Dental Cleanings & Exams in Charles Town, WV
Professional Teeth Cleaning for Charles Town Patients
For over 30 years, Charles Town Smiles has provided Charles Town, WV patients with professional dental exams and cleanings. We prioritize patient health, longstanding relationships, and individualized care. Our team also possesses a high level of experience and skill and offers various in-house procedures. We know that dental needs can be expensive, especially without insurance, so we do everything in our power to ensure our services and products are offered at an affordable price point. Keep reading to learn more about dental cleanings, dental exams, and what you can expect during both.
What is a Dental Cleaning?
During a dental cleaning, your dentist will remove any tartar and plaque from your teeth before polishing them. If hardened plaque is left on your teeth for too long, it can spread and become more firmly attached to your teeth, causing gum inflammation and periodontal disease if left untreated. During the polishing process, stains and plaque can be effectively removed.
What Is a Dental Exam?
A professional dental exam—also called a dental checkup or oral exam—is an examination of the teeth and gums by dental hygienists and dentists. Dental exams are performed as a preventative measure to ensure optimal oral health. They are recommended for children and adults once every six months.
The Benefits of Routine Dental Cleanings
Routine dental cleanings provide patients with a wide range of benefits. These benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Prevent cavities
- Prevent tooth loss
- Prevent plaque buildup
- Prevent tartar buildup
- Brighten your smile
- Freshen your breath
- Lessen your fear of the dentist
- Maintain a beautiful, healthy smile
- Improved mental health
- Lower risk of respiratory infections
- Lower risk of heart disease
- Lower risk of stroke
- Early detection of oral health problems
- Save you money in the long-run
- Save you time in the long-run
- Boost your overall health
How Long Do Dental Cleanings Take?
Professional dental cleanings vary in length depending on the patient and the state of their oral health. Patients whose teeth are already relatively healthy and clean will likely only spend about 30 minutes in the chair for their dental cleaning. Patients whose teeth are in poor condition—such as being riddled with cavities and tartar buildup—should expect to spend an hour or more in the chair for their dental cleaning. The more you maintain your oral health, the less time you’ll need to spend at the dentist.
What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
If dental visits aren’t your favorite thing, you aren’t alone. But if you want clean teeth and a healthy smile, they are a necessity. They are also simple and painless, almost always. To reduce some of the potential stress and anxiety surrounding dental cleanings, we’ve laid out the process below:
Performed by a dentist, a dental exam reviews the condition of the entire mouth. Typically a small mirror will be used to check the teeth and gums for signs of concern, such as gingivitis. Oral Cancer Screening, Temporomandibular Joint evaluation, and review of x-rays to see in between the teeth and build up or tarter below the gums are also part of the exam.
Your dental hygienist will utilize a small mirror and scaler to locate and eliminate plaque and tartar plaguing the gum line and the spaces between your teeth. Scraping sounds are normal, and the more tartar is present, the more scraping will need to be done. Brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent plaque, but once it turns into tartar, it can only be removed with the aid of your dental hygienist or dentist.
Once your smile is free of tartar, your dental hygienist will polish the teeth as well. This is a fantastic way to remove any remaining tartar while also getting a deep clean.
During your cleaning, your dental hygienist will floss your teeth and rinse them, ensuring there is no debris remaining inside your mouth.
This step, like x-rays, which are typically done once a year, depending on your unique needs and preferences, is optional. Fluoride treatment is a preventative measure for your teeth to help them fight against cavities. Patients are typically told to wait 30 minutes after fluoride treatment before eating.
How Often Should I Get a Dental Cleaning?
Patients who want clean teeth and a healthy smile should get a professional dental cleaning and comprehensive dental exam twice a year.
Contact Us Today for Dental Cleanings & Exams
For a routine dental checkup, look no further than Charles Town Smiles. Whether you need a dental cleaning, dental exam, or both, we’ve got you covered. It’s no secret that the body’s oral health is connected to its overall health. If you want an easy and convenient means of preventing cavities and various dental diseases, you have that in dental cleanings and exams. Dental cleanings and exams are recommended for both children and adults at least twice a year. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your bi-annual dental cleaning and exam with our professional team.