Dental Exam
During your cleaning, we will:
- Remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth. Plaque is caused by the collection of bacteria on the teeth from food. When plaque is allowed to harden, it forms tartar which is tough and colorless and requires tooth scaling to remove.
- Polish your teeth to remove surface stains and smooth the surfaces of the teeth which makes it more difficult for plaque and tartar to build-up.
- Evaluate the severity of any signs of gum disease or past periodontal treatments which may require a deep cleaning.
Irwin Dentistry will review your dental history to identify any potential issues that require special treatment.
Who are dental cleanings for?
Dental cleanings are generally recommended for all ages, regardless of age or oral health.
How long do dental cleanings take?
Most dental cleanings last about 45 minutes.
Oral Cancer Screening
During every dental checkup, we will visually check and feel around for any signs of oral cancer. We check for signs of visible lesions inside the mouth and gently feel around the jaw for any lumps or swelling that may be present. Many early signs of oral cancer can go unnoticed by people as they go about their daily lives but we want to make sure that your overall oral health is in as best condition as possible when you see us for a dental checkup.
What is Tooth Scaling?
Tartar is plaque that has had time to harden and is that white (sometimes yellow) substance found at the base of the tooth just above the gumline. Tartar is usually not removed with standard brushing and flossing and usually requires coming in to see us for proper and thorough removal.
Tooth scaling is a service that involves using a tool that is specifically designed to break-apart and remove tartar. We gently run the tooth scaling tool along the front and back surfaces of teeth that have any signs of tartar which effectively cleans the gumline and smooths the tooth enamel. Every time you come in for a dental checkup, tooth scaling is performed to help prevent future dental problems such as cavities and gum disease.
What's Involved With A Root Planing Procedure?
This deep cleaning has two parts. Scaling is when your dentist or hygienist removes all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gumline, making sure to clean all the way down to the base of the pocket. Your dentist will then begin root planing, smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. Scaling and root planing may take more than one visit to complete and may require a local anesthetic.