Locally-Owned Dentist in Herndon, VA

Regular dental cleanings are necessary for good oral health, but not everyone needs a deep dental cleaning.

A dental cleaning, also known as a prophylaxis, involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums. This is typically done during a routine dental check-up and is an important part of preventive dental care.

However, if a person has significant buildup of plaque and tartar below the gum line, they may require a dental deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This involves a more thorough cleaning that targets the bacteria and debris that have accumulated on the root surfaces of the teeth.

A dental deep cleaning may be recommended for individuals with gum disease or those who have not had regular dental cleanings. It is an important treatment for preventing the progression of gum disease and improving oral health.

It is generally recommended that you get a teeth cleaning every six months or twice a year. However, the frequency of teeth cleanings may vary depending on your oral health needs and risk factors for developing dental problems.

For example, individuals who have a history of gum disease, a weakened immune system, or are prone to developing cavities may need to have teeth cleanings more frequently, such as every three to four months. On the other hand, individuals who have excellent oral health and a low risk of developing dental problems may only need to have teeth cleanings once a year.

We recommend that you discuss the frequency of teeth cleanings with our friendly dental team, as they can assess your oral health and provide personalized recommendations. Regular teeth cleanings, regardless of the frequency, are an important part of preventive dental care and can help maintain good oral health, prevent dental problems, and detect any issues early on before they become more serious.

There are numerous benefits of dental cleanings, whether that be regular cleanings or deep cleanings. Here are some key benefits:

• Prevents gum disease | Dental cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and gums, which can cause inflammation and infection in the gums. Regular cleanings can prevent gum disease from developing, while deep cleaning teeth can help treat and prevent further progression of gum disease.
• Reduces the risk of tooth loss | Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Regular cleanings and deep cleaning teeth can help prevent gum disease and reduce the risk of tooth loss.
• Freshens breath | Bacteria in the mouth can cause bad breath. Dental cleanings remove bacteria and plaque buildup from the teeth and gums, which can help freshen breath.
• Improves overall health | Poor oral health has been linked to a range of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Dental cleanings can help improve oral health and may contribute to overall health.
• Saves money | Preventative dental care, such as dental cleanings, can help prevent more serious dental problems from developing. This can ultimately save money on more extensive dental procedures in the long run.

Overall, dental cleanings are an essential part of preventive dental care and can help maintain good oral health, prevent dental problems, and improve overall health. Regular cleanings every six months, and deep cleaning teeth as needed, are important for optimal oral health.

At a deep teeth cleaning appointment your can expect the following:

• Examination | Before your cleaning, your dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums to assess the extent of the plaque and tartar buildup and to determine if any other dental problems are present.
• Local Anesthesia | Depending on the extent of the buildup, we may administer a local anesthetic to numb the area to make the procedure more comfortable.
• Scaling | The next step of your deep teeth cleaning is scaling, where one of our wonderful dental hygienists will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below your gum line.
• Root Planing | After scaling, they will smooth out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots, which can help prevent bacteria from adhering to the teeth and promoting healing of the gums.
• Antibacterial Treatment | Your dental hygienist may also apply an antibacterial solution to your gum pockets to help kill any remaining bacteria and promote healing.
• Post-Operative Instructions | After your deep teeth cleaning, your dental hygienist will provide instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, and may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and ensure optimal oral health.

Individuals may experience some discomfort or sensitivity after the procedure, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications if necessary.

Overall, a deep teeth cleaning is an important procedure for individuals who have significant plaque and tartar buildup and/or signs of gum disease. It can help improve gum health, prevent dental problems, and promote overall oral health.

Look no further! At Virginia Dentistry by Design, we offer the highest quality dental cleanings right here in Herndon. We usually have same or next-day availability, so give us a call or request your next teeth cleaning appointment online today!

Absolutely! While most dental insurances cover regular cleanings, at Virginia Dentistry by Design, you can still get a teeth cleaning without insurance.

In an effort to make your oral health as affordable as possible, we offer financing options that work to spread out your payments, helping you fit proper dental care into your budget. Give us a call or request your dental cleaning appointment online today!