Teeth Cleaning & Dental Checkups Montclair NJ

Annual Check-ups Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Routine checkups are an essential part of proper oral hygiene. Some of the benefits of regular teeth cleanings include:

• Healthier bones and gums.
• Longer lasting teeth.
• Early detection and treatment of cancer and other oral health conditions.
• Beautiful, healthy smiles.

What to Expect at Your First Checkup

Our dental cleaning appointments are about an hour-long, and new patient visits typically last a bit longer. We take pride in getting to know each of our patients, tailoring treatments to the health needs and goals of every individual. Here’s what to expect the first time you come to our office:

• Dental History—A hygienist will gather dental and medical histories so that we have a clear picture of your current health, including any medical conditions that can impact dental treatment.

• Digital X-rays—We take digital x-rays as diagnostic material for your comprehensive oral exam. If you have had x-rays taken within the last 12 months, please have them sent to our office. If you are unable to have x-rays taken, please inform the hygienist as you give your medical history.

• Gum Evaluation and Teeth Cleanings—Our hygienist will evaluate your gums, measuring periodontal pockets with a probe, and clean your teeth by identifying and removing areas of tartar, plaque, and calculus.

• Oral Hygiene Habits—We end your visit by reviewing and reinforcing proper oral hygiene.

Proper Oral Hygiene: How to Prevent Tooth Decay

There are several simple and affordable ways in which you can fight tooth decay—a common chronic health condition.

1. Brush twice and floss once daily.
2. Have dental cleanings and checkups twice a year.
3. Eat fewer sugary and acidic foods.
4. Take fluoride tablets, which make teeth more resistant to decay.
5. Ask your dentist about additional cleaning supplements.

The Teeth Cleaning Procedure

When you come in for a cleaning, your dental hygienist identifies and removes plaque—a soft film that can be removed by brushing—and tartar—a hardened plaque that requires dental instruments for removal. We make every effort to clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the tiny spaces between your teeth and along gum-lines where bacteria gather.

We often complete the cleaning with prophy paste. Its coarse quality, which removes any remaining plaque as it dissolves into a finer texture, leaves the teeth shiny and smooth. We inform you of any areas where plaque and tartar build-up, so you can give those places extra attention by flossing and brushing each day. Our goal is to enable you to easily and effectively care for your teeth.

Are there different kinds of teeth cleanings?

No. Prophylaxis—a fancy word for teeth cleaning—is the only dental procedure of its kind. Prophylaxis involves a routine teeth cleaning every six months.

The procedures that are sometimes called “cleanings” are actually periodontal treatments:

• Full Mouth Debridement—a procedure for those with severe calculus build up.
• Scaling and Root Planing—”gum therapy” for those with periodontal disease.
• Perio Maintenance—a more frequent cleaning for those with a history of gum disease.

Dental Care FAQs

• What is routine dental care?
• Does routine dental care include cleaning?
• Why is routine dental care necessary?
• What is basic dental care?

What is routine dental care?

Routine dental care is often referred to as preventive dental care. Routine care aims to keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent problems such as cavities and other issues. Routine care usually includes two checkups a year, x-rays, and dental cleanings for insurance purposes.

Does routine dental care include cleaning?

Yes. Routine cleaning can help preserve your teeth and gums for a lifetime. We recommend routine cleaning twice a year to prevent cavities and remove plaque and tartar.

Why is routine dental care necessary?

In addition to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, routine dental care allows your dentist to check for possible problems such as early periodontal disease, cracked or chipped teeth, cavities, and oral cancer.

What is basic dental care?

Basic dental care applies to the most common dental treatments for common problems such as cavities, mild periodontal disease, and treatments that don’t require extensive lab work. This may include fillings, scaling, root planing, recementing a crown, prefabricated (non-customized) crowns, root canals, and emergency pain relief. If you need dental repair or replacement, we will work with you to determine whether any insurance you have covers it as basic dental care.

We are always happy to answer all your questions about routine dental care and oral health. Contact our office at Edgemont Dental Arts Phone Number (973) 744-9330 for an appointment.