Taking Care Of Your Teeth
Regularly scheduled teeth cleanings and checkups are imperative for maintaining overall oral health, including the well-being of your teeth, gums, and the interior of your mouth. These cleanings are effective in removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria, which are the main culprits behind tooth decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath.
Dental hygienists have the expertise to clean areas that are not easily reached by daily brushing and flossing. These thorough cleanings and exams allow dental professionals to keep a close eye on your oral health, identifying and addressing problems early to prevent them from becoming painful and expensive. Additionally, these regular cleanings naturally enhance the aesthetics of your teeth, making them appear whiter and brighter without the need for bleaching treatments.
They are crucial for removing plaque, which can damage enamel, tartar build-up that may lead to gum disease, and stains from substances like coffee and tea. These appointments also include checks for receding gums, and detecting any chipped or broken teeth, and other signs of oral diseases and infections.
What Happens During A Cleaning?
Overall Gum Health
The significance of your gums, which provide essential support for your teeth and help frame your smile, is often undervalued. In our thorough examination, we’ll closely inspect your tongue, gums, teeth, and all other mouth areas, paying extra attention to the gum line. Our aim is to ensure the complete health of your mouth, checking for any indicators of inflammation or the onset of gum disease. And regarding your flossing practices, we promise to be empathetic and not overly critical.
Plaque and Tartar Control
A soft and sticky layer called plaque tends to build up on your teeth and, if not routinely removed by thorough brushing, flossing, and professional dental care, it can become tartar. This harder substance, often darker, is typically found in places that are tough to clean, like the gumline. Our hygienists are well-equipped and knowledgeable in gently removing stuck-on plaque and tartar from these challenging areas. After clearing away these deposits, we can polish your teeth to get rid of any stains, making them shine brilliantly.
Dental Exams
A dental check-up is ideally conducted right after your teeth cleaning. In this examination, your dentist will review your chart and x-rays to focus on any areas that may be problematic or show troubling signs. Based on their findings, they may recommend further dental treatment or offer advice on how to reduce or reverse the effects of tooth decay, inflammation, or gum disease. We are more than willing to answer any questions you may have, or to discuss any dental discomfort, sensitivity, or pain you’ve been feeling.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in Long Valley
Routine checkups and cleanings are such a great way to prevent and avoid dental problems that most insurance companies will nearly completely cover them on a routine basis. Usually every 6 months. If you are without dental insurance, you can expect to pay anywhere from $155 to $300 and up, especially if it’s your first visit or first cleaning in a long time.
When we determine the actual cost of your treatment we refer to a few important factors:
- Your current oral health.
- Whether or not any new x-rays are required.
- The amount of time required by the dental team to meet your specific needs.
- The equipment and supplies that will be needed to serve all your needs.
These routine appointments are very important to us, as we see them as the most effective way to prevent more invasive treatments, prevent serious dental pain and keep you as happy and healthy as possible.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard advice is to visit for a teeth cleaning and checkup every six months. Nonetheless, should your dental health require it, the dentist may recommend more frequent visits. If there are overriding insurance or cost issues, we’re also able to schedule your appointments with greater intervals when absolutely necessary.
Don’t hesitate! If you’re feeling any discomfort or pain in your mouth, contact us immediately. Dental cleanings are a proactive step to prevent issues, but they shouldn’t be the only time you report problems. Even if the issue seems small, it’s important to let us know right away so we can address it before it becomes more serious.
Dental checkups encompass the entire mouth, including gums, tongue, bones, and everything in between. Even if you have dentures, it’s important for us to see you. We’ll check to make sure your dentures are in proper condition, fit well, and also assess the overall health of your mouth and oral hygiene.
The usual amount is 30 minutes.
Go for a fluoride-enriched, tartar-control toothpaste. Remember, even the best brushing can’t match the effectiveness of dental floss in eliminating plaque between teeth and keeping tartar out of those challenging areas. For additional oral hygiene, use an antiseptic mouthwash daily to kill bacteria that cause plaque.
After your teeth have been professionally cleaned, the optimal way to preserve that cleanliness and dental work is by consistently brushing and flossing.