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Routine dental cleanings are essential for your day-to-day oral health. That’s why the American Dental Association® (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist regularly. Here are three steps of a routine teeth cleaning and how they can improve future appointments. 

What to Expect During Routine Teeth Cleanings

1. X-Rays 

Before your teeth are cleaned, a dentist or hygienist will take radiographs of your smile to check for underlying dental decay, orthodontic problems, and eruption issues. X-rays are also important to verify the health of your jaw tissue, which can come into play if you need complex restorations like dental implants. With a current set of dental X-rays, dentists can help patients to plan future treatment timelines. 

2. Plaque & Tartar Removal 

dentistAfter your dentist understands the underlying health of your teeth, they will start the cleaning by carefully removing plaque and tartar deposits with a special tool. This painless process helps to clean the surfaces of the teeth to prevent future infections and tooth decay. During plaque and tartar removal, they will also inspect for areas of discoloration that might signal the presence of a cavity. 

3. Gritty Polishing 

Following plaque and tartar removal, dentists or hygienists will use a pneumatic spinning toothbrush and a special gritty toothpaste to whisk away additional plaque remnants. After, the teeth are flossed and the mouth is rinsed clean. The result is shiny teeth you can be proud of and a mouth that feels healthy. 

 

If you are due for a dental appointment, schedule one with Mark Stephens DMD in Richmond, KY. In addition to helping patients with preventative and restorative dentistry, this experienced family dentist also offers cometic services like teeth whitening and Invisalign® and is known for their commitment to patient comfort. To learn more about how he can help you, visit his website or call (859) 626-0069.

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