Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums
Routine teeth cleanings and checkups are crucial for maintaining your oral health, not just for your teeth, but also for your gums and overall mouth health. Professional cleanings remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to decay, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Hygienists can reach areas that are tough to clean with regular brushing and flossing, ensuring a more thorough cleaning.
A complete cleaning and exam also provides your dentist with an opportunity to monitor your oral health, identifying any potential issues before they become painful or costly.
In addition to improving your oral health, regular cleanings can also help keep your teeth looking naturally whiter and brighter, without the need for bleaching treatments.
- Removes plaque, a sticky substance that contains bacteria and can erode your enamel.
- Eliminates tartar buildup, which can lead to gum disease if left untreated.
- Helps reduce coffee, tea, or other stains on your teeth.
- Allows your dentist to check for receding gums, chipped teeth, and other signs of disease or infection.
Benefits of Regular Teeth Cleanings:
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
Gum Health
Your gums play a crucial role in supporting your teeth and shaping your smile. During your cleaning, we’ll carefully examine your gums, teeth, tongue, and the entire mouth, focusing on the gum line to ensure everything is in optimal health. We’ll check for any signs of inflammation or gum disease. Don’t worry, we won’t be too hard on you about your flossing habits!
Plaque & Tartar Removal
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that naturally forms on your teeth. If not cleaned away regularly, plaque can harden into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and often builds up around the gumline. Tartar can be dark in color and found in hard-to-reach areas. Our hygienists use specialized tools to scale away plaque and tartar, ensuring a deep, thorough cleaning. Once that’s done, we’ll polish your teeth to remove stains and leave them gleaming.
Dentist Exam
After your cleaning, the dentist will review your chart and x-rays, focusing on any problem areas or patterns that may need attention. They’ll assess your overall oral health and may recommend additional treatment or offer tips to help prevent tooth decay, inflammation, or gum disease. This is also the perfect time to discuss any discomfort, sensitivity, or concerns you’ve had, and we’re always happy to answer your questions.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning in Tacoma
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health. Most insurance plans cover these routine visits, typically every six months. For those without dental insurance, the cost in Tacoma generally ranges from $120 to $300, especially if it’s your first visit or if it’s been a while since your last cleaning.
- Current Oral Health: The condition of your teeth and gums can affect the complexity and duration of the cleaning process.
- Need for X-rays: If new X-rays are necessary to assess your oral health, this may add to the overall cost.
- Time Required: The amount of time the dental team spends addressing your specific needs can impact the price.
- Equipment and Supplies: Certain procedures or specialized tools may be required, influencing the total cost.
Several factors influence the cost of your dental cleaning:
Investing in regular dental cleanings is a proactive approach to prevent more invasive treatments and avoid serious dental issues, ensuring you maintain a healthy and happy smile.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
We generally recommend having your teeth cleaned and checked every 6 months. However, depending on your specific needs, the dentist may suggest more frequent visits. In some cases, we can schedule appointments further out if necessary due to insurance or cost considerations.
Don’t wait! If you experience any pain or discomfort, contact us immediately. While cleanings are a great way to prevent problems, they are not the only time to address issues. Even if the pain seems minor, let us know right away so we can treat it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Yes! Regular checkups are essential for your entire mouth, including your gums, tongue, and bone structure. Even if you wear dentures, it’s important to visit us to ensure your dentures fit properly and are in good condition, as well as to examine your overall oral health.
Most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour. The procedure is typically performed while you are comfortably reclined in a dental chair.
Yes, you can help prevent tartar buildup by using tartar-control toothpaste with fluoride. However, no matter how well you brush, dental floss is the only way to remove plaque between your teeth and prevent tartar from forming in those hard-to-reach areas. Using an antiseptic mouthwash daily can also help kill the bacteria that cause plaque.
After a regular dental cleaning, you can eat right away. However, it’s a good idea to avoid acidic or abrasive foods and drinks immediately afterward. If you had a fluoride treatment during the cleaning, wait at least 30 minutes before eating.
Yes! Brushing and flossing after your cleaning is the best way to maintain your oral health and keep your teeth in excellent condition. Keep up with your daily oral care routine to preserve the benefits of your cleaning.
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