight the significance of regular dental checkups. The frequency of these visits can vary based on individual needs, but booking cleanings every six months is a good rule of thumb for most patients. This continuity allows us to monitor changes in your oral health and intervene early when necessary, reducing the risk of more serious dental issues.
Achieving Optimal Oral Health: The MVP Family Dental Difference
Choosing MVP Family Dental for your preventive dental care means you are opting for a practice that genuinely cares about the well-being of its patients. We understand that each smile is unique, which is why we focus on offering personalized dental care. Our skilled team is committed to providing thorough cleanings that help keep your teeth healthy and your gums in prime condition.
In addition to routine dental cleanings, we provide a range of additional services, including emergency dental care to address urgent needs swiftly and effectively. Whether it's a sudden toothache or an unexpected injury, you can count on us for compassionate care that prioritizes your comfort and peace of mind.
Your path to better oral health doesn’t stop at cleanings. We offer an array of cosmetic dentistry options in Jenkintown, perfect for those looking to enhance their smiles further. From teeth whitening to dental veneers and crowns, we aim to help you achieve the confidence that comes with a radiant and healthy smile.
We also take pride in being an Invisalign provider, bringing you the latest in orthodontic solutions that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. If you’re interested in straightening your teeth without the aesthetic drawbacks of traditional braces, our team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you make informed decisions that are right for your dental health.
Your Partner in Oral Health at MVP Family Dental
Regular dental cleanings at MVP Family Dental are indispensable for ensuring vibrant oral health and preventing disease. By understanding what to expect during your cleaning and embracing our oral health tips, you can maintain a glowing smile that exudes confidence.
As a trusted Jenkintown dentist, we extend our warm invitation for you to reach out to our practice today. Schedule your next dental cleaning and experience our commitment to personalized care firsthand. Together, let’s keep your family’s smiles healthy, bright, and beautiful for years to come. Your journey to optimal oral health starts here, and we’re excited to partner with you every step of the way!