Dental Cleanings and Checkups in Lytle TX

What to Expect From Dental Cleaning

One of the most important things we can do to help keep our gums and teeth healthy is routine checkups with your dentist. Daily brushing and flossing can promote good oral hygiene, yet recieving a professional cleaning will ensure no health issues are hiding. Dental cleanings are an excellent way to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy as can be.

We often receive questions such as: does teeth cleaning hurt, how long do teeth cleaning take, and how often should you get your teeth cleaned. It is essential that you have all the information necessary to select our office as your teeth cleaning dentist confidently. If you have other questions about our cleaning and check-up services, please call us! 

Does Teeth Cleaning Hurt?

Teeth cleaning should not be a painful experience. Some underlying factors may cause discomfort during your cleanings, such as gum inflammation, tooth decay, and other oral health issues. Our dental team wants you to have the most pain-free experience possible. If at any point you feel discomfort, please let us know so we can address it. 

How Long Do Teeth Cleanings Take?

The length of your dental cleaning is determined by how well you maintain your oral health. For those who support good daily oral health practices such as brushing and flossing at least twice a day, your dental cleaning should be about 30 minutes. If you often neglect your oral health, you can expect your cleanings to take close to an hour. 

How Often Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned?

The number of times you should get your teeth cleaned can vary. For a general guideline, most patients should receive a cleaning every six months. Some patients do not have to come in so often to get their teeth cleaned. Our dental team will help you determine the best times for you to come in for your teeth cleanings.

How Much Do Deep Teeth Cleanings Cost? 

The general dentist check-up cost is between $150 to $350 without insurance. We believe dental cleanings are something that everyone deserves to receive. We have many different financing options if you cannot afford this service. We strive to be able to service everyone in our community. 

Dr. Justin Crocker and our team can provide four main types of dental cleaning.

• Prophylaxis Dental Cleaning

The meaning of prophylaxis is “to prevent disease.” A prophylaxis cleaning is used to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. During this cleaning, we will remove plaque and tatars from the front, back, and sides of teeth using a dental scaler or water stream. This cleaning is mainly used for patients who have been doing well in maintaining their daily dental hygiene. Prophylaxis cleaning is the primary dental cleaning of all four types of dental cleaning.

• Scaling and Root Planing Cleaning

In some cases, patients may require a more thorough cleaning. We refer to these deep cleanings as scaling and root planing. Our dental team will clean out any bacteria or buildup in the hum pockets area during this procedure. Our team primarily uses this procedure for the treatment of gingivitis. 

• Periodontal Maintenance Cleaning

Periodontal maintenance cleanings are used for patients who may need more frequent cleaning due to gum disease. Gum disease is progressive and, if not treated effectively, will continue to get worse. This is why this particular type of cleaning will require more time in our office than others.

• Gross Debridement Cleaning

We understand not everyone has the luxury or comfort of being able to see the dentist often or keep up with their daily dental hygiene as well. Our office is a judgment-free zone; we want to ensure your oral health is the best it can be. This is why we offer gross debridement cleanings, our most heavy-duty teeth cleaning treatment. For those who need a little more extra care.

As shown, there are many different types of teeth cleaning procedures. Dr. Justin Crocker will do a thorough exam to ensure we provide you with the cleaning that best matches your individual needs.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Dental Cleaning

There are many benefits of dental cleaning. Dental cleanings will improve your overall oral health. During a dental cleaning, our team will remove any buildup that daily brushing and flossing cannot reach. A dental cleaning can also brighten your smile; over time, your teeth can become stained by food and drinks. If you are looking for a brighter smile, our dental office also offers teeth whitening. 

The benefits greatly outweigh the disadvantages, but it’s important to note both. The main disadvantage of teeth cleaning is discomfort or sensitivity. Dental cleanings, as mentioned above, are not supposed to be painful but depending on the condition of your oral health, there can be discomfort. If you experience discomfort during your visit, immediately let us know so we can address the issue. 

Comprehensive Exam

Along with dental cleaning, we can also perform a comprehensive exam during your appointment. A comprehensive dental exam is a thorough evaluation of your dental health. Our dental team will look at your mouth, teeth, gums, neck, jaw, and throat to ensure no underlying health issues. We want to ensure we look at all the areas of our oral health to keep your smile healthy! 

If you are looking for a dental office to perform your dental check-up, we are the office for you. Here at Lytle Family Dentistry, we want to be your primary dental office. Give us a call today to join our dental family.