Many people head to their Parker dentist’s office once or twice a year for a formal dental cleaning. The dentist or dental hygienist will remove the tartar and plaque built up around the teeth, take X-rays to reveal tooth decay or bone loss and also evaluate for any sign of infection in the gum area.
Calcium-based deposits present the perfect medium for bacteria to become lodged and to fester. Once bacteria have settled it can result in irritation and, if left untreated, infection. Any infection in the tissue surrounding the tooth could eventually cause the bone to recede, leaving the tooth further exposed to bacteria and decay. This condition often develops into what is referred to as periodontal disease an
d is often the main cause of tooth loss. Subsequently, tooth loss can leave an individual exposed to pain, further infection and decay, as well as chronic head, neck or jaw pain because the remaining teeth take on the work of the missing teeth. Additionally, gum disease has been linked with increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Simple, preventative care is the best method for avoiding any complicated dental problems, and the first step is regular dental cleaning. Most dental professionals will inquire about a patient’s daily oral hygiene routine, and make suggestions or recommendations about how they can improve results based on their findings.
Parker dentists and oral hygienists use a variety of tools to perform their work, including special tools called “scalers”, which can reach plaque build-up beneath the gum line. Some employ ultrasonic tools that vibrate and break up any plaque, which is then rinsed away with water. At the conclusion of a cleaning the dentist or hygienist will use polishing tools to clear away any surface debris and leave teeth feeling smooth and shiny.
During a traditional cleaning, the patient may have some x-rays taken to determine the presence of any cavities. If a patient has not had a cleaning for a long time, the process will likely take a bit longer than those who have frequent cleanings, but generally appointments last from thirty minutes to one hour.
If at any point during the dental cleaning a patient experiences pain, he/she should tell the dentist or hygienist right away. Many dentists offer dental procedures under a light sedation to make the patient more comfortable.
Patients who have not had a cleaning by their Parker-area dentist or dental hygienist in a while may receive instructions about the importance of regular dental hygiene which when followed can greatly improve the overall health of the patient.