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A Routine Dental Cleaning vs. Scaling and Root Planing

During a routine teeth cleaning by Mark S. Jefferies, he uses special tools to remove stains, bacterial plaque, and tartar from your teeth and along the gum line.

During a deep dental cleaning, Dr. Jefferies uses scaling for plaque and tartar removal. Then, he performs the root planing technique to smooth out the tooth roots. Since part of this procedure requires tartar and plaque removal from beneath the gum line, the gingival tissue (gums) must be reattached: smoothing out the roots helps this happen.

Which Professional Dental Cleaning Will I Need?

After Dr. Jefferies completes your evaluation, he’ll determine which type of professional dental cleaning you'll need.

Your Comprehensive Dental Exam

This examination includes looking for signs of cancer, examining your teeth and gums, checking the alignment of your jaw, and determining the health of the soft tissue in your mouth. Dr. Jefferies may also take x-rays.

By having regular dental cleanings and exams, if there is a problem, Dr. Jefferies can take steps to address the issue right away.

Why Is Getting a Professional Teeth Cleaning the Best Option?

Brushing twice a day and flossing are both crucial for your oral health. However, Dr. Jefferies can reach areas of your mouth that you cannot.

During your routine dental cleaning, Dr. Jefferies:

• Removes bacteria-filled plaque from your gums and teeth.
• Evaluates your mouth for gum disease and decay.
• Brightens your smile by removing stains and tartar buildup.
• Detects dental issues early on so he can help prevent the development of more severe problems. For example, if Dr. Jefferies notices you're developing a cavity, He can remove the decay and fill the tooth. If a cavity isn’t found early enough, Dr. Jefferies may need to extract it.

If you have a deep cleaning, Dr. Jefferies also removes the plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line and smooths out the roots. Following a deep cleaning, you should expect to experience some tooth sensitivity for a few days.

What Results Can I Expect After My Dental Cleaning?

Foods, beverages, and tobacco cause tooth discoloration, and tartar causes the teeth to look yellow. Once Dr. Jefferies removes the external stains, plaque, and tartar, you’ll have a brighter smile. A brighter smile can make you feel more attractive, boosting your self-confidence.

Best Practices for Maintaining Your Dental Cleaning Results

After your cleaning, continue your daily oral hygiene regimen. This regimen must include brushing twice a day and flossing at least once.

The toothbrush you use and the way you use it play a significant role in the success of your oral hygiene routine. You should avoid using toothbrushes with medium or hard bristles. These bristles can irritate and damage your gums. Instead, gently brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Proper brushing technique:

1. Apply a fluoridated toothpaste to your soft-bristled toothbrush.
2. Place your toothbrush at your gum line. It should be at a 45-degree angle.
3. Gently move your toothbrush in circular strokes. This is the best technique for removing food debris and bacteria.
4. You need to brush the inner, outer, and chewing surfaces of the teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue as well.
5. Brush each quadrant in your mouth for 30 seconds.

Switch to an electric toothbrush:

• Since electric toothbrushes tend to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes, you might want to consider investing in one.

Flossing removes the food particles and bacteria in between the teeth. You need to floss at least once a day. If possible, Dr. Jefferies recommends using string floss because the floss picks don’t usually work as well as traditional string floss.

Flossing techniques:

• Slide traditional string floss in between your teeth. Form the shape of a C, move around the sides of your teeth and just below the gum line.
• If you have dental implants or braces, you'll need to use string dental floss with threaders. These threaders allow you to slide the floss between the metal brackets and underneath the permanent denture for debris and plaque removal. 

Prevent staining:

• To prevent staining, reduce your consumption of foods and beverages known to stain the teeth (e.g., blueberries, wine, and coffee). If you'd like to continue consuming these, rinse your mouth after you eat/drink them. In addition, stop using tobacco products.

Start using antibacterial mouthwash:

• Antibacterial mouthwashes reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and help break down plaque. Since these mouthwashes reduce bacteria, they also keep your breath fresher. Also, remember to drink plenty of water because it helps flush away the bacteria and food particles in your mouth.

How Much Does Prophylaxis Cost?

The cost of a cleaning depends on the type of dental teeth cleaning you receive and whether you also receive a fluoride treatment.

Children may receive a fluoride treatment and a sealant. These sealants help prevent decay, and according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, they can protect the teeth for up to 10 years.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Teeth Cleanings?

Yes, dental insurance usually covers biannual cleanings and exams 100%, even before you meet your deductible. Nonetheless, Dr. Jefferies is a teeth cleaning and cosmetic dentist in Herndon who recommends that his patients contact their insurance company to ask about their dental cleaning coverage.

Stress-Free Dental Care in Herndon, Virginia

Dr. Mark Jefferies' expertise, caring demeanor, friendly team, well-thought-out treatment plans, and sedation dentistry options help him provide stress-free dental care for his patients.

At his state-of-the-art office in Herndon, Virginia, Dr. Jefferies can help you keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright. So, if you’re looking for an experienced dentist in the Herndon area, please call (703) 793-1771 or use our online form to schedule your appointment.