Preserve Oral Health with Hygienic Dental Cleanings
Many people avoid going to the doctor until they are sick. Similarly, countless individuals neglect professional dental care until they have developed some type of complication, such as tooth pain. This is a common mistake, and one of the easiest ways to increase the risk of advanced oral health problems and the need for costly restorative dentistry treatments. Rather than wait until something goes wrong, Dr. Warren D. Silvers III urges patients to rely on general dentistry services to preserve oral health and maintain the strength and function of the teeth. Treatments such as hygienic dental cleanings allow our Harrisburg, PA, patients to protect the teeth and avoid costly and damaging dental complications.
What to Expect
Dental anxiety is a concern that commonly holds people back from undergoing general dentistry services such as routine hygienic cleanings. Patients should understand that safety and comfort is Dr. Silvers first priority. Further, hygienic dental cleanings are pretty straightforward procedures. These appointments are typically completed in under an hour and should not cause the patient any significant discomfort.
During a hygienic dental cleaning, Dr. Silvers will clean and polish the teeth to minimize the risk of tooth decay and help patients preserve a bright, clean smile. One of the most important aspects of a hygienic dental cleaning is removing any plaque or tartar that may have built up on the teeth. These hard, sticky deposits cannot be brushed away with a toothbrush, so a professional cleaning is the only way to prevent plaque or tartar from destroying tooth enamel. Dr. Silvers or a member of his dental team will remove buildup with a handheld scaling tool. If the buildup is significant, a local anesthetic can be used to numb the treatment area. After buildup has been removed, the teeth will be flossed and polished. Patients will leave a hygienic dental cleaning with a clean, fresh start to their at-home oral hygiene routine.
During a hygienic dental cleaning, Dr. Silvers will also visually examine the teeth, gums, and other soft tissues of the mouth to look for signs of decay, infection, or oral cancer. If there are any areas of concern, Dr. Silvers will recommend additional dental care, which may include an x-ray, restorative dentistry treatment, or periodontal care.
How Often Should Hygienic Cleanings be Scheduled?
Hygienic dental cleanings should be scheduled at least once every six months. Most patients are able to preserve oral health and prevent the need for extensive restorative dentistry treatment with twice-yearly exams and cleanings. However, each patient is unique. Dr. Silvers will recommend a cleaning schedule that is most appropriate for each of his patient’s oral health needs. If a patient has shown to be prone to conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease, they are probably better-suited to more frequent hygienic cleanings. Some patients may benefit from three cleanings a year while others should schedule a hygienic cleaning on a quarterly basis.
Learn More
General dentistry services and hygienic dental cleanings, in particular, are the cornerstone of professional dental care. If you are in need of a routine dental cleaning, or would simply like to learn more about this preventative procedure, contact us at your earliest convenience. Dr. Warren D. Silvers III looks forward to meeting you!