Dental Cleaning

Dental Cleaning services offered in Los Alamitos, CA

If you want to reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other common oral health problems, schedule a dental cleaning at least twice a year. Routine checkups can alert you to potentially serious issues and preserve your smile for years to come. At Volterra Dental Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry, experienced dentist Richard Blackburn, DMD, and the team offer dental cleanings to people of all ages. To make an appointment for yourself or your child in Los Alamitos, California, call the office or book online today.

Dental Cleaning Q & A

What is dental cleaning?

Dental cleaning is an important part of preventive oral health. During teeth cleaning, your Volterra Dental Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry provider uses special tools to remove plaque from the surface of your teeth and beneath your gums. This reduces the risk of common oral health problems, like cavities and gum disease.

What happens during a dental cleaning?

At Volterra Dental Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry, a dental cleaning involves several steps, including:

Step one: Oral exam

At the beginning of a dental cleaning, your provider uses a handheld mirror to examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and cheeks. They look for signs of potential problems during the exam, like cavities or gum disease. Your provider also uses gloved hands to feel any unusual bumps or growths. If necessary, they might even take a biopsy specimen.

Step two: Removal of plaque and tartar

After the exam, your Volterra Dental Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry provider uses a scaler to remove plaque, harmful bacteria, and food particles from the surface of your teeth and beneath your gum line. This part of the dental cleaning typically takes the longest. You might hear scraping or scratching during this part of the procedure, but it’s nothing to worry about.

Step three: Teeth polishing

After cleaning your teeth, your provider uses a special, medical-grade toothpaste to clean and polish them. The toothpaste has microscopic abrasives that cut through stains and discoloration, making your teeth appear whiter.

Step four: Flossing

Last, your provider flosses your teeth. Flossing removes any food particles and plaque that your provider missed during cleaning and polishing. It also massages your gums, reducing the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Step five: Fluoride treatment

If you regularly experience cavities, your Volterra Dental Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry provider might recommend a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen your enamel, reducing the risk of tooth decay.

How often should I schedule a dental cleaning?

If you want to keep your teeth, gums, and smile in optimal condition, it’s important to schedule a dental cleaning once every six months.

Even if your teeth and gums appear healthy, it’s crucial to take action. Cavities and gum disease don’t always present symptoms early on. Regular visits to Volterra Dental Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry can alert you to problems in their early stages of development, ensuring they don’t get worse.

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, make an appointment at Volterra Dental Comprehensive and Aesthetic Dentistry by calling the office or booking online today.