Teeth Cleaning & Dental Checkups in Coral Springs

The Teeth Cleaning Procedure

When you come in for a cleaning, your dental hygienist identifies and removes plaque—a soft film that can be removed by brushing—and tartar—a hardened plaque that requires dental instruments for removal. We make every effort to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the tiny spaces between your teeth and along gum lines where bacteria gather.

We often complete the cleaning with prophy paste. Its coarse quality removes any remaining plaque as it dissolves into a finer texture, leaving the teeth shiny and smooth. We inform you of any areas where plaque and tartar build-up, so you can give those places extra attention by flossing and brushing each day. Our goal is to enable you to easily and effectively care for your teeth.

“I had a wonderfully professional cleaning where I felt my comfort was taken into consideration as well as my health.”

~ Mary N.

What to Expect at Your First Checkup

Our dental cleaning appointments are about an hour long, and new patient visits typically last a bit longer. We take pride in getting to know each of our patients and tailoring treatments to every individual’s health needs and goals. Here’s what to expect the first time you come to our office:

• Dental History—A hygienist will gather dental and medical histories to give us a clear picture of your current health, including any medical conditions that can impact dental treatment.

• Digital X-rays—We take digital X-rays as diagnostic material for your comprehensive oral exam. If you have had X-rays taken within the last 12 months, please have them sent to our office. If you are unable to have X-rays taken, please inform the hygienist as you give your medical history.

• Oral Screening and Teeth Exams—After we perform oral cancer/lesion screening for symptoms of cancer and other illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, we examine your teeth for decay.

• Gum Evaluation and Teeth Cleanings—Our hygienist will evaluate your gums, measuring periodontal pockets with a probe, and clean your teeth by identifying and removing areas of tartar, plaque, and calculus.
• Oral Hygiene Habits—We end your visit by reviewing and reinforcing proper oral hygiene.

Teeth Cleaning & Check-Ups FAQs

• Are there different kinds of teeth cleanings?
• Why is it important to have consistent teeth cleanings and checkups?
• What happens when we miss teeth cleanings?
• How much does it cost to get your teeth cleaned?
• Why get a dental exam?
• How often should you get a dental exam?
• What can I expect from a dental exam?
• How can you prepare for a dental exam?

Are there different kinds of teeth cleanings?

No. Prophylaxis—a fancy word for teeth cleaning—is the only dental procedure of its kind. Prophylaxis involves routine teeth cleaning every six months.

The procedures that are sometimes called “cleanings” are actually periodontal treatments:

• Full Mouth Debridement—a pre-cleaning for those with severe calculus build-up.
• Scaling and Root Planing—a deep cleaning for those with early stages of gum disease.
• Perio Maintenance—a periodontal cleaning for those with a history of gum disease.

Why is it important to have consistent teeth cleanings and checkups?

Routine checkups are an essential part of proper oral hygiene. Some of the benefits of regular teeth cleanings include:

• • Plaque Removal: Tartar and plaque buildup, even with proper home care, can lead to serious gum problems. Dentists and hygienists use specialized equipment to effectively remove debris and bacteria from gum pockets.
  • Healthier Smile: Prophylaxis removes stains, enhancing the appearance of your smile.
  • Fresher Breath: Regular plaque and bacteria removal can significantly improve halitosis and reduce infection risk associated with gum disease.

What happens when we miss teeth cleanings?

Failure to keep up on proper oral hygiene can lead to:

• An impaired ability to eat and digest foods leads to nutritional and systemic problems.
• Bad breath resulting from advancing periodontal disease and/or rotting food particles.
• Negative effects on cardiovascular well-being and overall health.
• Gum infection and gangrene.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Your Teeth Cleaned?

Most dental insurance policies include benefits that cover teeth cleanings. After all, not maintaining good oral hygiene will most likely lead to astronomical costs down the road, as failure to keep up with teeth cleanings often leads to serious and expensive health problems. Every patient’s budgetary situation is different, so we are happy to discuss yours with you. At a consultation, we present any possible costs upfront to help you navigate your insurance benefits. Our main objective is to help you have a successful oral health experience.

Why Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams give us the opportunity to evaluate your current methods of dental care and provide suggestions for future care in order to protect you from complications such as cavities and gum disease. They also allow us to detect problems early so they can be fixed quickly and easily.

How Often Should You Get a Dental Exam?

Dental exams should generally take place every six months. However, consult with our team to decide how often you should be examined, for we may suggest that you visit more frequently based on factors such as smoking, frequency of cavities and genetic susceptibility to tooth and root decay as well as gum disease.

What Can I Expect From a Dental Exam?

At a typical dental exam, our team will thoroughly clean your teeth, removing any surface stains or deposits, called tartar or calculus, that are more difficult to remove than plaque and require the assistance of professional dental instruments. We will also check for signs of decay or gum disease. An X-ray may be performed to provide a more detailed summary of your oral health and to more closely identify any problems. We will ask you questions about your current methods of dental care, such as how often you brush your teeth, and floss, as well as whether you use a toothpaste with fluoride. With this information in mind, we will demonstrate proper dental care and provide suggestions on how to improve your habits to promote optimal oral health.

How Can You Prepare For a Dental Exam?

The best way to prepare for a dental exam is to practice good dental care. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day is recommended. Be sure to clean your teeth before you arrive at your appointment. Our team will be cleaning your teeth for you, but it is helpful to remove food and plaque beforehand so we can focus on the more difficult-to-clean areas. You also want to make sure you are prepared to share pertinent information such as your medical history, insurance coverage and current dental care methods with us. Don’t be embarrassed to be honest about your oral health habits – our team is not here to judge you, but to work with you to improve your habits and ensure dental health! Lastly, be prepared to schedule a follow-up appointment or future check-up at the end of your dental exam.