The Importance of Professional Dental Cleanings: Your Guide to Routine Checkups
While no problem or treatment is too complex to be handled at Farhoumand Dentistry, did you know that the issues that lead to the need for treatment can often be prevented? Routine care, such as dental cleanings at our Tysons Corner, Virginia office, can control these problems.
I already clean my teeth at home. Why do I need to clean them at your office?
No matter how well and consistently you brush and floss, it is still essential to maintain this professional service, known as the dental prophy. There are numerous reasons for this. Among them, our dental hygienists have the right tools and training to effectively remove sticky and destructive bacterial plaque that doesn’t budge with standard toothbrushes, floss, and over-the-counter home care products. If plaque build-up remains on the teeth, it can progressively wear away at the jaw’s tooth structure, gums, and supportive bony tissue.
How is the cleaning performed?
Our hygienists use special instruments, such as manual and electronic scalers, to lift harmful bacteria, surface stains, stubborn plaque (or “tartar”), and lingering food particles from the teeth and gum line. They also apply a special paste to polish the teeth. So, professional cleanings minimize your risk factors for gum disease and cavities, promote a beautiful smile and a minty-fresh mouth, and keep bad breath at bay.
In addition to cleaning, hygienists carry out periodontal probing. This procedure involves measuring the depth of the pockets around your teeth to evaluate gum health. Periodontal probing and charting are crucial because they help detect early signs of gum disease. By regularly monitoring these measurements, we can identify any issues promptly and implement appropriate treatments to maintain the health of your gums and teeth over time.
What is Periodontal Probing and Charting?
During your last dental cleaning, you might have heard your hygienist calling out numbers like “2-3-2,” “4-3-3,” or “5-6-4.” If they didn’t explain this, it refers to a periodontal probing and charting process known as periodontal measurements. This essential procedure helps hygienists evaluate the condition of your gums, determine the appropriate cleaning you need, and assess the success of your treatment during follow-up visits. We use educational diagrams to show you the size of the pockets. So you have a better understanding of the condition of your gums. We show as opposed to tell.
How often should I visit you for cleanings?
Regardless of risk factors, every patient should have their teeth cleaned at Farhoumand Dentistry at least twice a year. We can advise on the best "schedule" for you. If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, we will likely want to examine your mouth and oral tissues more often, as tobacco/nicotine are risk factors for oral cancers. Cancer screening can be easily incorporated into dental checkups at our Tysons Corner, VA office. To schedule your cleaning and checkup today, call us at (703) 636-2442.
