Dental Checkups & Cleanings – Oklahoma City, OK
Enjoy A Healthy Smile That Lasts for Life
Our Oklahoma City Dentist Will Help You Achieve Pristine Oral Health and a Beautiful Smile
The secret to a healthy smile involves practicing proper oral hygiene habits at home and keeping up with regular dental care from your dentist in Oklahoma City. Although you may not feel that an appointment is necessary until after an issue has developed, regular dental cleanings and checkups will help lower your long-term costs for care by keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
If you’re looking for a new dentist in Oklahoma City, look no further than Dr. Joe Isaacson. As an award-winning dentist, he’s a premier cosmetic and family dentistry specialist who creates one-of-a-kind experiences for all.
What Are Dental Cleanings and Checkups?
Dental cleanings are professional cleanings of the teeth and gums performed by a qualified dentist or dental hygienist. The procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar that has accumulated on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky white film that forms on your teeth and contains bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease if not removed. Tartar, also referred to as calculus, is a hardened form of plaque that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone.
During your teeth cleaning, our Oklahoma City dental professionals will use special tools to remove the plaque and tartar that’s built up on your teeth. They may also polish your teeth to remove surface stains and make them shiny and clean. In some cases, a fluoride treatment may be applied to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
Dental checkups, also known as dental exams, are comprehensive evaluations of your oral health. They’re performed during your routine dental visits and involve a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Your checkup will involve more than just checking the health of your teeth and gums. Dr. Isaacson will take the time to evaluate all areas of your mouth, jaw, and neck to look for any issues that may impact your dental or general health, such as oral cancer, disorders of the temporomandibular joint, or infections.
Our Oklahoma City dentist will take the time to discuss his findings with you and answer your questions, helping you make educated decisions for your oral health.
Benefits of Teeth Cleanings and Exams
Visiting our OKC dentist twice a year for teeth cleanings and exams provides you with wonderful benefits, including:
- Prevents tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems
- Early detection of oral cancer and other dental issues
- Freshens your breath
- Helps maintain good overall health
- Reduces the need for more invasive and costly procedures in the future
The Dental Cleaning Process
Patients should expect to spend around 30 to 60 minutes in the dental chair when getting their teeth cleaned. Our OKC dentist will do the following:
- Scaling: Our dentist will start by using special tools to remove any plaque or tartar buildup on your teeth. This process is called scaling and may involve using a handheld scaler or an ultrasonic instrument to break up the tartar.
- Polishing: After your teeth are scaled, our OKC dentist will polish them using special toothpaste and a high-powered brush. It helps remove any surface stains and makes your teeth shiny and clean.
- Flossing: Once your teeth are polished, they’ll floss between your teeth to remove any remaining plaque or other debris that was missed.
- Fluoride Treatment: The last step involves applying a fluoride treatment to help protect the teeth from future decay. It may be applied as a foam, gel, or fluoride rinse.
Throughout the cleaning process, our hygienist or dentist will explain what they’re doing and answer any questions you may have. They’ll also provide tips for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing future dental issues.
How to Prepare for Your Dental Cleaning Visit
Preparing for a dental cleaning is easy. Simply brush and floss your teeth as you normally would, and avoid eating or drinking anything that could stain your teeth, such as coffee or red wine. Make sure to let your hygienist or dentist know if you have any medical conditions or take any medications, as this can affect your treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the Dentist?
To keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. That way, we can help you ward off tooth decay, catch gum disease in the early stages, remove stubborn plaque, and prevent stains from developing.
However, if a dental condition, like gingivitis, has already formed, then our dentist in OKC may recommend scheduling an appointment every three months.
How much does it cost to clean your teeth?
A typical dental cleaning ranges in price from $75 and $200. The price you pay depends on the location of your dentist and your insurance coverage. Some dental offices also offer membership plans where you can save money on your biannual dental cleanings and exams.
Do dental cleanings hurt?
Most patients do not experience pain during a dental cleaning. However, if you have sensitive teeth or gums, you may feel some discomfort during the scaling process. Let your dentist know about your sensitivity before your cleaning, and they may provide you with a local anesthetic.
Can you fix my cavity?
Yes, of course! If the cavity is detected in the early stages, dentists can typically use an enamel-colored filling to restore the affected tooth. However, if the decay has spread to the inner layers and compromised its structure, then a dental crown or root canal may be the best solution.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Are you overdue for your bi-yearly visit? Dr. Isaacson would love to ensure your oral health is in pristine condition with a dental exam and cleaning. After all, he has helped over 9,000 patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles throughout his 20+ years in practice!
If you have a specific question on your mind before scheduling your appointment, don’t hesitate to contact our OKC dental office. However, if you would simply like a bit more information on how we can care for your smile, read on for the answers to a few frequently asked questions.