TEETH CLEANING
If you haven’t been to your dentist in a while, then it may be time to schedule a prophylaxis appointment, otherwise known as a teeth cleaning. A prophylaxis involves standard preventive dental care, which involves teeth cleaning and examining your teeth and mouth for any issues. Although most people would love if their at-home oral health routine would be enough to maintain their oral health, seeing a dentist regularly is absolutely crucial. With that being said, you may be wondering what exactly is prophylaxis and why you need it. Here is what you can expect when visiting us at Salo & Salo Dental for a prophylaxis in Beverly Hills.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
A prophylaxis is a routine dental appointment that is part of preventive dentistry. When visiting your dentist for a prophylaxis appointment, you can expect your dental hygienist to provide you with updates regarding your medical history and note any changes in your health, such as medications, a recent diagnosis, pregnancy, etc. And as a preventive measure, a physical and visual examination will be conducted to check your mouth and neck for an oral health screening, as well as any other potential issues.
X-Rays
An X-ray will also be done to determine any potential oral health problems that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as cavities and more. If you visit your dentist regularly, then X-rays may be recommended less frequently unless you’re at risk for oral health issues. Some factors that play a role in how frequent you may receive an X-ray at your exam include:
Oral health
Age
Risk for disease
Existing signs of oral disease
Discomfort in your mouth
Another important step in a prophylaxis appointment involves periodontal probing. Periodontal probing allows your dentist to examine your gum tissue with a tool called a periodontal probe. This is done to check the health of your gums and to ensure that there are not any signs of gum recession, gum disease, etc. This is crucial, as your gums should fit snug around your teeth without any signs of your gums pulling away from your teeth. When certain factors like poor oral hygiene, medical conditions, or age come into play, it can lead to your gums pulling away from your teeth, creating pockets between your teeth and gums that cause bacteria and food particles to get trapped.
In addition to periodontal probing, your dentist will also examine your teeth and determine if you have any tooth decay. And last but not least, your dentist will perform a dental cleaning using special instructions to remove any plaque or tartar from your teeth, as well as beneath your gum line. Your teeth will also be polished to remove any lingering stains as well as an interdental cleaning, which is essentially flossing your teeth.
Oral Health Care Advice
It is important for you to know that both your dental hygienist and dentist are great sources for knowledge regarding any questions or concerns you may have surrounding your oral health. This includes advice for best practices regarding your at-home oral care regimen and more. Your dental hygienist and dentist will recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, and use mouthwash.
How Often You Should Do a Dental Prophylaxis
It is important to know that the frequency regarding a dental prophylaxis is not a one-size-fits-all answer. While most patients are recommended to see a dentist for a prophylaxis visit at least twice a year, some other patients may be recommended to see one more frequently. For example, if your teeth and gums are in good health, then you may not need to see your dentist more than twice a year. However, if you are at risk for dental disease or have any existing oral health conditions, then it may be recommended to see your dentist more often.
When visiting Salo & Salo Dental for a prophylaxis appointment, we will let you know how often you should come in for a visit depending on our findings. Feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment for your teeth cleaning in West Hollywood.
Schedule an Prophylaxis Appointment
Is it time to schedule a teeth cleaning appointment? If so, our team is here to help every step of the way. With years of experience providing excellent dental care for our patients, you can count on our skilled team to provide you with the results you need and deserve. At Salo & Salo Dental, our team is ready to provide you with the best dental care to ensure that your oral health is maintained to the fullest extent. Contact us to schedule an appointment for your teeth cleaning in Los Angeles.
Interested in Learning More about Cosmetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills
If you are seeking the best cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles, then our team at Salo & Salo Dental can help you achieve your goals. With extensive experience, we take great pride in being able to provide the best results possible for our patients. When considering cosmetic dentistry, it is imperative to choose a dental team that has shown proven, successful results. We are confident in the cosmetic dentistry services that we provide and are dedicated to creating custom-made designs that will fit the rest of your smile perfectly, ensuring optimal functionality and stunning results. To learn more about our cosmetic dentistry procedures and what may work for you, feel free to contact our friendly team to schedule a consultation with our dentist who specializes in the top cosmetic dentistry in West Hollywood.
