Dental Cleaning

Dental Cleaning

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preserving the health and appearance of your teeth and gums. While regular brushing and flossing are essential, professional dental cleanings are necessary to keep your smile in top shape and prevent potential oral health issues. At Smith Sedation Dentistry, Fresno's #1 sedation practice, we provide dental cleaning services that are not only thorough but also comfortable, even for those with dental anxiety. Led by Dr. Rob Smith, our team ensures that every patient feels at ease, making the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

Dental cleanings are professional oral hygiene treatments performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. These cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues by thoroughly cleaning areas that regular brushing and flossing might miss. The process typically involves scaling to remove hardened tartar, polishing to smooth the tooth surfaces, and flossing to remove debris between teeth. Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining oral health and are recommended every six months. 

Why Are Dental Cleanings in Fresno, CA, Important? 

Dental cleanings are an essential part of preventive dental care. While regular brushing and flossing at home are critical for removing plaque and maintaining oral hygiene, they aren't enough to prevent the buildup of tartar (hardened plaque) and bacteria in hard-to-reach areas. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, helping to prevent various oral health issues, such as: 

  • Cavities: Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids capable of eroding tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Regular cleanings help remove plaque before it can cause decay. 
  • Gum disease: Plaque and tartar can also accumulate along the gumline, causing inflammation and infection. This can lead to gum disease that, if left untreated, may result in tooth loss and other health complications. 
  • Bad breath: Bacteria trapped in plaque and tartar can cause persistent bad breath (halitosis). Regular cleanings help eliminate the source of odor-causing bacteria. 
  • Oral cancer: Professional cleanings often include a screening for oral cancer, allowing for early detection and potentially life-saving treatment. 
  • Overall health issues: Research has shown a connection between oral health and overall health. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. 

At Smith Sedation Dentistry, we go beyond just cleaning your teeth — we take the time to educate our patients on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home. Combining professional cleanings with a robust oral care routine can significantly improve the health and longevity of your smile. Contact us to learn more. 

What to Expect During a Dental Cleaning at Smith Sedation Dentistry in Fresno, CA 

When you visit Smith Sedation Dentistry for a dental cleaning, our goal is to provide a thorough, effective, and comfortable experience. Our team uses the latest technology and sedation techniques to ensure that even the most anxious patients feel at ease. 

Here's what you can expect during a typical dental cleaning: 

Initial Examination 

Before the cleaning begins, Dr. Rob Smith or a dental hygienist will perform an initial oral examination to assess the overall health of your teeth and gums. This evaluation helps identify any potential issues, such as cavities, gum disease, or areas that may require further attention. 

If you're feeling anxious or nervous, we offer sedation options to help you relax during this initial stage. Whether you choose nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation, our sedation techniques ensure a calm and comfortable experience. 

Plaque and Tartar Removal (Scaling) 

The first step in the cleaning process is the removal of plaque and tartar, also known as scaling. Using special dental instruments, our hygienist will carefully remove the buildup of tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. Tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone, so this step is crucial for maintaining oral health. 

For patients with dental anxiety, Smith Sedation Dentistry offers sedation options to help you remain comfortable during the scaling process. As the leading sedation dentist in Fresno, Dr. Smith can adjust sedation levels to your specific needs, ensuring that you remain relaxed and pain-free throughout the cleaning. 

Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease (Scaling and Root Planing) 

If you have early signs of gum disease (gingivitis) or more advanced gum disease (periodontitis), Dr. Smith may recommend a deep cleaning, which involves both scaling and root planing. This procedure not only removes tartar from the tooth surfaces but also cleans the roots of your teeth below the gumline to eliminate bacteria that cause gum infections. 

Deep cleanings can be more intensive than standard cleanings, but with the use of sedation, patients at Smith Sedation Dentistry can feel completely at ease during the procedure. 

Teeth Polishing 

After scaling, your teeth will be polished to remove surface stains and give your smile a smooth, shiny appearance. A polishing paste is applied to the teeth, and a special tool is used to buff them to a bright finish. Polishing helps smooth the tooth surfaces, making it more difficult for plaque to adhere. 

For patients who experience sensitivity or anxiety during this step, sedation options are available to ensure a comfortable and stress-free polishing experience. 

Flossing 

Once your teeth have been polished, the dental hygienist will carefully floss between each tooth to remove any remaining debris. This final step ensures that every surface of your teeth is clean and free from plaque and food particles. 

If flossing causes discomfort or anxiety, our sedation options can help minimize any discomfort, making the entire dental cleaning experience as pleasant as possible. 

Fluoride Treatment (Optional) 

At Smith Sedation Dentistry, we may recommend a fluoride treatment as part of your dental cleaning, particularly if you are at higher risk for cavities. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay. It is a quick and easy treatment that can be applied to your teeth in the form of a gel, foam, or varnish. 

If you feel nervous about fluoride treatments, sedation options are available to help you feel at ease during this final step of your cleaning. 

Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings in Fresno, CA 

Regular dental cleanings play a critical role in maintaining optimal oral health. Here are some of the key benefits of scheduling professional cleanings at Smith Sedation Dentistry: 

Prevention of Cavities and Gum Disease 

Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar, preventing the development of cavities and gum disease. These cleanings target areas that are difficult to reach with daily brushing and flossing, helping to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

Improved Aesthetics 

Teeth cleanings can help remove surface stains caused by coffee, tea, smoking, and certain foods, giving your smile a brighter, more polished appearance. 

Fresh Breath 

Dental cleanings help eliminate bacteria and plaque buildup that can contribute to bad breath, ensuring that your mouth stays fresh and odor-free. 

Early Detection of Dental Issues 

During your cleaning appointment, Dr. Smith will also examine your teeth and gums for signs of potential issues such as cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, reducing the risk of more serious problems down the line. 

Conclusion 

At Smith Sedation Dentistry, we believe that every patient deserves to feel comfortable and confident during their dental cleanings. As the top sedation dentist in Fresno, Dr. Rob Smith and his experienced team are dedicated to providing exceptional care in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you need a routine cleaning or a more advanced deep cleaning, our sedation options ensure your experience will be pain-free and stress-free. 

Experience stress-free dental care at Smith Sedation Dentistry, Fresno's #1 sedation practice. Dr. Rob Smith and his expert team are here to ensure your comfort with advanced sedation options tailored to your needs. Call (559) 438-4031 or visit us at 6191 North Fresno St. #102, Fresno, CA 93710 to schedule your relaxing appointment today! 

Location

6191 North Fresno, St. #102,
Fresno, CA 93710

Office Hours

MON - THU8:00 am - 5:00 pm

FRI - SUNClosed

Get in Touch

Email:  robsmithdds@gmail.com

Phone:  (559) 438-4031