Dental Cleanings in San Diego, CA
Have you kept up with your six-month dental cleanings at Greyling Dental? If you are due for a dental cleaning in San Diego, California, call
858-292-1155 to set up your appointment with our dentist and team. During your appointment, Dr. Joanne Vargas-Velasco can assess your smile’s needs to provide you with personalized care.
Dental cleanings and exams are two of the most basic yet important preventive treatments we provide at our office. Each time you visit our dental practice for a checkup, we will provide a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam to help your smile stay healthy. During your cleaning and exam, our dental team will:
- Clean your teeth by removing any plaque or tartar (also called dental calculus), which can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease
- Floss and polish your teeth for a healthy, bright smile
- Examine your smile for signs of any damaging dental conditions or diseases
Our Goal is to Keep Your Smile Radiant and Healthy
Greyling Dental wants you to be comfortable and well-informed about the dental cleaning process. Understanding the process can ease any worries you may have and make your visit as stress-free and pleasant as possible. This is a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect during your dental cleaning:
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1. Initial Examination
Overview: The dental cleaning begins with a short examination by Dr. Joanne Vargas-Velasco or our dental hygienist. They will ask you about your dental history and any symptoms or concerns that you are experiencing. Then, they will perform a preliminary check to see if there are any immediate problems, such as inflamed or bleeding gums or cavities.
Dental x-rays are taken if it has been some time since your last appointment or if you have a particular concern. This allows the dentist to see your teeth in detail and your underlying bone structure.
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2. Plaque and Tartar Removing
Scaling: The hygienist uses a small, specialized instrument called a "scaler" to remove plaque and tartar, even from those difficult-to-reach places between teeth and along the gumline. This is important because tartar, or hardened plaque, cannot be removed with brushing and flossing. If left untreated, it can cause cavities and gum diseases.
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3. Deep Cleaning Below Gumline (If needed)
Root Planing: If you have a significant amount of tartar below the gumline, then root planing may be necessary. This procedure smoothes out the roots of teeth in order to prevent tartar accumulation and promote gum healing.
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4. Professional Flossing
Flossing: After scaling, your hygienist may floss between teeth to remove any debris. This professional flossing ensures that all particles are removed, which is important for gum health.
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5. Polishing
Polishing: A high-powered toothbrush and a gritty paste will be used next to polish your teeth. This removes surface stains and any remaining plaque, resulting in a smoother and more lustrous appearance. This step also helps smooth out the surface of teeth so that plaque can't accumulate between dental visits.
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6. Rinsing
Rinsing: You will rinse your mouth to remove any debris. This rinse may contain liquid fluoride, which strengthens your teeth and helps prevent decay.
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7. Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride Treatment: Depending on the needs of each individual, we will apply fluoride at the end. This treatment will help to protect your teeth from cavities. Fluoride can be applied as a varnish, gel, foam, or spray and left on for a few moments.
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8. Final Examination
Comprehensive Exam: After cleaning your teeth, Dr. Joanne Vargas-Velasco performs a comprehensive exam to look for signs of oral issues. She will go over your x-rays and any other findings. You can also ask questions and discuss any concerns about your oral hygiene.
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9. Discussion on Post-Cleaning and Recommendations
Personalized Advice: Dr. Joanne Vargas-Velasco, or the hygienist, will review your exam results and cleaning with you. You'll receive personalized advice on how to maintain your oral health. This includes tips for brushing and flossing, dietary suggestions, and any additional treatments you might need.
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10. Schedule Your Next Visit
Future Appointments: We will help you schedule your next dental exam and cleaning, which is usually scheduled six months after the initial visit unless a more frequent appointment is recommended. We can schedule any necessary additional treatments at your convenience.
Greyling Dental strives to provide a thorough and comfortable dental cleaning that benefits your oral health. Please contact us if you have questions or want to schedule your next dental cleaning. We are here to help you keep your teeth healthy and beautiful!
We may utilize dental X-rays to further evaluate your smile and make certain that you receive the dental care you need. Regular dental cleanings and exams are essential in maintaining good oral health, preventing cavities and gum disease, and making sure that any damaging conditions are treated as early as possible.
We recommend that you visit us every six months for a routine dental cleaning and exam. We may suggest more frequent visits if needed, and we also encourage you to contact us if you suffer from a dental emergency, pain or injury. To schedule your next appointment, we invite you to contact us today. We look forward to caring for your smile!
