Types of Dental Cleanings in Lincoln, NE
We are here to help maintain a beautiful smile. Our gentle, compassionate, non-judgmental Lincoln, NE dentist offer a variety of dental services to ensure your oral health.
Types of Teeth Cleanings In Lincoln, NE: What’s Involved and When You’ll Need Them.
There are various types of dental cleaning you can get from a dental clinic in Lincoln, NE. One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from our patients is about various dental cleanings. Often, a patient will go to their dental office for what they intend to be a regular “teeth cleaning,” only to find out that they need a deep cleaning. Being confused and surprised can be frustrating. And that’s why our team at Nebraska Family Dentistry is here. Below are the various types of dental cleanings we offer in all seven of our Lincoln, NE dental clinics.
Regular Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
What is a prophylaxis or regular dental cleaning?
A routine cleaning or prophylaxis is a regular cleaning to help prevent any dental problems, such as bone loss or gum disease. A prophylaxis can also catch other dental issues, such as cavities, before they become a more significant concern. Dentists recommend that patients keep a routine schedule and have a regular prophylaxis cleaning every six months. This is in addition to maintaining an excellent at-home routine with their oral hygiene, thus helping to maintain a happy, healthy mouth. Routine teeth cleanings can only be done on a healthy mouth, which means regular cleanings can not be done on a mouth with bone loss or gum disease.
Regular dental cleaning benefits:
- A routine cleaning removes plaque, the sticky film that’s constantly forming on teeth.
- Regular teeth cleanings near me remove calculus, which is plaque that has hardened.
Deep Teeth Cleaning (Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing)
What is a deep cleaning?
Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a special dental procedure aimed at treating gum disease and thoroughly cleaning below the gum line. Unlike routine cleanings, which are limited to the visible parts of the teeth, deep cleaning addresses plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to serious oral health issues.
This procedure is essential for patients with gum inflammation, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, helping to prevent complications like bone loss. While the recommendation remains to receive routine dental cleanings every six months for healthy mouths, a deep cleaning may be necessary based on individual needs.
Signs indicating that you might need a deep teeth cleaning:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing.
- Puffy, red gums.
- Tartar has created tiny pockets between your gums and teeth, which harbor dangerous bacteria.
- Gums that have started to pull away or recede from teeth.
- Teeth have become loose or starting falling out.
Periodontal Maintenance Teeth Cleaning
What is a periodontal maintenance cleaning?
Once procedures such as gum surgery or even scaling and root planing have been done, a routine cleaning (prophylaxis) might no longer be enough. So, periodontists or dentists recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings. Periodontal maintenance cleanings are a type of “follow-up cleaning” that helps keep gum disease away.
Things to know about periodontal maintenance cleanings:
- They help disrupt the growth of the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Debridement
What is a debridement?
If it has been one year or more since you have seen your dentist for a dental cleaning, there is a chance you might need a dental debridement. It’s important to know, however, that a debridement is not a dental cleaning. A debridement is a procedure that removes the excessive build-up of tartar, and so that your dentist can accurately assess the condition of your gums, bone, and teeth.
Signs you might need a dental debridement:
- You have not had a cleaning by a hygienist or dentist in over a year.
- You have a thick build-up of tartar and plaque on your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a teeth cleaning cost?
Just as with any medical procedure, the cost of a dental cleaning depends upon a few factors. One of the most significant factors that determine just how much you’ll pay for a dental cleaning is dental insurance. Generally, most dental insurance plans cover routine dental cleanings at 100%, leaving you with no out-of-pocket portion.
However, it is essential to note that if any additional services are performed, for example, x-rays or additional exams, these items likely won’t be covered by your dental insurance, which in turn means you’ll end up paying for these items.
What does a hygienist or dentist do when they clean your teeth?
When having your teeth cleaned, your hygienist will remove tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth, between your teeth, and near the gum line. Depending upon the amount of build-up that you have, they will either use a handheld scaler or an ultrasonic scaler.
How long does a “teeth cleaning near me” take?
On average, a routine dental cleaning will take thirty minutes to one hour. If you are new to a dental clinic, however, your first dental cleaning might take closer to one hour, with the potential of going slightly over. Because dentists like to be thorough, they may request additional x-rays or exams to ensure that they have entirely assessed your dental health and provide you with the care you need going forward.
In the end, a thorough provider is generally a good provider. Missed or unaddressed dental concerns can be costly and painful if not caught early.
Should you brush your teeth before having a teeth cleaning near me?
Although it’s not necessary to brush and floss right before your dental visit, it absolutely won’t hurt a thing. Brushing and flossing could save your hygienist a couple of minutes, but any residual food or stains will effectively be removed if you don’t have time to brush or floss beforehand.
Knowing the various types of dental cleanings and understanding when each of them might be needed is beneficial. Based on your habits and dental health, you will now have the right expectations when going to the dentist. Having this knowledge will help alleviate the burden of financial surprises. Most importantly, having this knowledge will help you understand that your oral hygiene routine paired with routine cleanings by your dentist or hygienist are the most powerful weapons you can have against gum disease. Take charge of your oral health today!
Nebraska Family Dentistry Has 7 Convenient Locations in Lincoln, NE.
Lincoln Family Dentistry
(Central Lincoln)
402-467-1000
Northeast Lincoln Family Dentistry
(Northeast Lincoln)
402-890-8000
South Lincoln Family Dentistry
(South Lincoln)
402-413-7700
Preserve Family Dentistry
(East Lincoln)
402-413-7000
Northstar Dental
(North Lincoln)
402-742-0000
Coddington Dental
(West Lincoln)
402-438-5555
SouthPointe Dental
(Southwest Lincoln)
402-423-3333