Dental Cleanings

What are Dental Cleanings? 

Teeth cleaning, also known as “Dental Prophylaxis,” is one of the most common pediatric and general dental services performed in a dental office. Dental cleanings remove plaque, a soft yellow film of bacteria that sticks to your teeth when bacteria in the mouth mix with sugary or starchy foods. Plaque build-up can occur even with proper brushing and flossing. If plaque remains on the teeth for a prolonged period of time, it can harden into calculus, more commonly known as “tarter.” Dental cleanings provide professional, thorough care to your teeth, helping to interrupt the bacterial process by preventing build-up and breaking down hardened calculus

Dental plaque and calculus can lead to cavities, dental caries, and periodontal disease, which is a disease that affects the gum and bone supporting your teeth. Dr. Lee believe in assessing each patient individually on a personalized level, and will provide the customized care you deserve. If you are looking for a new dentist in the Fairfield, CT area, call us today at (203) 259-7073 to schedule an appointment.

How Often do I Need My Teeth Cleaned?

The regular checkup schedule varies from patient to patient. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you schedule dental cleanings at minimum every six months to maintain good oral health. Patients who are in a higher risk category for developing cavities or gum disease, or those who struggle with proper oral home care may need cleanings more frequently, possibly every three to four months. 

During your visit, our hygienists and our doctor will evaluate all of your information– your medical history, your gum measurements, your x-rays, and the results of your clinical exam– and will give you a customized recommendation on how often you should schedule your dental cleaning appointments.

What Does Dental Cleaning Involve?

At your dental cleaning visit, professional dental instruments are used to remove plaque and debris from your teeth. Depending on your individual needs, our hygienists use ultrasonic scalers or curved dental hand scalers to remove any hardened plaque and calculus, especially in areas that you cannot reach at home. Your teeth will be flossed and then polished with an air polisher and/or with prophylaxis paste. 

Routine dental cleaning will also include a full exam by the doctor, to screen for cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other potential dental or health issues. These visits are also a great time to ask your hygienist about your brushing and flossing routines. Your hygienist can answer any questions and make sure you’re performing oral home care tasks correctly so that you’re getting rid of as much sticky plaque at home as possible. 

Why do I Need Professional Dental Cleanings?

We use the safest and latest technology to provide comfortable and thorough cleanings. We want every patient to have healthy teeth and a beautiful smile, and regular dental cleanings are an excellent preventative service that help fight against decay, cavities, and gum disease. 

Soft, sticky plaque can be removed at home with toothbrushes and floss, but once plaque hardens, only specialized dental instruments can remove the hardened layers. These hardened layers, or calculus, should be removed as early as possible to prevent any permanent damage to the gums or bone. If calculus is left for too long or it develops underneath the gums, it can cause gum recession or bone loss, and you may need a “deep cleaning” in order to remove deep pockets of hardened deposits. Routine cleanings done by a professional hygienist are the best way to prevent the formation of calculus by breaking up the build-up of plaque early and often. 

Routine dental hygiene visits also include a thorough exam by a doctor, which is important for the early detection of tooth decay, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental or health issues. Although dentistry has been treated in the past as separate from overall health, more and more studies are being published showing the connection and correlation between oral health and chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and stroke. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfield, we strongly believe that taking care of your oral health is an important investment in your overall health. If you are looking for a general dentist who has your comfort and dental health in mind, visit Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfield today. 

Make Your Dental Cleaning Appointment Today!

Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfield provides comprehensive dental care for the entire family. Your dental health is our priority, and we provide individualized and personalized care for every patient in the care of our office in Fairfield, CT. 

Dr. Lee strongly believe in the importance of routine dental cleanings. Routine dental cleanings gives our hygienists an opportunity to thoroughly clean your teeth and break-up cycles of bacteria or build-up before any lasting damage is done. Our hygienists are here to review with you and support you in your oral home care, and we strive to work together as a team to best maintain your hygiene and dental health. Routine cleanings also give our doctor the opportunity to assess your overall health, as well as your dental health. Preventative care and early diagnosis is essential to maintaining and keeping your smile. 

If you are searching for a local dental provider who believes in personalized and customized dental care for the whole family, then Aesthetic Dentistry of Fairfield in Fairfield, CT, is here for you! Our entire team provides the highest quality, professional services to give you the smile you have always dreamed of. Contact our dental office today at (203) 259-7073 to schedule an appointment or get more information about our practice.