Teeth Cleaning

While dental emergencies can strike anyone, our patients who commit to regular preventive care present with significantly fewer problems over time. Professional cleanings with a registered dental hygienist allow us to bring a blend of proactive efforts to you. Deposits of mineralized plaque, known as tartar, adhere to certain areas of the teeth, even with your best efforts. These deposits offer suitable housing for millions of harmful bacteria to reside. Left unchecked, they produce a flood of toxins into the gums. This frequently cascades into devastating chronic problems, even resulting in loss of the teeth.

When you visit us periodically, we can gently remove the deposits from the tooth surfaces. Without sitting undisturbed, bacterial tartar doesn't have the same opportunity to produce irreversible damage. Furthermore, we use professional-strength polishing paste that gently buffs away stain and microscopic plaque, leaving your teeth ultra-smooth and shiny. Since discoloration settles into the enamel of your teeth over time, this helps slow yellowing while maintaining a glassy surface for better cleansing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Cleaning, Fredericksburg, VA

  • When you have your teeth professionally deep cleaned, it tackles the tough-to-remove build-ups that are directly related to gum inflammation and disease.

    Plaque and tartar can be kept at bay with regular daily brushing but can be difficult to eradicate once it takes hold. Gum disease takes hold when this bacteria is left unchecked.

    Setting an appointment with a dental hygienist for a deep clean can reset your smile and prevent gum inflammation from becoming gum disease.

  • You are not putting your teeth at risk by deep cleaning them, but you may feel some sensitivity for a few days afterward.

    Some people may feel some minor pain for a short time where their teeth meet their gums- usually if they are suffering from inflammation or gum disease.

    These symptoms rarely last more than a week and are significantly less invasive than dealing with dental emergencies and irreversible damage caused by the lack of cleaning.

  • The best schedule for having your teeth cleaned depends on your general dental health and hygiene.

    Someone dealing with ongoing gum problems or who is prone to dental issues should follow the schedule recommended to them by a registered dental hygienist.

    This could be as often as once every month or two if there is a significant problem or four times per year to keep harmful bacteria in check. The only way to know is to set an initial appointment and get the tailored advice you need.

    Even if you have healthy teeth, it is a good idea to see a professional hygienist every six months for a good cleaning. With the best efforts, teeth can still become stained and collect bacteria, so it is worth a visit to keep teeth ultra-smooth and happy.

  • Most dental plans include teeth cleaning since it is considered a preventative service or diagnostic treatment rather than a cosmetic procedure.

    If you don't have insurance, Serene Smiles of Fredericksburg offers a range of payments and financing options so everyone can maintain their happy, healthy smiles.

  • Some people wonder what is so different about having your teeth cleaned professionally and doing it at home yourself.

    A regular at-home dental hygiene routine that involves two daily brushings and regular flossing is great- and can keep a whole host of problems at bay- but even the most dedicated brushers can miss things.

    There are several things a dental hygienist does differently.

    First, they have different tools- ones that are specifically designed to clean, buff, and polish your pearly whites. A high-quality toothbrush does a lot of these things, but not with the same depth or efficiency as a dentist's tools.

    Secondly, a professional dental expert can look for hidden problems that are almost impossible to see in your mirror at home. When cleaning your teeth, they are not just looking to clear plaque, stains, and bacteria- they are also looking for signs of trouble elsewhere.

    If you have painful gums from disease, inflammation, or another problem that makes it challenging to properly clean your teeth at home, professional cleaning is the best solution. They can administer pain medication through a local injection during the procedure to make it more comfortable while your teeth get the care they deserve.

  • Your teeth cleaning appointment may last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on your dental hygiene and current condition.

    It all depends on how much work there is to be done. If you have relatively healthy teeth, half an hour should be sufficient to restore that dentist-fresh glassy surface. People with more substantial bacteria build-ups, gum problems, or heavy staining may find themselves in the chair a while longer.

  • If you want to keep your smile bright and healthy, then professional cleanings are absolutely worth it. Dental hygiene is as important as any other health check, and keeping teeth clean is about more than the way they look.

    Having your teeth cleaned not only makes you look better and feel more confident, but it also protects your mouth from devastating chronic problems related to poor gum health. We often underestimate just how important our teeth are. Looking after them properly and having them cleaned regularly by an expert hygienist is more than worth it- it is vital.