Dental Cleanings in Brentwood, TN
What are dental cleanings?
Professional dental cleanings allow for the complete removal of plaque, tartar, and biofilm that accumulates in the oral cavity. The prolonged presence of plaque, tartar, and biofilm can put you at risk for gum disease. While a solid homecare routine is important, professional teeth cleanings are necessary to ensure a healthy mouth and smile.
What to expect at a teeth cleaning appointment?
Each dental cleaning appointment includes a thorough review of your medical history, diagnostic 2D and 3D images, and the removal of tartar, plaque, and biofilm that accumulates over time.
Dental cleaning typically involves the following steps:
- Examination – Before cleaning, we visually examine your teeth and gums, looking for any signs of dental issues or changes since your last visit. We also take diagnostic 2D and 3D images.
- Scaling – We use a small handheld instrument called a scaler or an ultrasonic device to remove plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth, including along the gum line and between teeth. This process may produce scraping sounds, but it is usually painless.
- Cleaning and Polishing – After scaling, your teeth cleaning dentist uses a high-powered electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste to clean and polish your teeth. This helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth feeling smooth and shiny.
- Flossing – Your dental professional flosses teeth, reaching areas difficult to clean with a toothbrush. This step removes any remaining plaque or debris between your teeth and helps ensure thorough cleaning.
For those diagnosed with gingivitis, the same treatment is completed with more frequent visits until the gingivitis is cured. For those diagnosed with periodontal disease, a deep cleaning is recommended, with more frequent follow-up and maintenance visits to ensure that the disease is stabilized.
How long does a dental cleaning take?
The time it takes to carry out the dental cleaning varies depending on the diagnosis of your gums and the presence of tartar, plaque, and biofilm. Every appointment starts with a detailed medical history because overall health affects your mouth and visa-versa. At Brentwood Dental Center, we take our time to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, educate you on suitable homecare routines, and discuss customized treatment options that consider your overall health.
How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
The frequency at which you get your teeth professionally cleaned depends entirely on the diagnosis of your gums. A patient can have healthy gums, gingivitis, localized periodontal disease, or generalized periodontal disease. Depending on your diagnosis, it may be recommended that you be seen every six months or even more frequently to ensure that your condition is treated appropriately and your oral health is maintained.
Why is it important to get routine dental cleanings?
Routine dental cleanings are important because they help maintain good oral health by removing plaque, tartar, biofilm, and stains from your teeth. Preventative dental care helps counter tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems while promoting fresh breath and a brighter smile. Additionally, general dental cleanings allow dentists to detect and address potential issues early, saving you from more extensive and costly treatments in the future.
What other Preventative Care services are offered at Brentwood Dental Center?
Dental Exams
Dental exams help prevent and diagnose dental problems early and offer dental solutions promptly to prevent the spread of infections.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride treatment helps improve the strength of your teeth. This treatment offers an additional coating on your enamel that makes your teeth resistant to decay and prevents the progression of tooth decay. It is recommended after your risk for cavities is assessed.
Dental Sealants
These thin coatings offer a protective layer to eliminate deep grooves and pits in your teeth that can often leave you prone to cavities when they are not covered.
Oral Cancer Screening
Screening your mouth for oral cancer helps identify potential signs of mouth cancer. If precancerous lesions are detected early, they can be removed easily before progressing.
Children’s Dental Care
We offer comprehensive and high-quality dental services that are aimed at helping your child maintain strong and healthy teeth.
Oral Hygiene Instruction
We ensure that adults and children observe good oral health practices. As such, we offer invaluable tips to help you stay on top of your oral health.
At-Home Preventative Dental Care
To maintain your oral health in between dental visits, we recommend that you follow these instructions:
Brushing – Brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably in the morning and before bed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Gently brush all surfaces of your teeth in a circular motion for about two minutes. Pay attention to the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Flossing – Floss your teeth at least once a day. Take about 18 inches of dental floss and wind it around your fingers, leaving a small section to work with. Gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it against each tooth and moving it up and down. This helps remove plaque and food particles from the spaces a toothbrush cannot reach.
Healthy Diet – Maintain a balanced diet low in sugary and acidic foods and drinks. Limit sugary snacks, sodas, and acidic beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Instead, choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support oral and general health.
Promoting Healthy Smiles at Brentwood Dental Center
At Brentwood Dental Center, we offer customized dental cleanings that meet your needs. Dr. Shelby Nelson and the experienced team at Brentwood Dental Center truly care for our patient’s oral health. Our goal is to promote healthy smiles that last a lifetime. Contact us to schedule your dental cleaning today at our Brentwood, TN, office!
