Our friendly staff uses only the latest techniques to perform this important routine dental service while improving the smiles of our patients. If you are in need of a dental cleaning and have oral health concerns, we would love to be your trusted source for professional dental care.
What happens during a routine dental cleaning?
At a routine dental cleaning, we provide a customized treatment plan for each patient. This means that we look at their particular concerns and address them during a dental cleaning. Our dental practice aims to provide services that can prevent serious and costly procedures down the road. Dental cleanings from our San Marcos, CA team are comprehensive and may include any of the following:
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Medical history: Our staff will learn about your general health, any medications or supplements you take, and any prior oral health issues or surgeries you’ve experienced.
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Dental exam and x-rays: Dental examinations are generally only conducted once a year (at every other dental cleaning). These exams give Dr. Allred the chance to evaluate each patient’s teeth, gums, bite, and jaw. He may also take x-rays that will give him insight on what’s going on in areas that aren’t as easy to see. This can include any issues with restorations (crowns or implants), jaw problems, or tooth decay. During this dental exam, Dr. Allred also performs an oral cancer screening, where he will assess soft tissues in and around the mouth to look for precancerous or cancerous lesions, tumors, or masses.
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Prophylaxis: Most of the routine dental cleaning will involve removing plaque and tartar from the teeth. Plaque and tartar invite bacteria to live and produce acids in the mouth that can damage the teeth and gums. Our hygienists will scale these materials from the teeth to reduce the risk of oral diseases including tooth decay. Surface stains from coffee or tea can be polished off for a brighter smile.
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Evaluation for gum disease: We routinely evaluate the mouth for gum disease during a dental cleaning. Our staff records periodontal measures of the spaces between the teeth and gums so that any disease can be both identified and treated effectively as soon as possible. We can use these measurements to compare progress at each cleaning to see if your condition is improving or worsening and treat it accordingly.
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Fluoride: This is a preventive service that is optional. It helps to strengthen the teeth and protect against cavities. It is recommended for children but can also benefit teens and adults with a history of cavities, or those who have signs of early tooth decay.
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Oral hygiene recommendations: We will personalize tips on how to best take care of your teeth and gums at home. This can include showing you the most effective techniques for removing plaque when you brush and floss. We may also suggest products such as a proxy brush or certain mouthwash to help you maintain optimal oral health at home.
How often should you visit the dentist for teeth cleanings?
People often wonder how often to get teeth cleanings. Typically, Dr. Allred recommends dental cleanings at least twice a year. For those with gum disease or other oral health issues, they may benefit from more frequent routine dental cleanings. The professional team at Allred Dental in San Marcos, CA can assess your needs and help you decide the proper schedule for keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
Schedule your dentist appointment today for routine dental cleanings and exams
Your smile is important to your overall health. Maintaining your teeth and gums with regular routine dental cleanings and exams is vital to keeping your smile healthy and looking its best. Dr. Jeffrey Allred prides himself on improving the lives of his patients through personalized and trusted dental care. He’s ready to do the same thing for you. We invite you to contact the San Marcos, CA office of Allred Dental today to schedule a visit for a routine dental cleaning.