Dental Cleaning Specialist
Making sure your gingivae (gums) and teeth stay healthy begins with bi-annual dental cleanings to remove plaque buildup and tartar. At EVE DENTAL we offer the most effective dental cleaning services to patients in and around Culver City and the Los Angeles area.
Dental Cleaning Q & A
by Dr.Eda Jokic DDS
What Does a Dental Cleaning Include?
Dental cleaning begins with an initial assessment of a patient's teeth and connective tissue around the teeth know as gingivae ( in popular culture as 'gums'). Dr. Jokic will identify areas of inflammation of the gingivae, damage or decay of a tooth and determine if there are any serious concerns and the necessity to be treated. These issues typically require advanced dental cleanings and treatment. Special cleaning tools and paste will be employed to cleanse each tooth. This gets rid of any plaque and tartar which has built up where disease-causing bacteria lingers. A cleaning can also assist with removing surface stains and making teeth look whiter. Dr. Jokic pays special attention to areas that are frequently missed during routine brushing and flossing. Following the cleaning, she will go over any improvements needed to maintain good oral hygiene habits.
How Often Should I Get my Teeth Cleaned?
Dentist's recommendation is that if you belong to the low risk group of dental diseases one should scheduled every six months or twice a year. However, if there are any concerns found during that time, you should visit a dentist right away. Undergoing a routine cleaning every six months helps to minimize the risks of oral health conditions such as periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer.
What Happens if I Get Periodontal / Gingival (gum) Disease?
If a dental cleaning reveals such diagnosis on a patient, he or she will most likely require additional, deeper cleanings. Advanced techniques with specialized tools will be used to reach bacteria which has built up beneath the gingivae and in between teeth. When it goes without treatment, gingival disease can worsen and bacteria will reach the tooth’s root progressing to what is called periodontal disease. When this occurs the tooth can loosen and even fall out. Periodontal disease can be addressed with more frequent cleanings and in more advanced cases, it can require more thorough cleaning techniques, such as root planing and scaling. Antibiotic ointments and pills can also be prescribed to destroy the bacteria which can’t be accessed during the cleanings.
How Does Dr. Jokic Provide a Dental Health Diagnosis?
Routine exams, or checkups, allow dentists the opportunity to obtain accurate dental health diagnoses for each patient. An exam begins with the collection of the patient's dental and medical history. This allows the dentist to identify issues which might increase the likelihood of tooth decay and/or gingival disease because this can help with a diagnosis. The physical assessment involves a thorough evaluation of each tooth and the periodontal aparatus. A cleaning is traditionally performed as well. X-rays may also be required for diagnosis, especially if it is a first-time visit to the office. An oral screening may also be required if the dentist suspects cancer. This information and the visible signs will help the doctor determine what the problem is. Diagnosis are tailored and referred also to the general health of the patients, following HIPPA guidelines.
How Often Should I Go to Dr. Jokic for a Checkup?
The American Dental Association endorses six month or bi-annual visits to the dentist’s office for an exam and cleaning for all ages.
What Can I Do to Keep my Teeth Healthy Between Checkups?
The most important aspect of oral health is also the simplest; brush, rinse and floss every day. This significantly improves the health of teeth and thwarts decay. If the dentist suggests any specific methods or products, heed the instructions. Bacteria which cause tooth decay thrive on sugars, limiting sugary foods and beverages will assist to prevent them from multiplying. When partaking in activities where the mouth could be hit, wear a mouthguard. In addition, wear a night guard if you are guilty of grinding your teeth at night.