Patients usually note how smooth their teeth feel after dental cleanings. Additionally, if they tend to accumulate stains on their teeth, the increased “whiteness” after a cleaning is a desirable outcome as well. However, much of the benefit of a dental cleaning happens in areas we don’t even see.
What does a Dental Cleaning consist of?
During a dental cleaning, a dentist or a dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from under your gums. This is called “scaling” and it comprises most of the time taken during a cleaning appointment. “Scaling” typically involves use of both hand tools and a power washer. The professional also polishes your teeth during a cleaning.
Where necessary, we may recommend application of fluoride to make your teeth more resistant to cavities. They may also measure the depth of your gum pockets at a cleaning appointment.
How much does a Dental Cleaning cost?
The cost of a dental cleaning can be variable for many reasons. The reason is that scaling and polishing are billed according to the amount of time taken to provide complete service.
Some people build more tartar and hard plaque between cleanings. Consequently, they would require a greater amount of scaling compared to a patient with little tartar on their teeth.
With respect to polishing, a patient that builds more stain on their teeth between cleanings would typically require more polishing time to remove all stain. Thus, some variability exists between patients in terms of how much scaling and polishing they require at dental cleanings.
Other items that may add cost to a cleaning appointment include dental x-rays, fluoride application, and a check-up or recall exam.
What Are The Benefits And Importance Of Dental Cleaning In Panama?
Regular dental cleanings have several benefits. They remove stain, brighten your teeth, and make everything feel smooth again. However, there are other massive benefits that you may not be able to see or feel. For example:
1. Removal of plaque and tartar from your gum pockets
You can’t feel the plaque and tartar build-up underneath your gums, but it’s there. Studies show that it takes about 90 days after a cleaning for bacteria to build-up at the bottom of a gum pocket. These bacteria cause inflammation and can result in deepening of gum pockets. Cleaning these pockets keeps inflammation down. This helps to prevent deepening of gum pockets.
2. Improvements to your systemic health
There is an abundance of evidence that bacteria can enter your circulatory system through your gums. These bacterial deposits have been linked to circulatory problems like atherosclerosis. With regular dental cleanings, you keep bacteria loads in proper balance.
3. Regular surveillance
Your Dentist or your Dental Hygienist can advise you if they see any areas for concern. This might be a cavity (requiring a dental filling) or gum recession, inflammation or infections where treatment or a change in your home care may be necessary.
When you do not go for regular cleanings, you don’t know if certain areas are deteriorating. Sometimes a simple change in home care habits is all it takes to prevent a major problem.
How often should I have a Dental Cleaning?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. Generally, a patient that brushes 2-3 times daily while flossing 1-2 times daily can wait up to 6 months between cleanings; although, ideally, the cleanings and check-ups should be performed every 4 months. This is the most common “recall” or “re-care” interval. However, if you are in a high-risk group for cavities, gum disease, or both, you should see your Family Dentist more frequently. High-risk groups include:
- Smokers (higher risk of gum disease; also known as Gingivitis or Periodontitis)
- People with poorly controlled Diabetes (higher risk of Periodontitis and oral infections)
- Patients with active gum disease
- People with “dry mouth” or Xerostomia (higher risk of both Periodontitis and Cavities)
- Patients who build plaque and calculus rapidly
- People who frequently develop cavities
- Patients going through orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign (higher risk of cavities)
Contact us now to request your appointment and talk more about the Importance of Dental Cleaning in Panama
