Find a Dentist for Preventive Cleanings

According to Today's RDH, the first dental hygiene program began in 1913. Now, most patients look to find a dentist who offers preventive cleanings, also known as prophylactic cleanings. The popularity of this service is due to its effectiveness in preventing gum disease and detecting diseases in the early stages. With an overall shift toward preventive services in the healthcare industry, patients should consider routine dental cleanings when searching for a dental provider.

What to expect during a preventive cleaning

A dental hygienist is often the first person a patient will see at a preventive cleaning appointment. These professionals remove plaque and calculus from the teeth, and they also teach patients about preventive dental care. For this reason, many patients consider the entire staff, including the hygenist, when choosing a dentist.

The dentist a patient chooses should offer the following services during routine appointments:

Scaling

When plaque hardens on the teeth, it turns into calculus. It is also called tartar. It cannot be removed by brushing; a professional dental cleaning is necessary. Patients often refer to scaling as "scraping" on the teeth. The hygienist may use a metal instrument or one that sprays water to remove this type of deposit.

Polishing and Flossing

Dental polishing removes plaque from the teeth, and it is what many patients consider the "cleaning" part of the appointment. There are fine, medium, and coarse-grit pastes available; the hygienist selects the type based on the amount of plaque and stain present. Many of the pastes contain fluoride. The hygenist also flosses between each tooth.

Soft tissue exam

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, it is projected that approximately 53,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol abuse, sun exposure, and the HPV virus. Patients should find a dentist who performs an oral cancer check at every appointment. During the soft tissue exam, the dentist will evaluate all oral tissues, the tongue, and the throat. Early detection of this type of cancer is essential in treating it successfully.

Hard tissue exam

When a patient goes for a routine dental cleaning, they expect the dentist to check for cavities. This is considered a hard tissue exam. During this part of the exam, the patient and dentist may discuss any daily habits that are contributing to cavity formation. These can include drinking soda, eating sugary foods, or taking medications that cause dry mouth.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Find a Dentist in Atlanta, GA

Conclusion

When looking to find a dentist, patients should choose one who prioritizes preventive care. While many advances have been made in dental treatments, seeking routine care can help patients avoid many restorative services. At each preventive cleaning appointment, the patient, dentist, and dental hygienist should discuss oral hygiene aids and resources to keep the patient's mouth healthy. When there is a concerted effort among the whole team, the patient can look forward to having a healthy smile for life.

Request an appointment or call Dr. Charles Arp, DDS & Dr. Smriti Bajaj, DMD at 404-682-2887 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.

Related Posts

Dentist Near Me: Comprehensive Care For Oral Health

Typing dentist near me in your search box can give you a great start. Getting comprehensive oral care from the right dental care professional is the goal. A provider near you will give you easier access to necessary dental treatments. Entering dentist near me in your online search can give you an advantage in your…

How To Find A Dentist On The Weekends

Many people need to find a dentist on the weekend. Whether work or school schedules prevent a visit during normal business hours on the weekdays or a dental emergency occurs, there are often occasions where the weekend is the only time available to see the dentist. Keep reading for tips on how to locate a…

Tips To Find A Dentist When Working Out Of Town

Is it possible to find a dentist in a pinch when out of state or away on business? Imagine this scenario: You have flown 300 miles away for a business trip and now there is an aching molar or broken crown to handle along with work obligations! Before spiraling into a panic, understand that there…

Dr. Charles Arp, DDS & Dr. Smriti Bajaj, DMD

Share
Published by
Dr. Charles Arp, DDS & Dr. Smriti Bajaj, DMD

Recent Posts

3 Signs A Patient May Benefit from Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a versatile and effective cosmetic dental procedure that addresses a range of…

1 day ago

3 Reasons to Keep a Regular Dental Cleaning Schedule

Regular dental cleaning is a small effort with a payoff that can last a lifetime.…

6 days ago

Why Is It Necessary to Get a Dental Cleaning?

Visiting the dentist for a checkup and dental cleaning is not something that most people…

2 weeks ago

Understanding the Dental Filling Process

Dental fillings can restore teeth with minor fractures or cavities.

3 weeks ago

Everything You Need To Know about a Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction can restore the smile's functionality, appearance, and health even when multiple issues…

3 weeks ago

Do You Really Need a Dental Cleaning?

Visiting the dental office for checkups and dental cleaning can be inconvenient. However, cleaning appointments…

3 weeks ago