Dental Cleanings

What to Expect During a Cleaning

Regular check ups are critical to good oral health, as well as to your overall health. Medical studies have shown that the same bacteria causing gum disease and inflammation also causes heart disease. Without treatment, this bacteria travels through the body from the mouth to the heart, where the consequences can be life-threatening. Keeping your mouth healthy is as important as diet or exercise in keeping your heart healthy.

Regular cleanings and check-ups allow us to catch small problems early, when they can be treated easily and most economically. One of the main systems of belief in biological dentistry is maintaining and conserving healthy enamel and providing the preventative care needed to keep your original teeth.

Our dedication to biological dentistry extends to all areas of our dental practice, and cleanings are no exception. A dental cleaning is a routine procedure that is rarely painful. Our hygienists are well trained and share our philosophy of safety and non-toxicity. We have fluoride-free alternatives to every treatment in our office, including cleanings.

The average dental cleaning takes between 30 minutes to an hour. If the cleaning is part of a yearly check-up or treatment plan, Dr. John may also advise that the patient receive diagnostic digital X-rays essential for early detection of potential problems as well as determining tooth and root positions. Dr. John will normally take a last look, and perhaps perform some difficult plaque removal toward the end of the cleaning, as well as evaluate the gums for signs of   disease.

Dental Exam (Before Cleaning):

  • Diagnostic Digital X-rays – Essential for early detection of decay, tumors, cysts, bone loss
  • Oral Cancer Screening – Checking the tongue, throat, face, neck and gums
  • Gum Disease Evaluation – Signs of periodontal disease in the gums and bone around the teeth
  • Monitoring Tooth Decay – All tooth surfaces will be checked with applicable instruments
  • Review of Existing Restorations – Older dental procedures are checked for mercury and other problems related to reduced health and comfort in the mouth

Dental Procedures (During Cleaning):

  • Calculus (Tartar) Removal – Hardened plaque left on the tooth over time is firmly attached to the tooth surface and forms above and below the gum line can only be removed with special dental instruments
  • Plaque Removal – A sticky, almost invisible film, that is a growing colony of living bacteria from food debris and saliva produces toxins that inflame the gums and cause periodontal disease.
  • Teeth Polishing – Removing stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during regular tooth brushing.