Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Maintaining regular teeth cleanings and checkups is one of the most critical steps you can take to preserve your oral health—not just for your teeth, but for your gums and the entire mouth. Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Dental hygienists can reach areas that are difficult to clean with routine brushing and flossing at home. A thorough cleaning and examination also allow your dental team to monitor your oral health and address potential problems before they become painful and costly.
Regular teeth cleanings can naturally make your teeth look whiter and brighter without the need for bleaching treatments. The benefits include:
- Eliminating Plaque: Removes sticky bacteria that can erode your enamel.
- Removing Tartar Build-Up: Gets rid of hardened plaque that could lead to gum disease.
- Eliminating Stains: Removes discolouration from coffee, tea, and other staining substances.
- Early Detection of Issues: Checks for receding gums, chipped or broken teeth, and other signs of disease or infection.
By prioritizing regular dental visits, you’re taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy, radiant smile.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Regular teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. Here’s what typically happens during a teeth cleaning appointment:
Gum Health Evaluation
Your gums are vital for supporting your teeth and framing your smile. The dental hygienist will closely examine your gums, tongue, teeth, and other areas of your mouth, focusing on the gum line to check for signs of inflammation or early gum disease. This thorough assessment ensures that any potential issues are identified early. Don’t worry—we won’t be too hard on you about your flossing habits!
Plaque and Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which is more challenging to eliminate and often accumulates near the gum line. Using specialized tools, the hygienist will carefully scale away plaque and tartar from hard-to-reach places. After removing these deposits, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains, leaving them smooth and gleaming.
Dental Examination
Once your teeth are clean, the dentist will perform a comprehensive examination. They will review your dental chart and any X-rays to focus on specific problem areas or patterns. The dentist may recommend further treatment or provide tips on how to prevent tooth decay, gum inflammation, or other issues. This is also a great opportunity to discuss any discomfort, sensitivity, or dental pain you’ve experienced. We’re always happy to answer your questions and help you maintain a healthy smile.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in Kanata
Routine dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems. Many insurance plans cover these preventative services almost entirely, typically recommending visits every six months. If you do not have dental insurance, the cost of a professional teeth cleaning in Kanata usually ranges from $120 to $300 or more, especially if it’s your first visit or if it’s been a while since your last cleaning.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Teeth Cleaning:
- Your Current Oral Health: If you have significant plaque buildup, tartar, or signs of gum disease, a more extensive cleaning may be required, which can increase the cost.
- Need for New X-Rays: Dentists may require updated X-rays to get a comprehensive view of your oral health, especially if you are a new patient or haven’t had X-rays taken recently.
- Time Required by the Dental Team: The duration of your appointment can vary based on your specific needs, affecting the overall cost.
- Equipment and Supplies Used: Specialized tools or treatments may be necessary depending on your oral condition.
These routine appointments are incredibly important to us because they are the most effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, avoid serious dental pain, and keep you as happy and healthy as possible. Regular cleanings not only maintain your oral health but also help you avoid unexpected dental expenses in the future.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally recommend coming in every six months for a professional teeth cleaning and checkup. Regular visits help maintain optimal oral health and allow us to catch any potential issues early. However, depending on your specific needs, the dentist may suggest more frequent appointments. We can also adjust scheduling based on insurance or cost considerations if necessary.
Don’t wait! If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort in your mouth, please contact us right away. Regular cleanings are important for prevention, but they’re not the only time to address dental concerns. Even minor issues can develop into more serious problems if left untreated, so it’s best to have them evaluated as soon as possible.
Absolutely. Regular checkups are important for your overall oral health, even if you have dentures. We’ll examine your gums, tongue, jawbone, and the fit of your dentures to ensure everything is in good condition. Regular visits help us detect any potential issues early and make necessary adjustments to your dentures for optimal comfort and function.
Most dental cleanings last between 30 minutes to an hour. During this time, you’ll be comfortably seated in a reclining dental chair while our hygienist thoroughly cleans your teeth. The exact duration can vary based on your individual oral health needs.
Yes, you can help prevent tartar buildup by maintaining good oral hygiene habits:
- Use Tartar-Control Toothpaste with Fluoride: This type of toothpaste helps prevent plaque from hardening into tartar and strengthens your tooth enamel.
- Floss Daily: Brushing alone can’t remove plaque between your teeth. Flossing is essential to clean these hard-to-reach areas and prevent tartar formation.
- Rinse with Antiseptic Mouthwash: Using an antiseptic mouthwash daily helps kill bacteria that cause plaque, reducing the risk of tartar buildup.
After a regular dental cleaning, you can usually eat right away. However, it’s wise to avoid acidic or abrasive foods and drinks for a few hours to prevent sensitivity or irritation. If you received a fluoride treatment during your cleaning, it’s recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking to allow the fluoride to fully absorb and protect your teeth effectively.
Yes, you should continue your regular brushing and flossing routine after a dental cleaning. Maintaining good oral hygiene helps preserve the work your dentist or hygienist has done and keeps your teeth and gums healthy between visits.
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