Your dental cleaning involves much more than just polishing your teeth. As a dentist in Nepean, I want you to understand exactly what we check, why it matters, and how different cleaning types protect your oral health.
What Happens During Your Initial Examination
Before cleaning begins, your dentist in Nepean conducts a comprehensive oral health assessment. Here’s what we check:
- Teeth for cavities, cracks, and wear patterns
- Gums for inflammation, recession, and disease
- Existing fillings and crowns for integrity
- Tongue, cheeks, and throat for abnormalities
- Bite alignment and jaw function
X-rays may be taken to reveal problems invisible to the naked eye, including decay between teeth and issues below the gum line.
Measuring Your Gum Health
We measure periodontal pockets (spaces between teeth and gums) at six points around each tooth using a small probe. These measurements tell us your gum disease risk:
- 1-3 millimeters: Healthy gums
- 4 millimeters or more: Possible gum disease requiring treatment
This assessment determines which type of cleaning you need and helps us track your gum health over time.
Three Types of Dental Cleanings Explained
Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
- For patients with healthy gums
- Removes plaque and tartar above the gum line
- Includes polishing to remove surface stains
- Takes 30-60 minutes
- Recommended every six months
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
- For patients with gum disease (pockets 4mm or deeper)
- Cleans below the gum line
- Removes bacteria from tooth roots
- Smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach
- Requires local anesthesia
- Usually completed over multiple appointments
Periodontal Maintenance
- For patients with a history of gum disease
- Combines regular and deep cleaning techniques
- Prevents disease recurrence
- Scheduled every 3-4 months
At Dr. Valerie Archibald’s practice in Nepean, we recommend the appropriate cleaning type based on your individual gum health.
Understanding Your Dental Cleaning Tools
Each instrument serves a specific purpose in protecting your oral health.
Scalers remove hardened tartar deposits that brushing cannot eliminate. These hand-held instruments have curved tips designed to reach different tooth surfaces. The scraping sound you hear is normal and necessary.
Ultrasonic Cleaners use high-frequency vibrations and water spray to break up large tartar deposits efficiently. The vibrating tip creates tiny bubbles that disrupt bacterial cell walls while the water cools the tip and washes away debris.
Polishers use a rubber cup with gritty paste to remove surface stains and smooth tooth surfaces. This makes your teeth feel clean and creates surfaces where plaque struggles to accumulate.
Floss reaches between teeth where other tools cannot, removing debris and checking areas that need extra attention in your home care routine.
What We Monitor Throughout Your Cleaning
While cleaning your teeth at our Nepean dental clinic, we continuously assess:
- Bleeding gums indicating inflammation or infection
- Heavy plaque accumulation showing missed brushing areas
- White spots suggesting early decay
- Worn enamel from grinding or acidic foods
- Loose or damaged dental work
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, oral cancer rates are increasing. We examine your tongue, cheeks, and throat for lesions or abnormalities during every visit, making these routine screenings critical for early detection.
Final Steps: Polish and Fluoride
After thorough cleaning, we polish your teeth to remove remaining stains and create smooth surfaces. Many patients receive fluoride treatment to strengthen enamel and prevent decay. This quick treatment provides months of protection.
Your Personalized Home Care Plan
Before you leave, we provide specific recommendations based on what we observed:
- Brushing techniques for problem areas
- Proper flossing methods
- Product recommendations for your needs
- Strategies to address sensitivity or recession
How Often Should You Visit Your Dentist in Nepean?
Most patients need cleanings every six months. However, more frequent visits benefit those with:
- Gum disease or diabetes
- History of frequent cavities
- Dry mouth or compromised immune systems
- Smoking habits
Dr. Valerie Archibald will recommend a schedule tailored to your specific situation.
Schedule Your Cleaning Today
Regular cleanings prevent small problems from becoming major issues. At our practice located at 224-1400 Clyde Avenue in Nepean, Ontario, we provide thorough, comfortable cleanings in a welcoming environment.
Call us at 613-224-3900 or email info@dentalclinicottawa.com to book your appointment. Our hours are Monday through Thursday 8am-4pm (Wednesdays until 7pm) and Friday 8am-1pm.
Your dentist in Nepean is here to help you maintain optimal oral health.
