Tag: Teeth

What Happens When A Hygienist Cleans Your Teeth?

Does Getting Your Teeth Cleaned Hurt?

Even though you brush after meals and floss daily, dentists still recommend getting your teeth cleaned every six months by a dental hygienist. Regular cleanings can help prevent cavities, catch diseases early and save you money.

The Cleaning Process

Getting your teeth cleaned has several steps. First, the hygienist performs an examination of your teeth. Next, he or she removes any plaque or tartar that has built up since your last cleaning. The hygienist will also look for signs of disease, and then she or he will use a tool, like a midwest dental high speed handpiece, to polish your teeth.

Getting an Exam

When you sit down in the dentist’s chair, the hygienist will  use a mirror and a set of instruments to take a look at your teeth, noting anything that needs to be examined more closely.

Removing Plaque and Tartar

Next, the hygienist will scrape around your teeth and gums to remove plaque and tartar. Plaque is a film on the teeth that is formed when bacteria mix with food particles. If the plaque sits on the teeth for a while, it turns to a hard mass called tartar. The hygienist scrapes around the base and in between the teeth to remove the calcified substance.

Looking for Signs of Disease

Another part of a regular dental cleaning is an examination for tooth and mouth diseases. The hygienist will search for cavities, pockets in the gums, red or sore spots or swelling on the tongue and mouth. Catching issues like gum disease early can help you save your teeth, plus it saves you money.

Polishing the Teeth

Finally, the hygienist uses a high speed tool and some extra gritty toothpaste to clean your teeth. This process leaves your mouth feeling clean and your breath fresh. After the cleaning, the dentist often comes in to examine your teeth and discuss any findings and treatment recommendations.

Dental cleanings are necessary to maintain the health and appearance of your teeth and gums. Your smile is the first thing many people notice, so it is important to protect it.… Read More..

Three Dental Procedures That Can Save Your Smile

Your smile is one of your most noticeable features and can greatly impact your level of self-confidence. Many people find themselves with less than perfect teeth due to poor dental hygiene, trauma and environmental or genetic factors. As a result, they may suffer with teeth that are crooked, damaged or missing altogether. Fortunately, advances in dentistry have allowed specialists to give more patients a healthy, functional and beautiful smile. If you’re looking for solutions to an unsightly grin, here are three dental procedures that can help save your smile. 

Implants 

Implantology in dentistry has progressed greatly over the past several years. These synthetic teeth are usually made from porcelain or acrylic and are very durable. Most dental implant procedures are incredibly successful and last ten to fifteen years before a replacement is needed. This type of procedure is typically a good option for those missing one or many teeth. 

Veneers 

Unlike implants, which completely replace a tooth, veneers are attached over your existing teeth. Before they are secured in place, the patient’s teeth are ground and shaped down to make room for the coverings. While veneers have often been known as a purely cosmetic procedure, they can also help people whose teeth have changed over time from overexposure to certain minerals found in different water supplies.  

Alignments 

If your teeth are crooked or out of place, there are several orthodontic options to help you achieve a straighter set of pearly whites. Braces are the most traditional choice and are ideal for young teens and adolescents. While adults are also candidates for braces, many find them unsightly and uncomfortable, and prefer the discretion of clear aligner trays. 

As you can see, you truly do have many options to help make your smile its absolute best. Be sure to consult with your dentist about which treatments are the perfect match for your individual needs.… Read More..

Tips for Choosing the Right Dentist

Making a trip to the dentist doesn’t have to be an experience that you dread. Seeking out the right qualities in your new dental practice can help make your visits go a little more smoothly. Take these guidelines into consideration before you schedule your first appointment with a new dentist.

Talk To Your Current Dentist

If you’re moving to a new town or city, your current dentist might be able to recommend someone in your new area. Your dentist is a trustworthy resource because he or she likely knows other skilled dentists that can meet your needs. Be sure to also mention any particular services you might be looking for, such as dental implants or cosmetic dentistry. Doing research can help prepare you before you make an appointment at your new Park slope dental practice.

Ask Friends or Co-Workers

If you’re new to the area, your new neighbors and co-workers can offer some helpful advice. People who have been living in your town or city for a long time are likely able to recommend a good dentist to you. Additionally, talking to seasoned residents can give you a good idea of which dentists have been in the business for a while and are therefore known to do a good job.

Get All the Details in Place

Once you’ve made your choice, make sure to consider several important aspects of the dental practice in order to ensure that you’ve made the best decision. Do they accept your dental insurance? Do they have convenient office hours? Is it close to your home or office? Asking yourself the right questions can help confirm whether or not you’ve selected the ideal dental practice for your personal needs.

Your oral health is important, and your dentist is the person who can help you achieve good dental hygiene. Remember these tips as you choose the right dentist for yourself or your family.… Read More..