Teeth Cleanings & Preventative Dentistry
Preventative dentistry is one of the most important services that you can get from your dentist. When you visit the dentist in St. Louis, MO, for preventative dentistry services, you can catch problems like gingivitis in the early stages. At Smile Now STL, we offer excellent patient care and outstanding preventative dentistry services.
Our preventative dentistry services include:
- Periodic dental cleanings (every six months)
- Dental x-rays to identify problems happening inside the gums
- Dental examinations
We recommend that all patients see the dentist for preventative dentistry care twice annually (every six months). Call today to make an appointment for your next dental cleaning and examination.
What Are Preventative Dentistry Services?
Preventative dentistry services in St. Louis, MO, are any services that can help you avoid a painful problem like gum disease or a cavity. It’s better to prevent dental problems than it is to try to fix them when they happen. Visiting your dentist every six months for preventative dentistry services can help keep your mouth healthy.
What to Expect During Dental Cleanings
If you haven’t been to the dentist for a cleaning in a little while, it helps to know what to expect during the visit. We can answer any questions you might have about your upcoming dental visit. Here’s what you can expect when you visit the dentist for a dental cleaning.
Remove Plaque and Tartar
During the dental cleaning, the hygienist will use a scaler and an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar from your tooth enamel. Plaque is a sticky substance that can build up on your teeth after eating.
Plaque can be removed by brushing your teeth, but some people still have plaque on their teeth after most toothbrushing sessions. Plaque that is left on the teeth long enough will eventually harden into tartar.
Tartar cannot be removed with standard brushing and must be scraped off with a scaler at the dentist’s. Tartar can build up on the teeth at the gum line and can even contribute to gum recession and gum disease. It’s important to see the dentist regularly to remove the tartar and help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
During the cleaning, we’ll also polish your tooth enamel to make the surface of your teeth more slippery. This will help keep plaque off your teeth.
Dental X-rays
Dental X-rays are an important part of preventative dentistry because they allow your dentist to see into your teeth and gums. Using dental X-rays, your dentist can see problems like infections and cavities before they become very serious. Your dentist will order dental X-rays periodically as you come in for dental cleanings, but not with every visit.
To take the dental x-ray, the technician will drape you with a lead apron and then place a sensor. Once the sensor is in place, the technician will snap the images. The process is quick, easy, and effective.
Dental Examination
Dental examinations are another part of the preventative dentistry process. Dental examinations are usually short, sweet, and often the quickest part of any visit to the dentist.
During the dental examination, your dentist will look inside your mouth with a mirror to see parts of your mouth that might otherwise be difficult to see. Following the examination, your dentist will give you an opportunity to ask questions. They may also have questions or comments for you.
If your dentist has identified problems like gingivitis, or gum recession, they may talk to you about your diagnosis and the next steps. If you need to have a procedure, your dentist will tell you when to make your next dental appointment.
You may not have a dental examination every time you come in for a dental cleaning. Your dentist will decide whether a dental examination is necessary with each appointment or periodically. Dental examinations are your opportunity to get answers to any dental hygiene questions you may have, so have them ready when the examination happens.
Why Choose Smile Now STL for Dental Cleanings
Smile Now STL is the dentist of choice for patients all around St. Louis because of our friendly, professional staff, excellent patient care practices, and our excellent skills in dental medicine. Here’s what you can expect when you come to Smile Now STL:
- Friendly staff. Each person who works at Smile Now STL is trained to treat our patients with care and respect.
- Modern facilities. We use state-of-the-art equipment to clean your teeth and help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Excellent dental care. Our patient care practices make us stand out from the area’s other dental offices.
Benefits of Dental Cleanings
There are many benefits of dental cleanings. See your dentist every six months for dental cleanings because:
- Seeing the dentist regularly will help prevent problems like gingivitis.
- You can have more confidence in your smile when your teeth and gums are healthy.
- You can avoid unpleasant dental procedures when you take good care of your teeth.
Signs You Need a Dental Cleaning and Preventative Dentistry Services
Know the signs that it’s time to see the dentist. If you haven’t been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time. You should also look for problems like stains and discolorations on your teeth, bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing, and pain or sensitivity in your teeth. Any time you notice something unusual and uncomfortable happening in your mouth, see the dentist.
Ready to See the Dentist? Call Smile Now STL
At Smile Now STL, we provide professional preventative dentistry services for patients in the St. Louis area. Patients come to us because we’re committed to offering reliable dental services and preventative dental care. It’s always better to prevent a dental problem than it is to fix one when it happens, so come to our dental office for cleanings and examinations on a regular basis.
Need to make an appointment? Call the team at Smile Now STL for dental care you can trust.
