How Often Should I See a Dentist Near Me for Cleanings?

Regular Exams and Dental Cleanings are Essential

If you aren’t currently experiencing any unpleasant symptoms with your teeth or gums, it can be very easy to assume there’s nothing to worry about and no reason to go looking for a “dentist near me.” This can be a very dangerous attitude, because dental problems may already be very serious by the time you notice something is wrong. Regular dental cleanings and exams protect your teeth and give the dentist a chance to catch issues early, when they’re much easier to treat.

An Ounce of Prevention

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Without intervention from a dentist, a tooth could go from a small patch of demineralized enamel to a full abscess, and there might never be any noticeable symptoms. 

A dental abscess requires root canal therapy to save the tooth, whereas if a dentist has the opportunity to spot a small demineralized area on a tooth during a regular dental cleaning appointment, it might not even require a filling. Preventive care and early detection are just as effective with gum disease and especially with oral cancer, where early detection saves lives.

What to Expect at Regular Dental Cleanings

When you come in for a dental cleaning, it will usually involve the same routine steps:

1. Dental X-rays: we’ll take a set of bitewing X-rays to get a close look at the structure of your teeth. This will allow the dentist to spot any developing cavities, even if they’re still invisible to the naked eye.
2. Prophylaxis: the hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth, giving them a thorough flossing and using special tools to remove any accumulated plaque or tartar. Tartar is calcified plaque that cannot be removed at home. You may notice a different texture to your teeth once the tartar is gone. (See how well you can keep new tartar at bay with your daily brushing and flossing routine!) 
3. Pocket check: The hygienist will also use a small probe to measure the depth of your gum pockets. Healthy gum tissue sits snugly around each tooth, so the pockets should be nice and snug. Deeper pockets are a sign of gum recession or gum disease.
4. Dental exam: Dr. Ware will check your teeth for decay or other issues like uneven wear, and she will also check your mouth and throat for any signs of oral cancer. If she sees any problems, she’ll discuss treatment options with you.

We Recommend Most Patients Visit Twice a Year

For the majority of patients, a professional dental cleaning and exam once every six months is ideal. Dental problems usually take months or years to develop, so the “dentist near me” will be able to catch them early and recommend changes to your routine to keep your teeth and gums in the best shape possible. 

For patients fighting advanced gum disease, we’ll likely recommend increasing that frequency to once every three months, at least until their gums are healthier. Also, if you are ever injured in a way that affects your teeth or gums, don’t wait for your regular appointment months away; come in for emergency dental care!

Dental Cleaning FAQs

How long will my visit take?

A typical visit for a cleaning and exam usually takes no longer than an hour and a half (and is often faster than that). 

Does a dental cleaning hurt?

No, dental cleanings should not hurt. If you have sensitive gums, they may feel tender while the hygienist flosses them, and you might experience increased tooth sensitivity. We encourage you to tell us about any concerns you may have; your comfort is our priority!

Are dental X-rays safe?

Yes! The digital X-rays we use emit very little radiation compared to traditional film X-rays — less than the amount of exposure you get in a day just from ordinary background radiation.

When Was the Last Time You Visited?

If it’s been six months or longer since your last visit to a “dentist near me,” we’d love to schedule your next appointment at Ware Family Dentistry! Give us a call or a visit, or else access our new patient forms or existing patient scheduling right here on the website. We’ll make it easy for you to get into the routine of biannual visits by scheduling the next one during your appointment. We can’t wait to see you for your dental cleaning!

 

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.