Routine teeth cleanings are essential to maintaining a healthy smile for life. That’s why our dentist in South Bend, IN, recommends that you schedule a teeth cleaning at least every six months. During your appointment, we’ll screen you for oral health conditions and remove plaque and tartar buildup.
Here’s what else you need to know before your next .
In general, Dr. Kosek recommends that patients get professional teeth cleanings every six months. However, it’s important to remember that each patient is different. For example, our South Bend dentist may need to see you more often to monitor a chronic health condition like periodontitis.
First, the hygienist will perform an initial examination of your teeth and gums. If they detect any obvious issues with your oral health, they’ll flag down our dentist to determine your next steps. If no obvious issues are detected, they’ll move onto the next phase of your dental cleaning visit.
We may take X-rays during your appointment depending on how long it’s been since your last ones. X-rays allow our dentist to detect issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as cavities hiding between teeth or bone loss in the jaw.
Next, the hygienist will use a dental instrument called a “scaler” to gently remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. They’ll then use a high-powered electric toothbrush with gritty polish to give your smile the it deserves.
At this point, the hygienist will floss your teeth to remove any remaining food particles or plaque between teeth. This is the last step before you see Dr. Kosek for your final oral examination.
Depending on your specific oral health needs, we may recommend dental sealants, fluoride treatment, or an oral cancer screening during your visit.
Douglas J. Kosek DDS is an experienced , who’s accepting new patients. To schedule your next teeth cleaning appointment, please call (574) 232-2992 or fill out our online contact form. We’d be more than happy to help!
