Premier Dental Care offers dental cleanings for patients of all ages performed by highly trained and experienced dental hygienists. You will leave our Lancaster or Palmdale dentist office with a fresh and clean smile than before. This cleaning will help support your oral health between visits.
We recommend that patients visit our general dentist office for a professional dental cleaning and exam at least twice a year to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
The Importance of At-Home Dental Care
Good oral health routines, regular visits to our office, and a healthy diet can prevent dental problems from developing. Removing plaque before it hardens into tartar can prevent gum irritation and gum disease.
Routine dental care plays an important role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Brushing and flossing teeth twice a day, even after meals, can make a huge difference in your oral health. Good oral hygiene also combats bad breath and stained teeth as an added bonus.
When you have dental restorations, orthodontic devices, or other unique characteristics in your mouth, we can help you learn the best ways to take care of them. Brushing and flossing around these things are crucial to combatting tartar and plaque buildup.
They create new nooks and crannies where bacteria and food particles can build up. It’s important to know the proper techniques to clean these areas, without causing harm to any device in your mouth.
In-Office Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning is generally a painless procedure. Your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line with the use of a high-powered toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
We will also look for any signs of decay or gum disease during dental cleaning. X-rays or other imaging may be done to monitor your teeth and make sure that everything is good with your teeth.
Dental visits also allow our dentists in Palmdale to screen for signs and symptoms of gum disease and other dental concerns in the early stages. Early detection can mean a reduced risk of permanent damage or disease.
Gum disease, in particular, is easily treatable and even reversible in its earliest stages. Early signs of oral cancer also aren’t things you may notice on your own. But our dentists know when something small may be a red flag.
Dental Cleaning FAQs
Dental cleanings are necessary to keep your smile healthy. Learn more about dental cleanings in our Palmdale and Lancaster offices by reading the answers to these frequent patient questions.
Why are dental cleanings essential?
Dental cleanings are vital for maintaining good oral health. They help remove plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities and gum disease, even with regular brushing and flossing. Cleanings also allow your dentist to detect early signs of dental problems, making them easier and less costly.
How often should I get a dental cleaning?
Most dentists recommend getting a professional cleaning every six months. However, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you have specific oral health concerns, such as gum disease or a history of frequent cavities. Regular cleanings are tailored to your needs to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
For most people, dental cleanings are not painful. However, if you have gum inflammation or significant tartar buildup, you may experience minor discomfort or sensitivity. Your dental hygienist can adjust the procedure to ensure comfort and numbing options are available for sensitive teeth or gums patients.
Does insurance cover dental cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover professional cleanings as part of preventive care, typically twice a year. Depending on your plan, additional cleanings or treatments may require out-of-pocket payment. Check with your provider to confirm coverage details and any co-pays or deductibles.
What are the benefits of scaling and polishing during a cleaning?
Scaling removes hardened tartar from teeth and below the gumline, preventing gum disease and decay. Polishing smooths the enamel surface, making it harder for plaque to adhere to teeth. Together, these steps improve oral health and give teeth a cleaner, brighter appearance.
Can I eat or drink before my cleaning?
Yes, you can usually eat or drink before your dental cleaning. However, we recommend that you eat a meal an hour or two before your appointment. This way, you give your body some time to digest the food.
Try to eat light foods that are easy to digest. Avoid very sticky or hard foods that could leave bits in your mouth. We also recommend that you avoid sugary drinks or juices right before your cleaning, as they can leave sugars on your teeth.
If you want to have fresh breath for your dental cleaning, you might want to brush your teeth before you go. Also, if our dental office gives you specific instructions about eating or drinking before your cleaning, follow those for the best results.
Will my dental cleaning be different if I have gum disease?
Yes, if you have gum disease, you will need a more detailed cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. Instead of just a regular cleaning, you might need a procedure called scaling and root planing. This means the dentist will clean not just the surface of your teeth but also the roots, helping to smooth them out and get rid of bacteria.
We will also suggest that you come in more often for cleanings. This helps to keep the gum disease under control and allows the dentist to check on your progress. After your cleaning, your dentist will likely give you special instructions on how to take care of your teeth and gums at home. This might include using certain kinds of toothpaste or mouthwash and a more focused brushing and flossing routine.
What are the risks of skipping dental cleanings?
Skipping dental cleanings increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to inflammation, tooth decay, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Regular cleanings are a proactive way to maintain oral health and avoid costly or painful dental treatments.
Schedule a Cleaning
We are your Lancaster and Palmdale, CA, dentist office. Call to make your next appointment in our Lancaster office at (661) 948-6700. You can also call (661) 273-6565 to schedule your dental check-up in our Palmdale office.