What Happens During Dental Cleanings?

Most dentists recommend that their patients visit for dental cleanings every six months. Knowing what to expect during your next dental cleaning can make your bi-annual visit to thedentist in North Little Rock, AR, less stressful.

At Mounts Dental Practice, our dentists use professionalism and all the most modern techniques to make your visit to the dentist a positive experience. Here’s what you need to know about what happens during dental cleanings.

Removal of Plaque and Tartar 

Plaque and tartar can build up on teeth over time. Tartar buildup can contribute to gum recession and tooth decay, so your dental professional at Mounts Dental Care will use tools like scalers to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth during your dental cleaning.

X-Rays 

Your dentist uses X-rays to see what’s happening inside your teeth and gums. You don’t need to get X-rays every time you visit the dentist, so your dental professional will tell you when it’s time to get X-rays at your visits.

Fluoride Treatment and Polish 

Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel, so your dentist may give you a fluoride treatment when you come into the office for a cleaning. The dentist may also polish your tooth enamel to make it slippery so that food will not stick to it as easily.

Examination

At the end of the appointment, the dentist will examine your teeth and look for any oral hygiene problems. If you have any oral hygiene issues, your dentist at Mounts Dental Care will provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan.

When was the last time you had a dental appointment? If it’s been over 6 months, it’s time to see your dentist. Call Mounts Dental Care to schedule adental cleaning in North Little Rock, AR.

Why do Dentists Take X-Rays?

When you visit your dentist in Little Rock AR, chances are you may need to have X-rays taken. You already know that your dentist uses X-rays for treatment, but why exactly are they so necessary?

Detection of Hidden Problems

One of the big reasons dentists take X-rays is to detect problems that aren’t visible during a routine visual examination, such as:

  • Tooth decay – X-rays help dentists identify decay in its early stages, preventing it from progressing and causing more severe problems.
  • Gum disease – By providing a detailed view of the bone structure supporting the teeth, X-rays can expose the presence of gum disease, enabling timely intervention and treatment.
  • Infections – X-rays can reveal abscesses or infections hidden beneath the gum line, allowing for prompt and accurate diagnosis.
  • Impacted teeth – Sometimes, teeth don’t emerge as they should, becoming stuck or impacted. Dentists use X-rays to identify impacted teeth and develop a treatment plan.

Ensuring a Good Fit for Dental Work

X-rays provide dentists with the necessary information to plan and execute treatments such as crowns, bridges, implants, or braces with accuracy. For example, X-rays help determine the correct size and placement of dental implants or reveal the need for orthodontic intervention to correct misaligned teeth.

Monitoring Changes Over Time

Dental X-rays are also considered essential for tracking the progress of existing dental conditions and treatments. By comparing current X-rays with older ones, dentists can evaluate the effectiveness of treatment plans, detect any new issues, and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal oral health.

Dental X-rays are a crucial tool for dentists, allowing them to identify hidden issues, plan and execute dental treatments, and monitor progress over time. Contact your dentist in Little Rock, AR to learn more or to book your next appointment.

3 Reasons to See the Dentist Twice This Year

It’s important to see your dentist in North Little Rock, AR twice per year, but do you know why? Seeing your dentist twice annually is good for your teeth and good for your gums as well.

1. Your Dentist Recommends It

Most dentists recommend coming in for a dental cleaning twice per year to help control the bacteria in your mouth. They also recommend twice annual visits to prevent plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth.

2. Twice Annual Dental Cleanings Help You Maintain Healthy Teeth

Ultimately, you should see your dentist twice annually because it can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. During your dental cleaning, your dentist and the hygienist will identify any problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease. Catching these problems in their early stages can help you get treatment before these problems become too serious.

During your dental cleaning, the dentist may also show you how to brush and floss your teeth properly. This too can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums.

3. Frequent Dental Cleanings Help Your Teeth Stay White

Seeing your dentist on a regular basis can help you maintain white teeth. During your visit, your dentist will remove plaque and tartar, and will also remove stains on your tooth enamel.

Unless your dentist recommends that you come in more frequently than twice annually to take care of a dental problem, it’s important to see your dentist at Mounts Dental Care two times per year for dental cleanings in North Little Rock, AR. When was the last time you came in for an appointment? If it’s been more than 6 months, call today to schedule your next dental cleaning.