What Happens During a Routine Dental Cleaning?
We’ve all been taught the importance of cleaning our teeth growing up. Although brushing and flossing daily helps maintain your teeth and gums’ overall health, routine dental cleaning treats bigger issues, often identifying and preventing cavities and gum diseases.
Learn about the various steps in dental cleaning, some advanced techniques and technologies and the benefits of our cleaning procedures from Dr. Nahel Yanni, D.D.S. at the Dental Group of East Brunswick.
What Does a Dental Cleaning Include?
Dental cleaning involves a few steps after your initial oral assessment. During this stage, the dental hygienist examines your mouth for signs of dental issues, ruling out oral cancer and other serious problems. The hygienist also determines your gums’ health using a periodontal probe. They may request dental X-rays if they notice abnormalities.
Routine dental cleaning involves:
1. Scaling
The hygienist removes plaque and tartar using a scaler or ultrasonic scaler for larger parts, focusing on the areas between the teeth and gum line. Sometimes, they’ll remove leftover tartar with gritty toothpaste for even more cleaning efficiency. This prepares your teeth for polishing.
2. Polishing
Applying a special polishing paste, the hygienist smooths the teeth’s surface to ensure plaque won’t accumulate too quickly. They may add a fluoride treatment to strengthen the enamel or recommend a sealant to seal deep grooves. These preventive treatments reduce cavities and plaque buildup that lead to tooth decay.
3. Flossing
The hygienist will floss between the teeth to remove dental debris, ensuring a thorough clean. They’ll educate you on proper oral hygiene and offer dietary advice for improved dental health care at home.
Advanced Techniques and Technologies
Modern technology has advanced, allowing dental hygienists to adopt relevant dental techniques, including:
- Ultrasonic scaling: Removes larger plaque deposits using water spray and vibrations from high-frequency sound waves
- Air polishing: Removes teeth stains using a water, air, sodium bicarbonate or glycine mixture
- Laser dentistry: Targets gums and soft tissue with minimal bleeding and discomfort
- Electric handpieces: Used for speed consistency and to enhance patient comfort with fewer vibrations
Any technology used is always sterilized to ensure constant cleanliness and hygiene.
Cleaning Procedures by Dr. Nahel Yanni, D.D.S
Dr. Nahel Yanni is our resident dental surgeon specializing in sedation to improve the experience for patients with severe dental anxiety. He treats their anxiety before procedures with light, moderate or deep sedation, depending on the severity. He is one of two dentists in East Brunswick to offer this popular service, whether for routine cleaning or complex procedures.
Our dental services at The Dental Group of East Brunswick include:
- Cleanings and prevention: We clean and treat teeth with severe plaque buildup and offer tips to prevent it from worsening.
- Dental exams and cleanings: Mouth screening helps identify gum disease and other problems early while cleaning protects teeth and gums from decay.
- Fluoride treatment: These treatments are beneficial if you suffer from tooth sensitivity, insufficient fluoride exposure or pronounced sugar intake.
- Dental X-rays: New patients may have X-rays done to diagnose tooth decay and other preexisting issues.
- Sealants: These seal gaps and pits in your individual teeth to harden the enamel, preventing decay.
Book Your Next Dental Clean With Dr. Nahel Yanni
You’re in expert hands when you book your next dental cleaning or other dental procedure with Dr. Nahel Yanni. He’s helped countless patients restore their teeth to show off their bright, million-dollar smiles. He can do the same for you!
We’re your comprehensive dental hygiene solution, so you won’t have to go elsewhere for individual services. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Nahel Yanni, D.D.S., or contact our office if you have questions about our East Brunswick dental services.