Dental Cleanings
At Sally Powell, DDS, we know that maintaining a clean and healthy smile is essential not only for your oral health but also for your overall well-being. Professional dental cleanings are a vital part of any oral care routine, ensuring that your teeth and gums stay in great shape for years to come. Dr. Powell and our experienced team of licensed hygienists in Columbia provide thorough, comfortable cleanings that help keep your smile healthy, bright, and beautiful.
We’re proud to offer routine dental cleanings to patients in Columbia and surrounding Missouri, including Hallsville, Ashland, Boonville, Rocheport, and Fayette. Call us today at 573-474-8566 to book your appointment!
The Importance of Professional Dental Cleanings
Even with excellent brushing and flossing habits at home, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of your mouth. Over time, this buildup can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues. Professional cleanings go beyond what you can do at home, effectively removing harmful plaque and tartar, minimizing the risk of dental problems, and ensuring your smile stays in top condition.
What to Expect During Your Dental Cleaning
At Sally Powell, DDS, we prioritize your comfort during every visit. Our cleanings are performed in a relaxing, stress-free environment. Here’s what you can expect during your dental cleaning:
- Initial Assessment: A dental hygienist will begin by examining your teeth and gums to check for any signs of gum disease, cavities, or other concerns.
- Scaling: Using specialized instruments, we’ll remove plaque and tartar buildup from both above and below the gumline to ensure a deep clean.
- Polishing: After scaling, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains, leaving them smooth and bright.
- Flossing: We’ll floss between each tooth to remove any remaining debris and plaque.
- Fluoride: Based on the condition of your teeth and risk factors, we may apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth and help prevent cavities.
The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular cleanings are essential to maintaining both your oral health and overall wellness. Here are some of the key benefits of visiting Sally Powell, DDS for routine cleanings:
- Prevention of Gum Disease: Cleanings help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease if left untreated.
- Early Detection of Dental Issues: Routine cleanings allow us to catch potential problems like cavities, cracks, or early signs of gum disease before they become more serious.
- Promotes Overall Health: Good oral health is linked to a lower risk of developing certain conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular dental cleanings contribute to better overall health.
- Brightens Your Smile: Professional polishing removes surface stains from foods, drinks, and tobacco, helping to keep your smile looking its best.
FAQs About Dental Cleanings
Q: How often should I get my teeth professionally cleaned?
Most patients should have professional cleanings every six months, though some may need them every 3-4 months if they have gum disease or other risk factors. Dr. Powell will recommend the appropriate schedule based on your individual needs.
Q: What happens during a routine dental cleaning?
One of our experienced dental hygienists will examine your teeth and gums, remove plaque and tartar with special instruments, polish your teeth to remove stains, floss between teeth, and may apply fluoride treatment. The entire process usually takes 30-60 minutes.
Q: Are dental cleanings painful or uncomfortable?
Most patients find routine cleanings comfortable and painless, though you may feel some pressure during tartar removal. If you have anxiety or sensitivity, we can use techniques like topical numbing gel to improve comfort.
Q: Why can’t I just brush and floss at home instead of getting professional cleanings?
Professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that can only be eliminated with special instruments, even in areas excellent home care can’t reach. We also detect early signs of problems before they become serious, saving you time and money.
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today!
Don’t wait for dental problems to arise before scheduling a cleaning. Regular dental cleanings are an important part of preventive care that can help you avoid more extensive (and costly) treatments down the road. At Sally Powell, DDS in Columbia, we’re here to keep your teeth and gums healthy, strong, and beautiful. Call 573-474-8566 today and book your appointment with our compassionate dental team!