How long do the results of teeth whitening last?

Professional teeth whitening results can last up to three years with proper care and maintenance. However, certain factors may play a role in maintaining your bright smile following your treatment. Your genetics, eating and drinking habits, tobacco use, or medications can all affect the timeframe of your professional whitening results. Maintaining excellent oral health with regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist can help keep your teeth brilliant following professional teeth whitening. Touch-ups are also an easy way to ensure your stunning results last.

Will teeth whitening cause sensitivity or pain?

A common side effect of teeth whitening with Opalescence is teeth sensitivity. However, this feeling doesn’t indicate any damage to your teeth or enamel. Talk to your dentist about receiving sensitivity treatment after whitening your teeth.

How many teeth whitening treatments will I need?

The amount of whitening treatments needed will depend on two factors: the shade of your teeth at the beginning of your session and your desired brightness level. You can, thankfully, repeat the whitening process over several sessions to work up to your dream shade of whiteness.

Can everyone get their teeth whitened?

Professional teeth whitening is the ideal method of lifting the shade of your teeth. However, you should note that crowns, bridges, fillings, and veneers will not change color during the whitening process. If you have gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, or exposed roots, you may not be a suitable candidate for teeth whitening. Patients should always consult with a dentist before starting any whitening treatment so they can recommend the best option for their needs.

Dental Cleanings in Waxahachie, TX

Maintain a Healthy, Beautiful Smile with Our Waxahachie Dentist

A beautiful, healthy smile can do wonders for your self-confidence and oral health. By keeping up with routine dental cleanings and exams, our Waxahachie, TX, dentist, Dr. Scott Clinton, can help ensure your oral health is in pristine condition. These routine visits to our Waxahachie dental office help you prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

Contact Waxahachie Family Dentistry today at (972) 885-3335 to schedule your appointment. Dr. Clinton is happily welcoming new patients.

What Are Dental Cleanings?

Dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are routine general dentistry procedures done by dental professionals to remove plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth. By visiting your dentist twice a year for dental cleanings, you can keep your smile sparkling and prevent oral health problems from arising. Maintaining optimal oral health is an essential part of preventing gum disease and tooth decay.

During a dental cleaning appointment in Waxahachie, other services such as oral examinations are also performed. These help our Waxahachie dentist detect any signs of dental problems and, when done twice a year, can catch problems early on for successful, less invasive treatments. Your dentist may also provide fluoride treatment, helping protect your teeth from unwanted cavities and other issues.

The Importance of Dental Exams

In addition to dental cleanings, Dr. Clinton conducts comprehensive dental exams during your visit to Waxahachie Family Dentistry. These exams allow our experienced dental professionals to assess your oral health, identify any signs of dental issues, and develop suitable treatment plans if required. Regular dental exams are crucial for early detection and intervention, preventing the progression of dental problems and preserving your smile.

Dental Cleaning Benefits

Keeping up with professional dental cleanings offers several benefits, including:

Prevents cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems
Early detection of dental problems
Helps maintain overall health
Promotes fresher breath

Types of Dental Cleanings

Routine Dental Cleanings

Routine dental cleanings are the most common and are recommended for those with good oral health. During a regular dental cleaning, our Waxahachie dentist or dental hygienists will remove plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. It’s a quick process that shouldn’t take longer than one hour.

This type of cleaning is typically done twice a year as part of routine care to ensure healthy teeth.

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, also known as deep dental cleaning, is recommended for those with moderate to severe gum disease. During a scaling and root planing treatment, our dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. They’ll also smooth out the roots of your teeth to prevent future buildup.

In many cases, one or two sessions of scaling and root planing can reverse the effects of gum disease and prevent it from progressing into further stages.

Periodontal Maintenance

A periodontal maintenance cleaning is done after scaling and root planing to maintain the health of the gums. During periodontal maintenance, Dr. Clinton will remove any plaque and tartar that has accumulated since your last deep cleaning. This type of cleaning is typically done every three to four months for patients with gum disease.

Gross Debridement

Gross debridement cleaning isn’t your typical dental cleaning. It’s done to remove plaque and tartar that’s built up too excessively for routine teeth cleaning. This type of dental cleaning is necessary when there’s so much buildup, making it difficult for the dentist to perform a thorough oral examination. The gums may be swollen, and the buildup must be removed before a prophylaxis or dental exam can be completed.

Who Needs Dental Cleanings?

Everyone should receive a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year, even if they have good oral hygiene habits. Even if you brush and floss your teeth well, some areas are hard to clean properly at home. Those areas will often accumulate plaque and tartar and it should be removed as soon as possible.

Those with underlying dental issues or a history of gum disease may require more frequent teeth cleanings. Our Waxahachie dentist will inform you how often you should come in for routine dental cleanings.

Dental Cleaning Costs

On average, a dental cleaning will cost around $125. However, the costs of your dental cleaning will fluctuate depending on certain factors, including:

Your location: The cost of dental care is generally higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
The type of dental cleaning: A routine cleaning is less expensive than a deep cleaning, which is necessary for people with gum disease.
The dentist’s experience and training: More experienced dentists typically charge more than less experienced dentists.
Your dental insurance: If you have dental insurance, your insurance may cover a portion of the cost of a dental cleaning.

Contact our Waxahachie dental team today by calling (972) 885-3335 for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I schedule dental cleanings and exams?

Dentists often recommend scheduling dental cleanings and exams every six months. However, the frequency may vary depending on individual oral health needs. Your dentist will assess your oral health and provide personalized recommendations for scheduling your visits.

Are dental cleanings painful?

No, dental cleanings are typically painless. You may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity during the cleaning, especially if you have sensitive teeth or gums, but it shouldn’t be painful. Your dentist will provide you with post-operative instructions after the cleaning.

How long does a dental cleaning take?

A professional dental cleaning typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. However, the length of your procedure depends on the type of cleaning and the extent of buildup on your teeth.

Does dental insurance cover dental cleanings?

Many dental insurance plans cover routine dental cleanings, but coverage may vary depending on your plan. You should always check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and know about any out-of-pocket costs you may be responsible for.

Visit Our Dentist for Regular Dental Cleanings

Our Waxahachie dentist will recommend the best type of dental cleaning for you during your exam. Teeth cleanings, regardless of the type, are essential for maintaining good oral health and avoiding dental problems in the future.

Keep up with your routine teeth cleanings! Contact our dentist in Waxahachie, TX, today by calling (972) 885-3335 to schedule an appointme