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Professional Cleanings

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Dental cleaning is the removal of dental plaque (a soft, sticky, bacteria infested film) and tartar (calculus) from the teeth.

Protect Your Smile: The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings are necessary to prevent cavities, gingivitis, and gum disease. If left untreated, severe gum disease can result in tooth loss.  Cleaning and polishing of the teeth leaves the surfaces of the teeth clean and smooth so that bacteria are unable to stick to them.

Removing Tartar and Plaque with Ultrasonic Technology

The dental hygienist or dentist will use specialized instruments to gently remove deposits of tartar and plaque from the teeth without causing harm. To start, an ultrasonic device is used to knock larger pieces of tartar loose, emitting vibrations and spraying a cooling mist of water to wash away debris and keep the area comfortable.

Manual Cleaning and Polishing for a Shiny Smile

After the larger pieces of tartar have been removed, hand tools like scalers and curettes are used to manually remove smaller deposits and smooth the tooth surfaces. These tools are designed to match the curves of the teeth for maximum effectiveness. Once all the tooth surfaces have been cleaned, the teeth are polished using a slow speed hand piece with a soft rubber cup and prophylaxis paste. This paste helps to make the teeth shiny and smooth. Additionally, fluoride may be applied to the teeth to help strengthen the tooth enamel.