What to Expect at a Dental Cleaning in LaPorte

What’s the big deal about getting your teeth cleaned? Is it really that important? Well, yes it is– so much so that your LaPorte dentist, Dr. Daniel Berquist or Dr. Joseph Ornelas, asks to see you twice a year for an oral examination and hygienic cleaning. More than just a simple scrape and rinse, your dental cleaning in LaPorte defends your mouth against tooth decay and gum disease.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning

When you come to Region Dental for a routine appointment, your dental hygienist will examine your mouth, update your medical history and, take digital X-rays if needed. Then, she proceeds to clean your teeth.

A thorough dental cleaning involves gently scraping away accumulated soft plaque and hard tartar from tooth surfaces, interdental spaces and at the gum line. Much of this scaling is done with a small manual tool, but your hygienist may use an ultrasonic cleaner as well.

She rinses the debris away with clear water and also uses a rotary tooth polisher and mildly abrasive toothpaste to clean and smooth all exposed surfaces. This step gives you that exceptionally clean feeling you really enjoy when you visit Region Dental.

Additionally, your hygienist will skillfully floss your teeth. She often tells her patients how they may improve their flossing techniques and what oral health care products may benefit their brushing and flossing routines at home. Your hygienist applies topical fluoride as needed to strengthen your tooth enamel and prevent decay and tooth sensitivity.

Your cleaning leaves your teeth exceptionally clean, smooth and refreshed. Also, it prepares your mouth for a complete oral examination from Dr. Berquist or Dr. Ornelas.

What Happens During a Dental Examination

Your dentist looks for several things when he examines your teeth and gums. The biggest concerns are tooth decay and gum disease as these conditions continue to plague millions of American children and adults, leading to tooth loss, bone recession and even systemic health problems. Therefore, your dentist:

• Visually inspects your teeth and gums
• Looks at the condition of existing fillings, crowns or other restorations
• Checks for proper bite and tooth alignment
• Looks for signs of tooth grinding and clenching (bruxism) and jaw joint dysfunction (TMJ)
• Does a quick oral cancer assessment

Based on his findings and on your concerns and preferences, your dentist compiles a treatment plan which outlines your continuing preventive care, addresses any needed restorations (fillings, crowns, periodontal care) and recommends cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of your smile.

What Happens When You Keep Your Teeth Clean

When you get a six-month cleaning and check-up at Region Dental, expect your teeth and gums to thrive and serve you well for years to come. Is it time for your professional cleaning and exam?

If it is, please contact Region Dental today for your appointment.