Achieve a Brilliant Smile with Our Henderson, NV Dentist
Regular visits to your dentist twice a year are crucial for maintaining a clean and beautiful smile. Dentists can reach areas of your mouth that are often missed during home care and effectively remove both hardened tartar and plaque buildup.
Discover the process of plaque and tartar removal with our Henderson, NV dentist by calling (702) 896-8933.
Understanding Plaque and Tartar Removal
Plaque and tartar removal is a key component of routine dental cleanings. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth after eating or drinking. If not removed, plaque buildup hardens into tartar or calculus, which requires a dental professional for removal. Accumulation of plaque and hardened tartar can result in tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
Tartar can only be removed by a dental professional, and neglecting its removal can lead to significant problems.
Advantages of Removing Plaque and Tartar
Eliminating plaque and tartar offers numerous benefits, such as:
- Preventing tooth decay and cavities
- Reducing the risk of gum disease
- Minimizing bad breath
- Keeping teeth clean and fresh
- Supporting overall dental health
When Is Plaque and Tartar Removal Needed?
Plaque and tartar removal are essential for anyone aiming to maintain optimal dental health. Although most patients require dental cleanings twice a year, some individuals may need them more frequently, including:
- Smokers or tobacco users
- Individuals with braces or dental appliances
- Those with a history of gum disease or cavities
- People experiencing dry mouth
- Individuals consuming a diet high in sugar or carbohydrates
The Plaque and Tartar Removal Process Explained
Plaque and tartar removal typically occur during routine dental cleanings. The process includes:
- Examination: The dentist or dental hygienist assesses your teeth for plaque and tartar buildup.
- Scaling: Utilizing a specialized tool, the dentist or hygienist removes plaque and scrapes tartar from your teeth’s surface, a process known as scaling.
- Polishing: Following the removal of tooth plaque and tartar, your teeth are polished with special toothpaste.
- Fluoride Treatment: A fluoride treatment may be applied to protect against future tooth decay.
The duration of the cleaning procedure varies based on the extent of buildup but usually takes around 30 minutes.
Post-Procedure Care for Your Teeth
After plaque and tartar removal, proper care is vital to maintain good oral health. Consider these tips for post-procedure care:
- Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to eliminate any remaining plaque and food particles.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
- Limit consumption of sugary or starchy foods and drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, plaque removal is not painful. Some individuals may experience mild discomfort or sensitivity during the procedure due to the dental professional scraping away plaque and tartar. If severe pain occurs during the dental cleaning, inform your dentist immediately.
While brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque and tartar buildup, tartar cannot be removed at home. Tartar is a hardened form of plaque that requires removal by a dental professional with specialized tools. However, prevention of tartar buildup is possible by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Yes, poor oral health, including plaque and tartar buildup, can contribute to other health problems like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Bacteria in dental plaque can enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation that leads to these and other health issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are essential.
You may experience some gum sensitivity or soreness for a day or two post-procedure. Mild bleeding when brushing or flossing is also common. However, if bleeding persists or severe pain or swelling occurs, contact your dentist.
Keep Your Smile Radiant with Our Henderson, NV Dentist
Regular removal of built-up plaque and hardened tartar is crucial for good oral health. By having regular teeth cleanings and adhering to proper dental care practices, you can prevent plaque buildup, fight cavities, and ward off gum disease.
Start your journey to a healthy smile by contacting our Henderson dental office at (702) 896-8933 to schedule an appointment. Our Henderson, NV office welcomes both new and returning patients from Paradise, Boulder City, and Las Vegas.