The Importance of Dental Cleanings

Professional Dental CleaningDo you get a dental cleaning every six months? That's what the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends as do your friends at Summit Lakes Dental Care in Lee's Summit. Your general dentists, Dr. David Beck and Dr. Susan Beck, include semi-annual prophylaxis in patient care plans so teeth, gums and overall health stay strong and vibrant.

What happens at a dental cleaning?

Your dentist performs many important services at a routine dental appointment. All have one aim: prevention of oral disease (cavities and periodontitis) and detection of problems (such as oral cancer or breakdown of restorations) before they do substantial damage.

The mainstay of your six-month visit, the dental cleaning, starts with an update of your medical history and review of any dental issues. Then, your hygienist will look at your teeth and gums and take X-rays if scheduled. These digital images reveal hidden decay and any structural problems.

Then comes the dental cleaning. Using manual and ultrasonic instruments, the hygienist scales all your tooth surfaces. This means she removes the bacteria-laden plaque and hard tartar which you couldn't reach at home with your toothbrush and floss.

Additionally, your hygienist flosses your teeth. Then, she'll polish your teeth with a mildly gritty toothpaste and gentle rotary brush.

A twice-yearly dental cleaning keeps your teeth and gums clean and bright, your breath smelling fresh and your systemic health strong. How does a prophylactic cleaning preserve your health?

Well, plaque and tartar cause not only tooth decay but gum disease as well. Your dentist will notice signs of gum disease (bleeding gums, for instance), and as they remove deleterious tartar and plaque, it reduces your chances of harmful inflammation. A cleaning is an important preventive dental service.

Time for your cleaning?

Please contact Summit Lakes Dental Care today for an appointment, and look forward to a healthy, sparkling smile. Call (816) 875-3339.

Office Hours

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-11:00 am

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed