Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are a key part of a healthy dental care routine. Most people should visit the dentist at least twice a year. This helps ensure there are no ongoing issues and prevents future ones from developing.
If you’re searching for “dental cleanings near me” in Chicago, IL, contact Northalsted Dental Spa today. Our experienced professionals are here to make sure your smile stays healthy and beautiful!
How Professional Teeth Cleanings Prevent Dental Issues
Regular teeth cleanings at your dentist are important for keeping your smile healthy and looking great. This is because even with excellent brushing and flossing habits, plaque can gather in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. This can lead to:
- Bad breath
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Tooth staining
- The need for invasive dental procedures
Regular cleanings help prevent these issues while also keeping your smile white and clean. Frequent visits also help your dentist find and fix small dental issues quickly.
How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?
A typical dental check-up at Northalsted Dental Spa takes about 45 to 60 minutes. For most patients, the cleaning itself only lasts 30 minutes, while the exam portion can take around the same length of time. We may also take X-rays, if necessary, which usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
What Happens During a Teeth Cleaning?
After your dental exam, you can expect the following during your teeth cleaning:
- Plaque Removal: We remove buildup above and below the gumline, paying special attention to hard-to-reach areas.
- Cleaning and Polishing: Using specialized tools, we clean and polish your teeth to remove stains.
- Expert Flossing: We floss your teeth to ensure all spaces between them are clean.
- Thorough Rinse: We rinse your teeth and gums with water to clear away any remaining debris and give you a clean, fresh feeling.
- Fluoride Treatment: If necessary, we apply a fluoride treatment to help protect against cavities.
- Discussion: We conclude by providing dental hygiene tips and answering questions about maintaining your oral health between visits.
What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning?
Sometimes, a standard dental cleaning isn’t enough to address serious gum health issues. Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is necessary when you have gum disease (periodontal disease) that can’t be treated with routine cleaning alone. A deep cleaning goes further beneath your gums to remove harmful bacteria and tartar buildup.
Your dentist will likely recommend a deep cleaning if you have these signs of gum disease:
- Pockets forming between teeth and gums
- Plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line
- Loose teeth
- Jawbone atrophy
A deep cleaning is a crucial treatment that can help prevent the progression of gum disease. At Northalsted Dental Spa, we only recommend deep cleanings when they’re truly necessary for your oral health.
Schedule Your Dental Check-Up
Routine dental cleanings are one of the easiest ways to stay on top of oral health issues and prevent them. Contact Northalsted Dental Spa to schedule your dental check-up. We customize our services to match each patient’s individual needs and smile goals, and have been since 2005. We look forward to helping your smile shine bright!
FAQs About Teeth Cleanings
Why Should I Get a Dental Cleaning?
Dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t. They help prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath— plus, they let your dentist spot problems early.
What If I Have Sensitive Teeth?
Let our team know if your teeth are sensitive. We’ll use slow, gentle techniques and make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.
What Is Dental Scaling?
Dental scaling is a cleaning method that is often used to treat early-stage gum disease and promote healthier gums. It involves removing plaque and tartar under the gumline.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
For most patients, dental check-ups are recommended every 6 months. This includes an exam and dental cleaning. However, frequency depends on your specific oral health needs.
How Long After a Dental Cleaning Can I Eat?
You should wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking after a teeth cleaning. Try to avoid hot, acidic, sticky, or crunchy foods for a few hours.
Does Teeth Cleaning Remove Stains?
A professional dental cleaning can remove superficial stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, etc. However, while our advanced tools and techniques can lift most stains on the surfaces of teeth, deeper discoloration may require additional treatment.
At Northalsted Dental Spa, we can recommend the best options for achieving your smile goals. We’ll also determine if you’re a good candidate for professional teeth whitening.
