Maintaining a healthy smile starts with professional dental cleanings. While daily brushing and flossing are essential, they cannot remove all plaque and tartar buildup. At Aventura Dentistry in Aventura, FL, our team provides comprehensive dental cleanings designed to protect your teeth, gums, and overall oral health. Regular cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental concerns before they become serious problems.
Why Dental Cleanings Are Important
Dental cleanings play a crucial role in preserving long-term oral health. Plaque is a soft bacterial film that forms on teeth every day. When plaque is not removed effectively, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be eliminated through brushing alone. Over time, this buildup increases the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease.
Routine dental cleanings in Aventura, FL help:
- Reduce the risk of gum disease
- Prevent tooth decay and enamel damage
- Support fresh breath
- Protect against tooth loss caused by advanced gum disease
What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning
Dental cleanings are performed by trained dental hygienists or dentists using professional tools designed for safe and effective plaque removal.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
The process typically begins with an ultrasonic scaler, which uses gentle vibrations and a stream of water to break up and remove larger tartar deposits. This method is efficient and comfortable for most patients.
Hand Scaling
After ultrasonic cleaning, fine hand instruments are used to remove remaining plaque and tartar and to smooth tooth surfaces. This step helps prevent bacteria from reattaching quickly.
Polishing
Once the teeth are clean, they are polished using a rotating rubber cup and professional polishing paste. This removes surface stains and leaves teeth smooth and glossy.
Flossing & Final Check
The hygienist flosses between teeth to remove trapped debris and ensure a complete clean.
Fluoride Treatment for Added Protection
Fluoride treatments may be recommended following your cleaning to help strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride makes teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria and sugars, reducing the risk of future cavities. Treatments may be applied as a gel, foam, or varnish depending on your needs.
Understanding Dental Plaque
Dental plaque is a sticky, colorless film made up of bacteria that naturally forms on teeth. It develops when food particles and saliva combine, creating an environment for bacteria to grow. If plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar and contributes to cavities, gum disease, and persistent bad breath.
Maintaining good oral hygiene at home and scheduling regular dental cleanings are the most effective ways to control plaque buildup and protect your smile.
Deep Dental Cleaning (Periodontal Therapy) in Aventura, FL
For patients with signs of advanced gum disease, a deep dental cleaning—also known as scaling and root planing—may be recommended. This non-surgical periodontal treatment removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
Scaling removes bacteria and buildup from tooth surfaces and roots.
Root planing smooths the root surfaces to discourage future bacterial growth and support gum healing.
Deep cleanings are typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort and may require follow-up visits to monitor healing.
What is Periodontal Charting?
Periodontal charting is a diagnostic process used to assess gum health. During this evaluation, your dental provider measures the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums using a specialized probe. Healthy gums usually have shallow pockets, while deeper pockets may indicate gum disease.
This painless assessment helps detect periodontal issues early, allowing for timely treatment and prevention of long-term damage.
What is an Ultrasonic Scaler?
An ultrasonic scaler is a dental instrument that uses high-frequency vibrations to remove plaque and tartar efficiently. The vibrating tip, combined with a gentle water spray, loosens hardened deposits while keeping the teeth cool and comfortable during the procedure. This tool allows for faster, more thorough cleanings with minimal discomfort.
What is Prophylaxis Paste?
Prophylaxis paste is a professional polishing compound used during dental cleanings. It contains mild abrasives to remove surface stains and plaque, along with fluoride to strengthen enamel. Applied with a rotating rubber cup, it smooths tooth surfaces and enhances the overall cleanliness of your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleanings in Aventura, FL
Schedule Your Dental Cleaning Today
Your oral health matters. Contact Aventura Dentistry to schedule your dental cleaning and take the next step toward a healthier, brighter smile.
