Dental Cleaning Lake Oswego You have probably heard of dental cleanings, but have you ever wondered what they entail? During your first cleaning at the dentist, you will get your teeth thoroughly cleaned to remove bacteria and plaque buildup on your teeth and gums that can lead to cavities and other problems. Your dentist will use special cleaning agents to ensure that your teeth are clean and free from cavity-causing bacteria. Visit Robert H. Peterson DDS today to get the best cleaning procedure for your teeth. Our dentist will also ensure they have addressed any dental problems they may have spotted while cleaning. Preparing Yourself for Oral CleaningsCleaning your teeth at home may not be as effective as in-office dental cleanings. This is why you need to visit your dentist if you have a lot of tartar or plaque buildup. Your dentist will use special tools to remove the plaque around your teeth and gums. This will prevent gum bleeding and tooth trauma. Also, when you are coming to see the dentist avoid flossing or brushing too vigorously before your appointment. Your dentist will clean between your teeth with a tool called an ultrasonic scaler, which vibrates extremely fast so that it can remove hard deposits on tooth surfaces without damaging them. The most common cleaning procedure involves scaling and polishing, and in many cases, you will not need anesthesia or requiring any shots into the gum tissue. The AppointmentWhen you arrive at your appointment, you will be greeted by a dental hygienist. Your hygienist will ask questions about your overall health, habits and recent activity. Additionally, they will check for soft spots in your gums, take a photo of each tooth and assess any previous damage to your teeth. In many cases, cleaning can last up to an hour and a half. If it's your first time having a dental cleaning in a long time, it might even take two hours. Your dentist will also want to know your dental history to see if you are prone to any oral conditions like gum disease. If you have been diagnosed with dental issues before, your dentist will cross check to see if you are improving or if your condition has healed. How to Take Care of Your Teeth After the AppointmentThe best thing you can do to protect your oral health is also one of the simplest: brush and floss regularly and ensure you have flossed in between every tooth. Also, brush daily using the recommended toothbrush and toothpaste to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. Your dental hygienist will help you find the right products if you do not know what to use. Also, avoid consuming a lot of sugar and schedule an appointment with your dentist at least every six months or more often, depending on your current dental condition. Dental Cleanings in Lake Oswego ORIf you have a dental cleaning, you should expect to have some follow-up appointments, particularly if your hygienist finds any issues during your first appointment. If they do not, it does not mean that you should not come in for checkups. Cleanings, in fact, help ensure that you do not have any developing oral issues. For more information contact Robert H. Peterson DDS or call us at 503-635-3438. |
Phone503-635-3438 Location16600 Boones Ferry Rd. Suite 103 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 HoursMon - Wed: 7:00am - 3:00pm Thurs: 7:00am-1:00pm Available for emergencies |