Dental Cleaning

What is a dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a biannual exam in which the RiNo Dental team assesses your oral health and professionally cleans your teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you visit your dentist for a dental exam and teeth cleaning regularly, ideally at least once every six months. 

These visits are also an opportunity to check in with the team and detect early signs of dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a two-part visit that includes a full dental exam and teeth cleaning. During the checkup portion of your exam, the team takes a close look at your teeth, jaw, and gums. If you have dental restorations, such as crowns or fillings, they also check those for signs of damage.

Depending on how often you visit the office, the team may include digital X-rays in your exam. These imaging tests reveal your underlying bone and tooth-supporting structures. They show what can’t be seen on the surface, so the team can check for hidden decay and other potential concerns.

Once the exam is complete, the team starts your dental cleaning. They use special tools to remove plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — from your teeth and gums. If you have tartar, a hardened form of plaque, a dental scraping tool can gently remove it before it leads to a cavity.

During your teeth cleaning, the team brushes your teeth with a high-powered toothbrush. They also floss the areas of your teeth that are hard for you to reach at home. Finally, the team polishes your teeth and applies a fluoride treatment to strengthen and protect your teeth.

Why are dental cleanings important?

Even patients who religiously brush and floss get cavities and gum disease. It’s difficult to spot the early warning signs of many dental issues without a professional exam. By visiting RiNo Dental for routine dental cleanings, you can reduce your chances of needing restorative treatments in the future.

For example, if the team notices you’re showing signs of gingivitis during your dental exam, they can offer advice on how to treat this mild form of gum disease at home. 

Without these interventional measures, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This advanced form of periodontitis is not only more destructive than gingivitis, but it’s also more difficult to treat.

Regular dental exams and cleanings now help you avoid time-consuming appointments and expensive treatments in the future.

To schedule a dental cleaning with RiNo Dental, call or book an appointment online today.