You may assume that brushing your teeth twice daily is enough to keep them healthy and clean, but that’s not always true. Regular dental cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing future dental issues. At Aspen Smile Dentistry, we recommend our patients undergo professional dental cleanings in Aspen at least twice a year.
Dental cleanings are vital to your overall oral health! Poor oral health has been linked to several health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Regular dental cleanings can lower the risk of developing these health problems.
Step 1: A Cleaning & Assessment
When you arrive at our office, our friendly staff will greet you and ask you to complete any necessary forms or updates. During your initial exam, we will evaluate your overall gum health, check for signs of gum disease or cavities, and examine any dental work you may have done previously. Your hygienist will also assess your oral cleanliness level, which helps determine the appropriate cleaning type for you.
Step 2: Scaling Plaque
Even if you brush and floss daily, removing all the plaque on your teeth is impossible. Over time, plaque can build up and harden, leading to tooth decay and cavities. Regular dental cleanings can remove this buildup and prevent future tooth decay.
During this step, we’ll use a scaler or an ultrasonic instrument to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth’s surface. This tartar is the “stuck on” gunk that can’t be removed by brushing and flossing alone. The scaler gently scrapes and removes any built-up bacteria or debris. This part isn’t painful, but you might hear some scraping sounds.
Step 3: Polishing & Flossing
After the scaling, it’s time to polish your teeth. We use a rotating brush and gritty toothpaste to scrub your teeth and remove any remaining plaque. Your teeth might feel a bit gritty initially, but soon, they will feel smooth and polished. If your dental cleaning package includes fluoride treatment, a gel or foam is also applied to your teeth to help add an extra layer of protection.
A professional cleaning polishes your teeth, leaving your mouth feeling clean and refreshed. Eliminating bacteria and plaque buildup from your mouth can instantly freshen your breath.
Step 4: Consult with Your Dentist
Once we wrap up your cleaning and care steps, your dentist will come in to perform their own assessment. Their evaluation uncovers any additional oral issues, such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Early detection is crucial as it allows for more successful treatment and possible prevention of serious problems.
They’ll recommend any necessary treatments or procedures to improve oral health. You’ll get to talk with them and follow up on your questions or concerns.
Step 5: Schedule Your Next Appointment
Lastly, we’ll schedule your next appointment so that you can continue to enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile. We’ll work with you to find the best time that suits your schedule and answer any insurance or payment questions.
Dental Cleanings in Aspen, Colorado
We hope this blog post helped clarify the process for you so that you can feel more relaxed and confident about your next cleaning appointment. Dental cleanings and preventative care are less expensive than restorative care. Dental cleanings are affordable, and regular cleanings can prevent more severe and costly dental procedures from being necessary in the future.
By undergoing bi-annual exams and cleanings, you can prevent tooth decay, improve your breath, detect oral issues early on, save money in the long run, and improve your overall health. If you haven’t had a dental cleaning in the last six months, it’s time to call us and schedule your appointment with Dr. Jeremy Lowell or Dr. Ian Lowell. We look forward to helping you achieve excellent oral health.
At Aspen Smile Dentistry, we understand that fear of the dentist is a real concern for many people. That’s why we strive to make every experience you have with us as easy as possible. Contact us today to book an appointment or to look into our dental services. We also offer restorative dentistry in Aspen, Colorado, cosmetic dentistry, and much more!