Maintain a Beautiful, Healthy Smile with Our Mississauga Dentist
Maintaining a healthy smile goes beyond just brushing and flossing at home. Regular dental cleanings are crucial to ensure that your teeth and gums remain in optimal condition. At East Credit Dental, our Mississauga dentist emphasizes that dental cleanings are an essential part of preventive dental care, helping patients prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for the best dental cleaning services, contact our dental office at (905) 567-1132 for your next teeth cleaning in Mississauga.
What Are Dental Cleanings?
Dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are routine procedures done by dental professionals to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. By visiting your dentist twice a year for dental cleanings, you can keep your smile sparkling and prevent oral health problems from arising. Maintaining optimal oral health is an essential part of preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
During a dental cleaning appointment in Mississauga, other services, such as oral examinations, are also performed. These aid in detecting any signs of dental problems and when done twice a year, can catch problems early on and allow for successful, less invasive treatments. Our dentist may also provide you with a fluoride treatment, helping protect your teeth from unwanted cavities and other issues.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?
Prevents Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to cavities and gum disease if not removed regularly. Teeth cleanings help remove these harmful substances, significantly reducing your risk of developing these common dental problems.
Fresher Breath and a Brighter Smile
Bad breath is often caused by plaque and tartar buildup, as well as food particles stuck between teeth. A professional dental cleaning removes these, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean. Additionally, polishing your teeth can help remove surface stains, giving you a brighter, more radiant smile.
Early Detection of Oral Health Issues
During a dental cleaning, our dentist or hygienist will examine your mouth for signs of potential issues such as cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Early detection allows for more effective treatment and better outcomes.
Types of Dental Cleanings
There are several types of dental cleanings. Depending on your dental health, our dentist will recommend the best dental cleaning for you.
Routine Dental Cleanings
Routine dental cleanings are the most common and are recommended for those with good oral health. During a regular dental cleaning, our dentist or dental hygienists will remove plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. It’s a quick process that shouldn’t take longer than one hour.
This type of cleaning is typically done twice a year as part of routine dental health care.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep dental cleaning, is recommended for those with moderate to severe gum disease. During a scaling and root planing treatment, our dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. They’ll also smooth out the roots of your teeth to prevent future buildup.
In many cases, one or two sessions of scaling and root planing can reverse the effects of gum disease and prevent it from progressing into further stages.
Periodontal Maintenance
A periodontal maintenance cleaning is done after scaling and root planing to maintain the health of the gums. During periodontal maintenance, our dentist will remove any plaque and tartar that has accumulated since your last deep cleaning. This type of professional teeth cleaning is typically done every three to four months for patients with gum disease.
Gross Debridement
Gross debridement cleaning isn’t your typical dental cleaning. It’s done to remove plaque and tartar that’s built up too excessively for routine teeth cleaning. This type of dental cleaning is necessary when there’s so much buildup, making it difficult for the dentist to perform a thorough oral examination. The gums may be swollen, and the buildup must be removed before a prophylaxis or dental exam can be completed.
Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular teeth cleanings can provide patients with the following benefits:
- Prevents Cavities: Regular cleanings remove plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that can lead to cavities.
- Prevents Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss if untreated. Regular cleanings help prevent and manage this condition.
- Detects Oral Cancer Early: Early detection of oral cancer through regular dental visits can significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.
- Improves Overall Health: Good dental hygiene is linked to better overall health, including a lower risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes.
Who Needs Dental Cleanings?
Everyone should receive a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year, even if they have good oral hygiene habits. Even if you brush and floss your teeth well, some areas are hard to clean properly at home. Those areas will often accumulate plaque and tartar and it should be removed as soon as possible.
Those with underlying dental issues or a history of gum disease may require more frequent teeth cleanings. Our Mississauga dentist will inform you how often you should come in for dental cleaning procedures.
Dental Cleaning Costs
On average, a dental cleaning will cost between $120 and $300 or more. However, the costs of your dental cleaning will fluctuate depending on certain factors, including:
- Your location: The cost of dental care is generally higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
- The type of dental cleaning: A routine cleaning is less expensive than a deep cleaning, which is necessary for people with gum disease.
- The experience and training of the dentist: More experienced dentists typically charge more than less experienced dentists.
- Your dental insurance: If you have dental insurance, your insurance may cover a portion of the cost of a dental cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, dental cleanings are typically painless. You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity during the cleaning, especially if you have sensitive teeth or gums, but it shouldn’t be painful. Your dentist will provide you with postoperative instructions after the cleaning.
A professional dental cleaning typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. However, the length of your procedure depends on the type of cleaning and the extent of buildup on your teeth.
Many dental insurance plans cover routine dental cleanings, but coverage may vary depending on your plan. You should always check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and know about any out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.
Visit Our Mississauga Dentist for Regular Dental Cleanings
Our Mississauga dentist will recommend the best type of dental cleaning for you during your exam. Teeth cleanings, regardless of the type, are essential for maintaining good oral health and avoiding dental problems in the future.
For those in Mississauga, contact our dentist today by calling (905) 567-1132 to schedule your appointment!