Maintain Your Oral Health
Your smile is the first thing someone noticing about you, so why neglect it? Staying consistent with your oral hygiene routine and visiting our Odessa dental office for professional dental cleanings and exams is crucial. By doing so, you’ll be able to keep your teeth and gums healthy and attractive.
Your regular checkups are quick, easy appointments with our team and should be done every six months. This will ensure your smile maintains its flawless appearance and our team will be able to check for any potential underlying oral problems. See how dental cleanings & exams are completed with Dr. Rangel and our team.
What To Expect At Your Dental Cleanings
A dental cleaning is a professional cleaning you receive from one of our experienced dental hygienists. Most dental cleanings take only 25 to 30 minutes. First, we will take digital x-rays of your teeth, gums, and jaw to ensure there are no signs of oral cancer or other unnoticeable infections.
Then, teeth cleanings are performed to prevent excessive plaque buildup. When plaque is left on your teeth and below your gumline, it can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. To ensure this doesn’t happen, your routine dental cleaning will also include scaling and root planing treatment.
Treating Periodontal Disease
Scaling and root planing is the process of removing plaque and tartar from all tooth surfaces with a variety of methods, depending on the amount. These treatments help reverse any potential effects of periodontal, or gum, disease, at its earliest stage.
Our dental hygienists traditionally perform scaling by hand, however, new and advanced technology has led to more modern methods such as electric, non-invasive scalers. This sophisticated tool allows dental cleanings to be performed more efficiently and in less time.
Both electric and manual scaling methods can be combined to achieve the best results for your gums. If scaling and root planing can’t treat the infection, we may recommend alternative treatments for more serious stages of gum disease.
Sense a Cavity? We Can Help
During your dental exam, it’s possible that our team will discover a tooth that has decay. This is a sign of a cavity that will require treatment from our team. Caring for a cavity is a simple, quick, and pain-free process.
Dr. Rangel or one of our dental assistants will gently remove the infection from the tissue and seal it with a dental filling. Once it’s sealed, you’ll be able to live without worry and confidence again.
Oral Hygiene FAQs
What are the basics of oral hygiene?
By following just the basics of a good oral hygiene routine, you can maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth. Drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste.
Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day for two minutes each time and floss daily to remove dental plaque. Don’t forget to rinse with mouthwash at the end of your routine at least once a day.
Are dental cleanings really necessary?
Yes, dental cleanings are essential if you want a beautiful, healthy smile. Your smile might not have any problems now, but over time, teeth can quickly become stained and decay.
Dental cleanings will help prevent these issues before they arise, so you won’t have to worry about more invasive procedures in the future. Visit our Odessa, TX dental office for your dental cleaning today.
Can drinking milk strengthen your teeth?
Yes, drinking milk can strengthen your teeth. Calcium and phosphorous help with the proper development of both bones and teeth, and can also aid in the remineralization of your enamel.
You should also take good care of your teeth to keep your teeth strong and healthy. If you’re unsure where to start, ask Dr. Rangel at your appointment and we can help you develop an at-home oral hygiene routine that works for you.
What is the main cause of cavities?
The main cause of cavities is the buildup of plaque on and around your teeth. The acids in the plaque wear away the enamel and create an opening to the dentin.
Once the plaque and bacteria reach the dentin, they continue to eat away at your tooth until they reach the pulp of your tooth. If the bacteria reach your pulp, the only way to save your tooth is to perform root canal therapy to remove the infected pulp.
Share Your Healthy Smile
It’s important to stay committed to your dental health so your teeth and gums can shine beauty for years to come. Give us a call today at (432) 333-6169 to get in for your regular dental cleanings and checkups or fill out a contact form. If you have any questions about these appointments, don’t hesitate to ask so our team can help.
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