Regular dental cleanings help remove that buildup, while routine exams give us a chance to catch cavities, gum disease, and other concerns before they become more serious.
Taking care of your teeth now can save you from dealing with bigger dental problems down the road. Brushing and flossing at home are important, but even with good habits, plaque and tartar can build up in places that are difficult to clean yourself. Regular dental cleanings help remove that buildup, while routine exams give us a chance to catch cavities, gum disease, and other concerns before they become more serious. For most people, visiting Northside Dental about every six months is a good place to start, although some patients may benefit from more frequent appointments.
We also realize that going to the dentist isn't everyone's favorite thing to do. Whether you're nervous about your visit, concerned about costs, or simply trying to fit an appointment into a busy schedule, we want to make the experience as easy as we can. At Northside Dental, we'll listen to your concerns, explain what we find during your exam, and work with you on a care plan that fits your needs. Our goal is to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy without making dental care more complicated than it needs to be. To schedule a dental cleaning, call us at 317-342-9446 or visit our office at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.
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What are Regular Dental Cleanings?
Regular professional dental cleanings always follow a comprehensive oral exam or a regular evaluation. Once we have completed your exam, unless we have diagnosed gum disease, either our dentist or hygienist will perform a regular dental cleaning, or a prophylaxis. If you do have gum disease, your team at Northside Dental will recommend a deep cleaning to treat the issue and allow your mouth to heal.
During the first part of your regular dental cleaning, we will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove any debris, calculus, and plaque from the surface of each tooth and between your teeth and around your gum line. If you experience any sensitivity, please let us know so we can adjust the settings to make you more comfortable. If needed, we can use a hand scaler as well.
When this part of the dental cleaning is finished, another team member may follow up with a dental polishing using a special paste and will polish each tooth. Finally, we will floss your teeth using dental floss, and then make any beneficial recommendations or suggestions about improving your flossing technique.
Just like that, your dental cleaning is completed. When we are finished, one of our team members may follow up with you about any suggested treatment the doctor has recommended, and then we will make any necessary follow-up appointments.
Perfecting your At-Home Oral Hygiene
During your teeth cleaning and examination, we will take the opportunity to discuss ways that you can keep your teeth and gums healthy at home. At Northside Dental, we strongly believe that preventative dental care must begin at home with good oral hygiene habits. We will recommend that you use a soft toothbrush to brush your teeth twice a day, two minutes each time, and to use fluoride toothpaste. This will remove the ever-present harmful sugars and bacteria from your teeth daily, and the fluoride will help to strengthen them by replacing lost minerals in your enamel. You will also benefit from daily flossing by removing the food particles and bacteria from between your teeth. Following up with an antibacterial mouthwash will also help to kill any remaining germs.
Your diet is also important to your oral health. Try to drink as much water as possible and eat a balanced diet that contains lean protein, dairy products, green vegetables, and complex carbs so that your body gets the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Dental Cleanings for Adults
Northside Dental will recommend that you receive a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year. Good oral health is important regardless of your age. As we age, our risk for an oral infection continues to increase. As we age the more the hard, protective enamel that is the outside shell of the tooth begins to wear away, and it makes it even easier to get a cavity. The best way to prevent this from happening is by brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and always seeing us at Northside Dental twice a year. We will offer you flexible appointment times so that you are able to schedule an appointment around your work obligations or family commitments, making it easy to get a good teeth cleaning and keep them clean.
Dental Cleanings for Children
At Northside Dental, we recommend that you bring in your children for oral exams and cleanings beginning at 12 months, and then every 6 months after that. Bringing in your child at an early age and regularly is an important way to establish both your child’s confidence and comfort with us during these regular dental visits and create a positive relationship with the family at Northside Dental.
What is Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)?
After your oral evaluation or check-up, we may need to recommend a procedure called scaling and root planing in one or more quadrants of your mouth to address the issue with gum disease we have identified. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is quite common in adults and is caused by bacteria that have collected under the gum line, causing irritation and inflammation. Studies confirm that over half of the adults in the United States over the age of 30 have had some stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can cause bone loss and even tooth loss.
Your Comfort and Your Care
At Northside Dental, we know that finding time for dental appointments can be difficult, especially when you have a busy schedule. We do our best to offer convenient appointment times and make each visit as comfortable and efficient as possible. Whether you're coming in for routine care or a specific dental concern, our team is here to help you get the treatment you need. We want to be a dental office that you and your family can rely on for years to come, and we look forward to welcoming you into our practice. Call Northside Dental at 317-342-9446 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 15026 Greyhound Ct., Carmel, IN 46032.