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.
Maintain a Healthy Smile with Dental Cleanings and Checkups
Maintain your smile’s health with professional dental cleanings and checkups at Farhoumand Dentistry in Tysons Corner, VA. Doctors and their team provide gentle, thorough care to prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues before they start. Routine visits are the foundation of long-lasting oral health. Call (703) 636-2442 or click here to book your next cleaning and exam and protect your smile for years to come.
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Dental Cleanings and Check-ups FAQs
Why are regular dental cleanings and check-ups important?
Routine visits help maintain a healthy smile by removing plaque and tartar that cannot be eliminated with brushing and flossing alone. Professional cleanings lower the risk of cavities and gum disease while leaving teeth polished and fresh. Check-ups allow your dentist to look for early signs of problems such as tooth decay, gum infections, or even oral cancer. Detecting issues early usually means easier, less costly treatment.
How often should I schedule a dental cleaning and check-up?
For most patients, visiting every six months is the ideal schedule. This allows the dentist to catch changes in your mouth before they become bigger concerns. Some patients may need to come in more frequently, especially those with gum disease, a history of frequent cavities, or certain medical conditions that affect oral health. Your dentist will recommend a schedule tailored to your individual needs, ensuring your smile gets the right level of care.
What happens during a dental cleaning and check-up?
A professional cleaning begins with removing plaque and tartar that have built up on the teeth, followed by polishing to smooth the surfaces and flossing to clear away debris. During the exam, your dentist checks teeth, gums, and soft tissues for signs of decay, infection, or disease. Depending on your oral health and how long it has been since your last X-rays, your dentist may take images to detect hidden issues such as cavities between teeth or bone changes. The process is thorough but designed to be comfortable.
Do dental cleanings hurt?
For most patients, cleanings are not painful. However, if you have gum inflammation, you may feel light pressure or mild sensitivity as tartar is removed. Some patients notice slight tenderness afterward, but this usually fades quickly. If you are prone to sensitivity, let your dental team know so they can adjust techniques or apply numbing options to keep you comfortable.
Why are X-rays sometimes taken during a check-up?
X-rays provide your dentist with a complete view of your oral health. They reveal problems that are not visible to the naked eye, including decay between teeth, bone loss, cysts, or infections near the roots. They are not always needed at every visit, but your dentist may recommend them based on your history, age, or risk factors.
What are the risks of skipping regular dental check-ups?
Delaying or avoiding check-ups allows plaque and tartar to accumulate, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Small cavities can worsen and lead to pain, infection, or the need for root canal therapy. Untreated gum disease can progress and eventually cause tooth or bone loss.
Does insurance cover dental cleanings?
Most insurance plans cover preventive services such as cleanings and exams, often twice a year at little or no cost to the patient. However, coverage can vary depending on the plan. Checking with your insurance provider ensures you know what is included.
How can I maintain my oral health between visits?
Good oral hygiene at home is just as important as professional care. Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily to clean between teeth, and consider using mouthwash to reduce bacteria. Limiting sugary foods and drinks can reduce the chance of decay, while staying hydrated helps keep your mouth healthy. Avoiding tobacco also protects your teeth and gums.
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.
