During a routine teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar deposits
are removed and your teeth are polished. Plaque is a soft, sticky film that is
full of oral bacteria. These bacteria cause tooth decay and gum disease if they
are not removed by brushing and flossing. Tartar is calcified plaque that
cannot be removed at home and can only be removed by special tools during a
professional cleaning.
During your next cleaning, we will use a mirror to see all
parts of your mouth. This helps us spot tartar, swollen gums, irritated areas,
bleeding, and other issues. We may use an ultrasonic instrument to loosen
hardened tartar deposits so that they can be easily rinsed away with a gentle
mist of cool water. The ultrasonic instrument is adjustable according to your
comfort level.
Once we have removed larger tartar deposits, we will switch
to handheld instruments called scalers. These are used to remove small deposits
and smooth the surfaces of your teeth. Each tooth is carefully scaled to remove
every bit of tartar. Finally, we polish your teeth. To polish them, we use a
hand-piece with a soft cupped tip. Rather than typical toothpaste, we use a gritty
polishing agent called prophylaxis paste. Each tooth is polished to make them
smooth, shiny, and free of minor stains. You may also need a fluoride treatment
if you are prone to cavities.
A professional dental cleaning is typically pain-free. If
you have any discomfort, let us know so that we can take precautions to ensure
your experience is comfortable for you. Call us today to learn more or to
schedule your next checkup with our Santa Clara dentist.
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