Teeth Cleaning in Seagoville, TX

 We all want to stay healthy, and annual dental cleaning is an important piece of your overall health. When it's time to make an appointment for your annual cleaning in Seagoville, Texas, give Ivy Dental a call. Our expert dental hygienists and dentists can make sure your teeth, gums, and tongue are clean and in great health.

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning procedure performed to thoroughly clean the teeth.  Prophylaxis is an important dental treatment for halting the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis.

Periodontal disease and gingivitis occur when bacteria from plaque colonize on the gingival (gum) tissue – either above or below the gum line. These bacteria colonies cause serious inflammation and irritation which in turn produce a chronic inflammatory response in the body.  As a result, the body begins to systematically destroy gum and bone tissue, making the teeth shift, become unstable, or completely fall out.  The pockets between the gums and teeth become deeper and house more bacteria which may travel via the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body.

Reasons for prophylaxis/teeth cleaning

Prophylaxis is an excellent procedure to help keep the oral cavity in good health and also halt the progression of gum disease.

Here are some of the benefits of prophylaxis:

• Tartar removal – Tartar (calculus) and plaque buildup, both above and below the gum line, can cause serious periodontal problems if left untreated.  Even using the best brushing and flossing homecare techniques, it can be impossible to remove debris, bacteria and deposits from gum pockets.  The experienced eye of a dentist using specialized dental equipment is needed in order to spot and treat problems such as tartar and plaque buildup.
  
  
• Aesthetics – It’s hard to feel confident about a smile marred by yellowing, stained teeth.  Prophylaxis can rid the teeth of unsightly stains and return the smile to its former glory.
  
  
• Fresher breath – Periodontal disease is often signified by persistent bad breath (halitosis).  Bad breath is generally caused by a combination of rotting food particles below the gum line, possible gangrene stemming from gum infection, and periodontal problems.  The removal of plaque, calculus and bacteria noticeably improves breath and alleviates irritation.
  
  
• Identification of health issues – Many health problems first present themselves to the dentist.  Since prophylaxis involves a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity, the dentist is able to screen for oral cancer, evaluate the risk of periodontitis and often spot signs of medical problems like diabetes and kidney problems.  Recommendations can also be provided for altering the home care regimen.

Types of Dental Teeth Cleanings

There are two different types of dental teeth cleanings. Both types of dental cleaning get your teeth significantly cleaner than the brushing and flossing you do at home as part of your daily routine. A standard dental clean is done by a dental hygienist. It removes plaque, stains, and other build-ups on your teeth. A deep clean targets bacteria that is growing under your gum line and causing gum disease. This type of cleaning is sometimes called descaling.

What to expect during teeth cleanings

A standard dental teeth cleaning is done using special dental tools that can remove stains and buildup. You might hear scraping sounds as the dental hygienist works to clean your mouth. The dental hygienist will also check for any cavities or signs of decay.  A deep cleaning is more intensive. You might need to have areas of your gums numbed so that they can be cleaned without pain. You'll be able to have either procedure in the office at Ivy Dental, and our dental experts will keep you informed every step of the way.

How are teeth cleaned and how often?

Teeth are cleaned using dental tools that are designed to remove build up. This include:

●      Small mirror to see the surfaces of your teeth

●      Hooked metal tools called scalers to remove plaque

●      Electric spinning devices called polishers to gently remove build-up

●      Water flossers to clean out your mouth

●      Fluoride rinses to help strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities

These tools help get your teeth and gums clean. Regular cleaning from a professional using these tools can prevent issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and cavities. For most people, a cleaning once a year is a great way to stay on top of their oral health.

What does prophylaxis treatment involve?

Prophylaxis can either be performed in the course of a regular dental visit or, if necessary, under general anesthetic.  The latter is particularly common where severe periodontal disease is suspected or has been diagnosed by the dentist.  An endotracheal tube is sometimes placed in the throat to protect the lungs from harmful bacteria which will be removed from the mouth.

Prophylaxis is generally performed in several stages:

1. Supragingival cleaning – The dentist will thoroughly clean the area above the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and calculus.
   
   
2. Subgingival cleaning – This is the most important step for patients with periodontal disease because the dentist is able to remove calculus from the gum pockets and beneath the gum line.
   
   
3. Root planing - This is the smoothing of the tooth root by the dentist to eliminate any remaining bacteria.  These bacteria are extremely dangerous to periodontitis sufferers, so eliminating them is one of the top priorities of the dentist.
   
   
4. Medication - Following scaling and root planing, an antibiotic or antimicrobial cream is often placed in the gum pockets.  These creams promote fast and healthy healing in the pockets and help ease discomfort.
   
   
5. X-ray and examination – Routine X-rays can be extremely revealing when it comes to periodontal disease.  X-rays show the extent of bone and gum recession, and also aid the dentist in identifying areas which may need future attention.

Prophylaxis is recommended twice annually as a preventative measure, but should be performed every 3-4 months on periodontitis sufferers.  Though gum disease cannot be completely reversed, prophylaxis is one of the tools the dentist can use to effectively halt its destructive progress.

If you have questions or concerns about prophylaxis or periodontal disease, please contact our practice.

Seagoville Teeth Cleaning FAQ

●    What should teeth cleaning cost?

The cost of teeth cleaning depends on whether you need a standard cleaning or deep cleaning and on your dental insurance.  At Ivy Dental, we accept most major dental insurance plans, credit cards, and cash payments. We also offer financing through CareCredit.

●    How often should you get your teeth cleaned?

The American Dental Association recommends that adults see their dentist for a teeth cleaning at least once a year. Adults with gum disease and some medical conditions might need their teeth cleaned more often.

●  Is teeth cleaning painful?

It's normal to experience some mild discomfort during teeth cleaning, but it is generally not painful. However, a deep cleaning can be painful. To prevent pain, your gums can be numbed about before cleaning begins.  If you're concerned about pain with cleanings or any other dental procedure, talk to us about sedation dentistry.