
Jul
Most people understand the concept of dental cleanings and why they’re needed. But it helps to review the importance of dental care to motivate you to keep up with dental visits. At Ridgewood Dentistry, we encourage our patients in Ridgewood and Paramus, New Jersey, to schedule a dental exam and cleaning every 6 months to maintain optimal oral health. Here are some FAQs we’re often asked about dental check-ups and cleanings, and what to expect.
Ideally, dental visits should be scheduled every 6 months. This provides our team with a forum to monitor your oral health. If you need help controlling decay or gum disease, Dr. Warren Boardman may recommend more frequent check-ups and cleanings to manage these issues.
A check-up is a visual inspection of your teeth and gums for signs of problems or abnormalities. Once a year, we’ll take digital X-rays to check for hidden dental issues. We’ll also perform an oral cancer screening to check for signs of this deadly disease.
A dental cleaning entails scaling and polishing your teeth. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from your teeth. It’s done using specialized dental tools that can access all areas of your mouth for a comprehensive clean. Once your teeth are clean, we’ll brush, floss, and polish them, giving them a glossy finish. Many of our patients request topical fluoride as well to make their teeth more resistant to cavities.
If you’ve been seeing your dentist regularly, a check-up and cleaning may take an hour or so, depending on the state of your teeth. The longer you go without cleanings, the longer it will take to clean your teeth due to excessive plaque and tartar buildup. Â
For the most part, routine cleanings aren’t painful. You’re likely to experience some discomfort, however, if you have sensitive teeth. Let us know if your treatment is causing pain so we can take steps to put you at ease, such as applying a topical anesthetic or adjusting the instruments used during your cleaning for a gentler touch.
Absolutely! A comprehensive dental cleaning will rid your mouth of all plaque and tartar buildup, something brushing and flossing alone can’t achieve. Routine dental cleanings offer greater protection against decay and gum disease and help keep your smile healthy in the long term. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can’t be removed by brushing, making it necessary to see your dentist. Good oral hygiene is important, but it doesn’t match the look or feel of a professional dental cleaning! Our hygienist will leave your teeth shiny and bright so you can showcase your smile with pride!   Â
Ridgewood Dentistry is your one-stop shop in Ridgewood and Paramus, NJ, for comprehensive dental cleanings! To schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Warren Boardman at (201) 448-8605.
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