In medical terminology, the professional cleaning of teeth is called prophylaxis, which is Greek for, “to prevent beforehand.” What board-certified Dental Physician, Dr. Todd McCracken, wants to prevent is the costly dental bills that will accumulate from the lack of preventative oral care. Dental cleanings are an imperative part of every patient's oral health care routine. Although you may have a consistent and strategic dental routine at home, it is very difficult to prevent the build-up of plaque and tarter. When plaque and tarter builds up on the surfaces of the teeth, it can cause discoloration, gum disease, and tooth decay. Dr. McCracken encourages you to visit Laser Smile Studio, in Denton, TX in six month intervals for your dental cleanings. Call us to schedule your next appointment today.

Dental cleanings are generally very comfortable, but if a patient has sensitive teeth or gums, a topical numbing cream can be used. If the patient has trouble getting through a dental cleaning due to anxiety or a strong gag reflex, mild sedation options are also available. A cleaning may begin with an ultrasonic instrument that helps to loosen plaque and tartar before our dental team switches to fine hand tools (scalers and curettes) to carefully scale or scrape the build up from the gumline and enamel. Once the deposits are removed from the teeth, our dental hygienists can polish the teeth using a special toothpaste and tool. If needed, Dr. McCracken can go over good home oral care routines and help the patient with their brushing and flossing technique for better check-ups.

After the teeth are cleaned, Dr. McCracken may perform an oral exam to check for signs of oral cancer and gum disease. To keep their teeth smooth and healthy, patients should establish a home routine that includes brushing and flossing their teeth at least once a day. Our dental team may offers suggestions or specific instructions, like a special mouthwash or toothpaste to treat the patient's specific concerns. Patients should be sure to schedule their next dental cleaning before leaving Laser Smile Studio. Waiting too long between cleanings can lead to longer appointments and more invasive treatments.

Since a professional dental cleaning twice a year is considered a necessary preventative care procedure, most dental insurance carriers will cover 100% of the cost. Our office will check with each patient's insurance company to determine their coverage before billing the patient directly. Patients without dental insurance should ask about our financing options.

If you put off cleaning anything, whether it's your house, your car, or your teeth, the harder and longer the chore becomes. To get your healthiest smile, schedule a professional dental cleaning with Laser Smile Studio at least twice a year. Regular dental cleanings remove plaque and tartar that have built up over time to help you avoid gum disease, cavities, and infections. A cleaning also gets your teeth whiter and brighter by polishing the enamel and removing stains. Schedule a professional cleaning today to save yourself time and trouble later.