Dental Cleanings
At White Bear Lake Dental, we understand that routine dental cleanings are a cornerstone of maintaining optimal oral hygiene and preventing future dental issues. Even with meticulous brushing and flossing, plaque can still accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, making professional cleanings by a skilled hygienist crucial. Regular dental cleanings help remove mineralized plaque and tartar that build up over time, ensuring your smile remains bright and healthy. We recommend scheduling a dental cleaning with our White Bear Lake dentist at least once every six months for the best oral health results.
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
When you visit our office for a dental cleaning, you can anticipate a comfortable and efficient experience, typically lasting between 30 minutes to an hour. Following your cleaning, Dr. Johnson will often conduct an exam to ensure your mouth is in optimal condition. Most patients find that dental cleanings are painless, with minimal to no discomfort.
There are two essential steps involved in a dental cleaning:
1. Scaling the Teeth:
The first step in a dental cleaning is scaling, which involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces. This process can be performed using manual hand scalers or advanced electric scalers, depending on your specific needs. During scaling, our hygienist will carefully remove any buildup from both above and below the gum line, paying close attention to pockets in the gums where plaque and tartar tend to accumulate. This step is vital in preventing gum disease and maintaining healthy gums.
2. Polishing and Buffing the Teeth:
After scaling, the next step is polishing to remove any remaining plaque and give the teeth a smooth, clean finish. We use a specialized polisher with various-sized heads to reach all areas of the teeth, including those hard-to-reach spots. Polishing helps to buff away surface stains, leaving your teeth looking brighter and feeling smoother.
The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings
Routine cleanings with our White Bear Lake dentist are essential not only for maintaining a beautiful smile but also for preventing serious dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. By removing plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated with brushing and flossing alone, we help our patients keep their teeth and gums in the best possible condition.
We encourage you to schedule a cleaning every six months to maintain your oral health and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with professional care. Don’t wait for problems to arise—be proactive about your dental health and let our White Bear Lake dentist help you keep your smile healthy for years to come.
To schedule your next dental cleaning, contact White Bear Lake Dental today. We look forward to assisting you in achieving and maintaining excellent oral health!