Dental Cleanings in Phoenix, AZ
One of the most important parts of any dental care plan is your regular cleaning with a skilled dental hygienist. At Agave Dental, our hygienists are known for providing thorough-yet-gentle cleanings so our patients can have a “fresh start” every six months.
Along with their cleaning skills, our hygienists – like the rest of the team here – make personal connections with our patients. We’ll work with you to make sure that you are getting the most benefit possible through good habits and excellent technique.
Why Regular Cleanings?
You brush your teeth twice every day and floss every night exactly as directed by your hygienist. Why do you still need to come back every six months for a professional cleaning?
Even with the best technique and the best toothbrush, you may still be missing areas on your teeth and just below the gumline. This isn’t a reflection on you; it’s simply that your teeth aren’t uniform, and it can be difficult to reach every single surface. This is especially true if your teeth are slightly crooked, crowded, or have some gaps.
In time, the plaque that is left in these small areas will harden into tartar. Unfortunately, tartar can’t be removed with a toothbrush; professional instruments are required. If this tartar isn’t removed in a timely manner, the stage is set for cavities and gum disease to develop, and we don’t want that to happen.
The American Dental Association recommends that everyone have a professional cleaning every six months, and we agree with this recommendation. In some cases, it may be appropriate for cleanings to occur more often (if, for example, you’ve missed a couple cleanings and have significant tartar buildup or if we are treating you for gum disease). If we feel that you would benefit from more frequent cleanings, we’ll discuss this with you.
What Happens During a Cleaning?
A cleaning typically begins with an ultrasonic instrument that knocks pieces of tartar off of your teeth. Your hygienist will also use water to rinse away the bits of tartar and keep the area at an appropriate temperature. You’re probably familiar with the whistling sound this instrument makes; it’s one of the most distinctive noises that people hear in a dental office.
During the next step, your hygienist will go over your teeth with fine hand-held instruments to look for smaller deposits of tartar that were missed by the ultrasonic instrument. Using careful pressure, your hygienist will gently remove these deposits from the surface of your teeth and beneath the gumline.
Once all the plaque and tartar have been removed, we’ll polish your teeth using a device with a small rubber head and a gritty paste. The grit from the paste polishes your teeth so that they are smooth and shiny – and feel amazing when you run your tongue over them.
Your hygienist will also discuss your home care habits with you during your appointment. As you discuss your daily dental hygiene, you will be provided with suggestions for improving your routine and your technique.
During your appointment, your hygienist will also discuss your home care habits with you and provide suggestions for improving your routine and your technique.
Is it time for your cleaning? Even if it’s been awhile, give us a call today to schedule your appointment. It’s always a good time for a fresh start.