Taking care of your teeth is one of the best ways to protect your oral and overall health. That’s why dental experts recommend yearly preventive dentistry appointments to prevent painful (and avoidable!) conditions. Enter: dental cleaning and scaling and root planing.
These treatments remove plaque and tartar stuck to your teeth, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and major discomfort. While it may be tempting to skip dental appointments, it’s best to get your teeth cleaned yearly. So, call (972) 867-5989 to schedule your next dental cleaning with Ankita J. Patel, DDS, in Plano, TX, now!
But, what’s the difference between a dental cleaning and scaling and root planing? And how do you know which one is right for you? In today’s blog, our Plano, TX, dentist breaks it down!
What Is a Dental Cleaning?
A dental cleaning is a run-of-the-mill treatment that helps keep your teeth and gums clean, healthy, and functioning comfortably. The goal of dental cleanings is to remove plaque and tartar before they accumulate and cause big problems.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
Our lovely hygienists perform dental cleanings with care and precision. Here’s what to expect:
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: A hygienist uses some special tools to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth.
- Polishing: Your teeth get polished to remove stains and make them smooth.
- Flossing: Your hygienist flosses your teeth to remove anything left behind.
- Fluoride Treatment (Sometimes): If requested, we can apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities.
- Oral Health Tips: Dr. Patel may give you personalized advice on how to improve your oral hygiene routine at home.
Who Needs a Dental Cleaning?
Everyone! A dental cleaning is for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy mouth. Most people should get one every six months. However, some people may need to visit our Plano dentist every quarter to maintain a healthy mouth.
Why Are Regular Dental Cleanings Important?
Getting your teeth cleaned regularly:
- Prevents Cavities: Plaque removal prevents cavities before they start.
- Keeps Gums Healthy: Clean teeth reduce the risk of gum disease.
- Freshens Breath: Plaque and tartar can cause odorous breath. A cleaning helps!
- Detects Problems Early: Our dentist in Plano, TX, can spot small issues before they become big problems.
- Saves Money in the Long Run: Preventing dental issues can help you avoid costly procedures in the future.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning for people with significant plaque and tartar buildup and/or gum disease. If your gums are inflamed or bleeding, this treatment may help.
What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing require a little more effort. Here’s what to expect:
- Scaling: Dr. Patel or a hygienist clean above and below the gum line to remove sticky plaque and tartar.
- Root Planing: This process smooths the roots of teeth, making it harder for plaque to accumulate and encouraging gum reattachment.
- Antibacterial Rinse: Sometimes, our team uses an antibacterial rinse to fight infection.
- Follow-Up Visit: Dr. Patel will check your healing progress.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Our Plano dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings or special at-home care routines.
Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?
This treatment is usually best for people with significant plaque and tartar accumulation, as well as those with gum disease. If you have noticeable plaque buildup or swollen, red, or bleeding gums, Dr. Patel may recommend scaling and root planing.
Signs You Might Need Scaling and Root Planing
- Bleeding Gums: If your gums start bleeding when you brush or floss, it could be a sign of gum disease.
- Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away: Diseased gums can cause chronic bad breath.
- Receding Gums: If your gingival tissue begins pulling away from your teeth, a deeper cleaning may help.
- Loose Teeth: Advanced gum disease can leave teeth loose and wiggly.
- Pockets Between Teeth and Gums: Deeper pockets indicate gum disease that may require scaling and root planing.
Dental Cleaning vs. Scaling and Root Planing: Which One Do You Need?
Dental Cleaning
A dental cleaning is a routine procedure that helps maintain a healthy mouth by removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth. It is painless and recommended for people with healthy gums and teeth approximately every six months. If you have healthy gums and no signs of gum disease, a regular dental cleaning is enough.
Scaling and Root Planing
On the other hand, scaling and root planing is a deeper cleaning designed for those with gum disease or a lot of built-up plaque. It removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the roots of the teeth to encourage gum reattachment. This procedure may require numbing and follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
Why Yearly Dental Visits Matter
Even if your teeth feel fine, you should see our dentist in Plano, TX, at least once a year. Regular checkups help prevent problems that can quickly snowball into larger, more painful, and more expensive issues later.
What Happens During a Yearly Dental Visit?
Here’s what you can expect when you visit Ankita J Patel, DDS:
- Examination: Dr. Patel checks your teeth and gums for any problems.
- X-Rays: X-rays help spot issues lingering below the surface.
- Dental Cleaning: If you don’t have gum disease or tartar, you’ll get a regular cleaning.
- Treatment Plan: If you need extra care, Dr. Patel will discuss the next steps.
- Oral Cancer Screening: Our team conducts a quick and painless screening for oral cancer.
Common Questions About Dental Cleaning and Scaling and Root Planing
Does Scaling and Root Planing Hurt?
Dr. Patel may use a numbing agent to make the procedure more comfortable. Some mild soreness may follow, but it goes away quickly.
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
A standard cleaning usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. However, if you have a lot of plaque built up on your teeth, then it may take a little longer.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Gum disease is pervasive, affecting around half of all people aged 30 and older. Brushing, flossing, and visiting our dentist in Plano, TX, every year for cleanings are key steps in preventing gum disease. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco and alcohol also help.
What Happens If I Skip My Dental Cleanings?
Skipping cleanings can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and periodontitis. Over time, this may result in tooth loss or the need for costly treatments.
Keep Your Mouth Healthy – Schedule a Dental Cleaning in Plano, TX!
If you’re unsure which treatment you need, ask Ankita J Patel, DDS. Reach our dentist in Plano, TX, here, or call our care coordinator at (972) 867-5989 for advice and appointments now!