Dental Cleaning in Port St Lucie, FL

Your Dental Exam and Cleaning Procedure

Say Goodbye to Plaque

When you arrive at our office for your exam and/or dental cleaning, we will utilize the latest in dental technology to examine and clean your teeth. There are several steps in the prophylaxis or regular cleaning process. Those steps include an oral exam prior to cleaning, where the hygienist physically examines your mouth and teeth. Next, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar from under the gum line and between the teeth using a dental scaler or a high-pressure water scaler. Once your teeth are clear of tartar and plaque, they will be brushed with a powerful electric toothbrush using toothpaste, which is a prophylaxis paste. After the brushing comes a professional flossing, polishing, and fluoride treatment.

Sometimes your tartar and plaque buildup is so advanced that the dentist is unable to perform a regular dental cleaning because it would cause bacteria to build up in your gum pockets where periodontal disease starts. In these cases, deep cleaning or debridement is called for. Deep cleaning focuses on clearing the bacteria from the deep pockets in your gum line as we use a scaler to remove plaque buildup from the teeth. We will then use a metal tool and water to remove excess tartar. These treatments smooth out the gum area, which makes it more difficult for plaque to build up in the teeth.

Dental Cleaning Recovery and Aftercare

Healthy Gums, Healthy You

After a regular dental cleaning, you should avoid eating or drinking for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the fluoride to absorb into your teeth. After that, you can go about your regular brushing and flossing regimen. After a deep cleaning or debridement, we will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. It can take six to twelve weeks to fully recover from a debridement or deep cleaning. You should not be concerned if your mouth bleeds during the process and possibly for a couple of days afterward. Your teeth may be sore for a few days and sensitive to temperature as well. This will diminish over time.