Dental Cleanings & Regular Checkups
Investing in regular dental checkups and professional cleanings is one of the most important steps you can take for your long-term oral health. Preventative dental care is about more than just keeping your teeth bright; it is essential for stopping common problems like cavities and gum disease before they start or worsen.
Early detection and consistent maintenance can save you time, discomfort, and expense down the road. Additionally, your oral health is intrinsically linked to your overall systemic health. Early identification of potential issues, such as signs of gum disease or oral cancer symptoms, contributes to your total well-being.
At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, we believe proactive prevention is the foundation of a healthy, functional, and beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
What to Expect During Your Routine Visit
Your routine preventative visit is a comprehensive assessment and maintenance appointment designed to keep your smile in top condition. Here’s what it typically includes.
Comprehensive Dental Examination
Dr. Kostas will personally conduct your examination, bringing his specialized Prosthodontic expertise to the assessment. This includes a careful inspection of each tooth for signs of decay, cracks, or excessive wear.
He evaluates all existing restorations, including fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants, to ensure their integrity and longevity. He also performs a thorough assessment of your gum health, checking for redness, swelling, bleeding (signs of gingivitis), or pocketing (signs of periodontitis).
A visual check of your lips, tongue, cheeks, palate, and throat for any abnormalities can serve as a vital oral cancer screening. Finally, he assesses your bite (occlusion) and jaw joint (TMJ) function.
Professional Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
A professional dental cleaning involves the careful removal of harmful plaque and calculus (hardened tartar) deposits from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and slightly below the gumline. This is typically performed by one of our highly skilled and gentle dental hygienists.
The process can include expert polishing to remove surface stains, leaving your teeth feeling smooth and making it harder for new plaque to adhere. We also offer personalized feedback on your home care routine and tailored tips for effective brushing and flossing.
Digital Dental X-Rays
We may use low-radiation digital X-rays periodically to see what isn't visible to the naked eye. These images help detect decay between teeth, bone loss associated with gum disease, cysts, abscesses, impacted teeth, and other potential issues beneath the surface.
When Deep Cleaning Becomes Necessary
Sometimes, despite best efforts, bacteria can accumulate below the gumline, leading to gum disease. If detected, a more thorough cleaning approach may be needed.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment specifically designed to address periodontitis, which is a severe form of gum inflammation. A specialized deep cleaning procedure is needed in such cases.
Scaling & Root Planing Process
Scaling and root planing involves two main steps:
- Scaling: Plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacterial toxins are carefully removed from the tooth surfaces deep within the periodontal pockets (below the gumline).
- Root Planing: The root surfaces of your teeth are gently smoothened. This helps the gum tissue heal and reattach to the teeth more easily, making it more difficult for plaque and bacteria to accumulate in the future.
Scaling and root planing is typically performed using local anesthetic to ensure your complete comfort during the procedure and may require one or more appointments depending on the extent of the disease.
Purpose of Deep Cleaning
The primary objective of scaling and root planing is to halt the progression of periodontal disease, reduce gum inflammation and pocket depths, prevent further loss of supporting bone, and create a healthier environment to help you keep your natural teeth.
Frequency of Deep Cleaning
Successfully managing periodontitis requires ongoing care. After completing one round of deep cleaning, most patients will need more frequent professional cleanings, known as periodontal maintenance, typically every 3-4 months. These visits are crucial for preventing the disease from recurring and maintaining your gum health long-term.
Our Approach to Dental Cleanings & Regular Checkups
We believe exceptional preventative care forms the bedrock of lasting oral health. At Dental Arts of Cherry Hills, you benefit from:
- Dr. Kostas's specialized expertise enhances the diagnostic value of every exam, providing critical insights into the health of complex restorations and overall bite function.
- Our checkups are thorough, always including visual oral cancer screenings and detailed evaluations of teeth, gums, and jaw function.
- We tailor cleaning schedules and home care advice based on your individual risk factors and oral health status.
- We empower you with the knowledge needed to understand your oral health and maintain effective home care routines.
- We use modern digital X-ray technology for accurate diagnoses with minimal radiation exposure.
- We prioritize your comfort during all procedures, offering anesthetic options for deep cleanings and exploring sedation options if needed for anxious patients.
Schedule Your Preventive Dental Care Appointment in Englewood, CO
Don't wait for discomfort or problems to signal an issue. Consistent dental checkups and cleanings at Dental Arts of Cherry Hills are your best defense against oral health problems and a key investment in your overall well-being.
To schedule a consultation, please call us at 720-868-8092 or request an appointment online. We’re committed to helping you reclaim your natural smile
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
How often should I have a dental checkup and cleaning?
For most patients, regular dental cleaning is recommended every six months. However, we may suggest a different frequency based on your individual oral health needs and risk factors. For example, for more frequent periodontal maintenance after deep cleaning.
What's the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) focuses on removing plaque and tartar above and slightly below the healthy gumline. A deep cleaning (SRP) targets plaque, tartar, and bacteria deep within periodontal pockets below the gumline to treat active gum disease.
Does a regular dental cleaning hurt?
Most patients find regular cleanings comfortable. If you have sensitive areas, please let our hygienist know.
Does scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) hurt?
We administer local anesthetic before scaling and root planing to numb the areas being treated, ensuring your comfort throughout the procedure.
How will I know if I need a deep cleaning?
Dr. Kostas and the hygienist will diagnose the need for scaling and root planing based on your clinical exam, measuring the depth of periodontal pockets, checking for bleeding, and reviewing X-rays for bone loss.
Is an oral cancer screening included in my checkup?
Yes, a visual oral cancer screening is a standard part of every comprehensive exam at our practice.
What happens if a cavity or other issue is found?
Dr. Kostas will explain the findings clearly, discuss all available treatment options, and answer your questions so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Do you accept my insurance? What are the costs?
We work with many dental insurance plans and also offer financing options through financing partners like CareCredit and Lending Club. Please contact our office to discuss your options in detail. We provide transparent information about treatment costs during your consultation.