Teeth Cleaning in Tulsa, OK
Protect Your Smile with Regular Checkups
The Academy of General Dentistry suggests checkups for people of all ages, twice per year. Regular dental exams help you maintain healthy teeth and gums while also allowing the Perfect Smile Tulsa team to identify concerns early. Proactive, preventative solutions will always save you time and money in the long run!
During your exam, you can expect:
Tartar and plaque removal
Plaque is a film that forms on your teeth, which is filled with cavity-causing bacteria. Professional cleaning removes the plaque from hard-to-reach places. When you don’t remove plaque regularly, it builds up and creates tartar, hardened deposits that form above and below your gum line. A dental hygienist removes these buildups with specialized equipment.
Polishing and cleaning
After a hygienist removes your plaque and tartar, he or she uses special equipment to thoroughly clean your teeth, getting to places that normal brushing and flossing can’t reach. This cleaning removes hard-to-tackle staining too. Once your teeth are clean, the hygienist gives them a super polish for a cleaner, brighter smile.
Examination
In addition to the cleaning, Dr. Davis may perform a general dental exam to check the health of your teeth and gums, concentrating on areas where the hygienist noted potential problems. This exam may also include digital X-rays, lasers and photos to examine your teeth, gums and bone for signs of decay, tumors, cysts and bone loss as well as for tooth and root positions. Your gums will be checked for signs of disease and existing crowns and fillings will be evaluated.
All findings will be presented to you as well as the doctor’s opinion and best recommendations for your treatment if needed.
At Perfect Smile Tulsa, we recommend a dental cleaning two-to-four times per year.
Save time, money, and protect your health by scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings at our dental practice in Tulsa!
FAQs
Does dental cleaning help with bad breath?
Yes. Bad breath is often caused by plaque, bacteria, or tartar buildup, and cleaning removes those sources of odor.
How long does a dental cleaning take?
It depends on how much tartar buildup you have and whether you need extra treatment (polishing, ultrasonic scaler, flossing, fluoride). It is usually somewhere between 30 minutes to an hour.
Is cleaning safe during pregnancy?
Yes, generally. Good oral hygiene during pregnancy is important. But you should let the dentist know you are pregnant so they can take any necessary precautions.
Can children get professional cleanings?
Absolutely. Dental cleanings for kids are important for preventing decay, establishing good habits, and monitoring development.
What are the risks or side effects of a cleaning?
Slight gum bleeding, sensitivity, and temporary discomfort are common. Rarely, if someone has certain medical conditions, there may be a greater risk, so sharing a full medical history is important.
Does dental cleaning reverse gum disease?
It depends on the stage. Early gum disease (gingivitis) can often be reversed with good cleaning and home care. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may require deeper treatments.
What happens if I skip cleanings?
Risks include tartar buildup, an increased chance of tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, possible tooth loss over time, and more invasive or expensive treatments later.