Teeth Cleanings in Houston, TX
Keep Your Oral Health in its Optimal Condition
Maintaining good oral hygiene is an essential part of overall health. That’s why regular teeth cleaning is necessary to prevent dental issues and maintain healthy teeth and gums. At Antoine Dental Center, our Houston, TX, dentist, Dr. Behzad Nazari, provides teeth cleaning services at our Houston, TX, dental practice.
What Are Teeth Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning, also known as dental cleaning or prophylaxis, is a routine dental procedure that involves removing plaque, tartar, and other debris from teeth to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues. Dental cleaning typically involves using specialized tools to clean teeth and remove any buildup that has accumulated on the surface of teeth or between teeth. It may also involve an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
The Importance of Teeth Cleaning
Visiting a dentist regularly is incredibly important for your oral health because it allows hygienists and dentists to spot oral health problems early. Regular teeth cleanings and other dental treatments help prevent many oral health problems, such as cavities and gingivitis. Your dentist can detect certain medical problems and health conditions from the symptoms that show up in your mouth or teeth.
Benefits of Regular Teeth Cleaning
Regular teeth cleaning has several benefits, including:
- Preventing tooth decay and gum disease
- Maintaining healthy teeth and gums
- Preventing bad breath
- Saving money by avoiding costly dental treatments
What to Expect During a Teeth Cleaning Appointment
During your teeth cleaning appointment, a dental hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, helping patients avoid cavities and gum disease. They’ll also floss and polish your teeth to remove any stains. Your dentist will also thoroughly examine your teeth for signs of cavities, oral cancer, or other dental issues.
What Are Plaque and Tartar?
Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums that can build up quickly and, if not removed regularly, can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Plaque is formed when bacteria in the mouth combine with food particles and saliva.
Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that develops when plaque is left on teeth for too long. Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional using special instruments. If left untreated, tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and other dental problems. Tartar is often yellow or brown in color and can make teeth appear discolored or stained.
Teeth Cleaning Services Available in Houston, TX
There are several types of teeth cleaning services available, including:
Regular Teeth Cleaning
A dental cleaning, also called prophylaxis, is a routine or maintenance cleaning in which your Houston dentist will remove tartar and plaque from the surfaces of teeth, gums, and in between teeth. As well as polishing your teeth to remove stains. It’s recommended every six months.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a slightly more invasive tooth cleaning procedure involving a deep cleaning of the gums, gum lines, and other supporting structures of teeth. Patients suffering from gum diseases, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, may benefit from this non-surgical procedure.
Gross Debridement
Dental patients who haven’t visited the dentist in several years are likely to have significant plaque buildup on their gums, teeth, and gaps between their teeth. A gross debridement, which is a deep cleaning to remove tartar and plaque from all areas of the mouth, is often required for these individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the duties of a dental hygienist?
During your regular dental visits, you can expect your dental hygienist to perform the following duties:
- Taking and processing X-rays
- Removing plaque build-up and tartar from teeth
- Removing stains from teeth
- Applying fluorides and sealants
- Providing education and advice to patients about their dental health, including how to improve their brushing and flossing techniques
- Performing oral health examinations and giving reports to dentists
- Documenting patient treatment plans
What tools do dental hygienists use?
Dental hygienists use a variety of tools in the course of their regular duties. Some of the most common tools that dental hygienists use include:
- Tooth polishers
- Ultrasonic polishers
- Air polishing tools
- X-ray machines
- Fluoride/sealant applicators
- Scalers
How much do teeth cleanings cost in Houston, TX?
The average dental cleaning costs $100. However, the price may vary depending on the condition of your oral health and whether you need a basic cleaning or deep cleaning. During your appointment, your dentist will evaluate your teeth to create your treatment plan.
Will my insurance cover my teeth cleaning?
Most insurance plans cover your basic cleaning. Your insurance might partially or fully cover the cost of your deep cleaning. We recommend speaking to your insurance provider to better understand your coverage. You can also ask your dentist’s office to determine if they provide financial assistance.
Visit Antoine Dental Center for Dental Cleaning
With regular dental cleanings, we can ensure your oral health is in optimal condition. Are you due for a dental cleaning? Schedule a consultation with one of our Houston orthodontists by calling (713) 691-8880!
In the meantime, check out our special offers and see what you can save when you visit our office! We proudly serve patients in Aldine, Independent Heights, Northside Village, and Eastex/ Jensen neighborhoods.
