Dental Cleaning

Have you had your teeth cleaned recently? If not, it’s the perfect time to make an appointment for a dental cleaning in Brentwood with the professionals at Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics. 

Here at Middle Tennessee Prosthodontics, our general dentistry services include professional cleanings and exams. We have two full-time dental hygienists on staff to ensure we meet the needs of our patients. Find out more about our dental cleaning services and their importance or call today to book an appointment. 

Caring Cleanings for Better Oral Health in Brentwood

If you do have tooth damage, decay, or loss, we offer highly specialized services as the home to the only board-certified prosthodontists within 400 miles. However, we offer these preventive services because we’d rather keep your smile healthy before it gets damaged to the point of needing tooth restorations.

With routine cleanings, you can prevent tooth damage and loss. Routine cleanings deter gum disease, cavities, and more. 

We want to emphasize the importance of these routine, preventive treatments because we would rather you have a beautiful, healthy smile without issues than need to utilize our prosthodontic services.

Man getting dental checkup
Girl on pink background

What’s the Purpose of a Dental Cleaning?

The primary purpose of a dental cleaning is to maintain the health of your teeth and gums by removing plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. Even with diligent at-home care, bacteria can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, leading to plaque formation. 

Over time, plaque hardens into tartar (calculus), which adheres strongly to tooth surfaces and can only be removed with professional dental instruments. Professional cleanings are essential because tartar buildup can lead to serious dental issues if left untreated, including periodontal disease and tooth loss.

What to Expect During Your Cleaning

During your appointment, our experienced dental hygienists use specialized tools to thoroughly clean your teeth, targeting these stubborn deposits. This process not only prevents cavities and gum disease but also helps to freshen your breath and enhance your overall oral health. 

In addition to the cleaning, you may receive X-rays to detect any underlying issues and dental sealants to protect vulnerable areas of your teeth. Regular dental cleanings are a crucial part of a preventive approach to dental care, allowing us to catch and manage problems before they worsen.

During your visit, our doctors will take a picture of the current standing of your dental health and what is needed to keep your oral hygiene in its best state.

What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a straightforward process, and, the more consistent you are with cleanings, the smoother the appointments will go. If you need extra assistance such as sedation dentistry, we can also assist to help you feel more comfortable.

During cleaning, the process goes like this:

The hygienist uses instruments to remove tartar and plaque.

Next, they will use a soft device and special paste to remove bacteria on your teeth.

Then, the hygienist will floss your teeth and likely provide a fluoride treatment.

After the cleaning, one of our dentists will examine your teeth for cavities and ask if you have any concerns.

How Often Should You Have Your Teeth Cleaned?

A good rule of thumb for most people is to receive teeth cleanings every six months or twice a year, but it does depend on your specific dental and medical health history.

Some people are more prone to plaque buildup, tooth decay, or gum disease than others. Many dental concerns are influenced by genetic factors or by medical conditions and medications. So, you may benefit from more frequent cleanings to keep your teeth healthy and prevent cavities and other concerns.

During an appointment, our dental hygienists and dentists will make recommendations for you specifically. 

Contact Us for an Appointment!