What to Expect from a Dental Cleaning in Sandy Springs GA
Routine dental cleanings, twice a year, are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime. No matter how dedicated you are to brushing and flossing at home, a professional dental cleaning in Sandy Springs GA is the only way to thoroughly remove mineralized plaque that can develop in difficult to reach spots. At Smiles of Atlanta, the experienced team lead by board-certified dentist Dr. Ed Trizzino provide comprehensive dental cleanings to patients of all ages in a warm and welcoming environment. The practice serves patients from throughout Northern Atlanta, including the communities of Sandy Springs GA, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Roswell, Alpharetta, Norcross, and Tucker. Call or book your appointment online.
Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?
Regular dental cleanings are more than just about keeping your teeth looking clean; they play a key role in preventing serious dental issues and maintaining overall health. With routine cleanings, we can detect early signs of gum disease, cavities, and other potential problems before they escalate. Our approach is thorough, but always focused on making you as comfortable as possible.
Teeth Cleaning Q & A
The primary goal of routine cleanings is to get rid of sticky plaque and hardened tartar that builds up along the gum line and between teeth where normal brushing and even flossing can't remove them. Plaque and tartar are primary causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and routine cleanings are the best way to keep decay and disease at bay. The hygienist will finish by polishing your teeth and will also look for signs of decay or gum disease and will offer instruction if it appears that you're brushing or flossing habits or techniques are in need of improvement. This portion of the appointment will take between 30-45 minutes.
Once the hygienist has finished your cleaning, you may receive dental X-rays and/or a fluoride treatment. Then Dr. Trizzino will examine your teeth and gums, conduct an oral cancer screening, and examine all of your existing restorations, including fillings, crowns, and veneers. These regular examinations enable Dr. Trizzino to spot signs of potential issues at their earliest, most easily treated stage. Early detection and treatment of dental problems can prevent complications that are both painful and costly to correct.
The Academy of General Dentistry recommends twice yearly checkups for people of all ages. At this frequency, most problems can be caught while they remain in an early stage. Patients who have an increased risk for oral health issues may be recommended to come more frequently.
Dental X-rays are invaluable. They can reveal any hidden problems, especially in the areas below the gums. Bitewing x-rays which provide a visual of the lower and upper posterior teeth are typically taken once a year, and a panographic x-ray, which revolves around the head, or Full mouth series of intraoral x-rays are taken every 3-5 years.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Professional Dental Cleaning in Sandy Springs GA
To ease any worries you may have, here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during a dental cleaning at Smiles of Atlanta.
1. Initial Oral Exam
Every cleaning session starts with a comprehensive exam by our skilled hygienist. Using a small mirror, they check for any signs of inflamed gums, cavities, or other concerns that may need additional attention. If we spot anything unusual, your dentist may perform a quick follow-up before we proceed.
2. Removing Plaque and Tartar
Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, especially around the gumline and between teeth. Our hygienist uses a specialized scaler to gently remove these deposits. You might hear some scraping sounds—don’t worry, that’s completely normal! The more frequently you brush and floss, the less plaque and tartar will build up, making this part of the cleaning even quicker.
3. Deep Cleaning with Gritty Toothpaste
After the tartar is gone, we use a high-powered electric toothbrush with slightly gritty toothpaste to polish your teeth. This gentle abrasion helps remove any remaining surface stains, leaving your smile even brighter. This toothpaste is safe and designed specifically for use during professional cleanings.
4. Expert Flossing
Even if you’re a diligent flosser, nothing beats professional flossing. We’re able to reach those tricky spots between your teeth, removing any hidden plaque or leftover debris from earlier steps. This thorough approach helps keep your gums healthy and prevents further plaque buildup.
5. Refreshing Rinse
Next, we’ll have you rinse with a special solution to wash away any loosened particles. Our rinse often contains fluoride to provide added protection against cavities.
6. Fluoride Treatment
The final step is a fluoride treatment, which acts as a protective layer over your teeth to help fight off cavities for months. You can choose from a variety of flavors, making this part not only beneficial but enjoyable, too. We apply fluoride in either a foamy gel or varnish form, both effective in keeping your enamel strong.
Additional Services Offered During Dental Cleanings
We tailor each visit based on what our team observes. Sometimes, we may recommend additional services for preventive care, especially for younger patients or individuals with a higher risk of cavities.
Common Additional Services:
- Dental Sealants: Ideal for children and teens, sealants are applied to molars to prevent decay in hard-to-brush areas.
- X-rays: Done annually, X-rays allow us to spot issues below the surface, such as impacted teeth or hidden decay.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
For most patients, we recommend scheduling a cleaning every six months. However, if you’re dealing with specific dental health challenges, like gum disease, we may suggest more frequent visits. Our goal is to personalize your care plan to keep your smile in top shape all year long.
The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings
Beyond the visible benefits of a brighter, cleaner smile, dental cleanings help in numerous other ways. Here’s how routine cleanings can support your overall health:
- Prevention of Gum Disease: Removing plaque and tartar reduces the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
- Cavity Prevention: Early removal of plaque prevents it from hardening into tartar, the primary culprit behind cavities
- Early Detection of Issues: Cleanings give us a chance to catch problems while they’re small and easily treatable.
- Fresh Breath: Consistent removal of bacteria reduces bad breath, leaving you feeling fresh and confident.
- Reduced Risk of Systemic Health Issues: Poor oral health has been linked to other health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular cleanings play a preventive role by helping maintain a healthy mouth.
How to Prepare for Your Dental Cleaning Appointment
While there’s no special prep required, a few steps can help maximize the benefits of your cleaning. Try brushing and flossing right before your visit to give us a clear view of any areas that may need extra attention. If you’re experiencing any pain or sensitivity, let us know so we can tailor the cleaning process to your comfort.
Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning with Smiles of Atlanta in Sandy Springs GA
Ready for a fresher smile? We’re here to make each visit comfortable, informative, and effective. Whether it’s your first cleaning or part of your routine, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal dental health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Smiles of Atlanta
5685 Lake Placid Dr NE
Atlanta GA 30342
(770) 777-0808
OFFICE HOURS
Monday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday
Closed
Saturday & Sunday
Closed