While maintaining a healthy smile depends upon keeping your teeth and gums clean at home, even those with the most diligent brushing and flossing routines can find it challenging to reach every nook and cranny between the teeth and gums. For this reason, we emphasize the importance of routine dental cleanings.
Since plaque harbors the bacteria responsible for cavities and gum disease, its removal is essential for maintaining good oral health. Our office encourages patients to come in twice a year for professional dental cleanings. In this way, our hygienist can remove any accumulated plaque, tartar, and food debris from between the teeth and gums.
Routine dental cleanings offer the following benefits:
Dental cleanings are performed using either hand instruments or with an ultrasonic scaler. While hand instruments are designed to scrape harmful deposits off the surface of the teeth, an ultrasonic scaler uses a steady stream of water coupled with varying vibration frequencies to clean them. For best results, our hygienist may use both methods in combination with each other.
Because a routine dental cleaning involves the superficial areas around the neck of the tooth and stays above or just slightly below the gumline, it's typically a pain-free and simple procedure. For those patients with sensitive teeth and other dental issues that may cause discomfort during a cleaning, topical numbing gels or local anesthesia are used.
Once the areas around the teeth and gums have been cleaned, our hygienist will then polish your teeth to remove superficial stains. In addition to going home with a smile that feels fresh and clean, we'll also provide you with instructions on the best methods of brushing and flossing and useful dietary guidance to support optimal oral health.
Remember, dental cleanings play an essential role in preventive care. At the office of Curtis Dental Care, we help patients establish a strong foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
Welcome to Curtis Dental Care, located in Newton, MA. We are committed to providing comprehensive dental services to keep your smile healthy and bright. Below are some common questions and answers to help you learn more about our office and the care we provide.
Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining your oral health. Even with daily brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up in areas that are hard to reach. A professional cleaning helps remove this buildup, which prevents gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that most people visit the dentist for a cleaning every six to twelve months. However, the frequency of cleanings can vary based on your oral health. If you have certain conditions like gum disease, you may need more frequent cleanings. Our team at Curtis Dental Care in Newton, MA, will recommend a schedule tailored to your needs.
During a dental cleaning at our Newton office, our dental hygienist will:
In addition, we may take X-rays to check for issues that are not visible during the cleaning.
Dental cleanings are generally painless. However, if you have sensitive teeth or gum disease, you may experience some discomfort. Our team is committed to making you feel comfortable during your visit. If you are concerned, feel free to ask about options to manage any discomfort.
In between cleanings, it’s important to:
Most dental insurance plans cover regular cleanings as part of preventive care. It’s always a good idea to check with your provider to confirm the details of your coverage. At Curtis Dental Care, we are happy to assist you in understanding your insurance benefits and help maximize your coverage.
Professional cleanings help:
After your dental cleaning, you may experience some minor sensitivity, but this typically subsides after a few hours. We recommend drinking plenty of water, avoiding foods and beverages that may irritate your teeth (such as acidic or hot foods), and continuing your regular oral hygiene routine.
Yes! If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, our team at Curtis Dental Care will assess your current oral health and recommend a treatment plan. Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, we may suggest additional treatments to restore your oral health.
Yes, appointments for dental cleanings are typically scheduled in advance. We recommend calling our office in Newton, MA, to find a convenient time that fits your schedule.
Ready to schedule your next dental appointment or have questions about our services?
Reaching Curtis Dental Care is simple! Our friendly staff is ready to help with appointments, treatment questions, and concerns. Call us or use our online contact form to start your journey toward a radiant smile. Contact us today and experience personalized dental care.
