To keep a beautiful, intact smile, visit My Dentist in Plano every six months for a checkup. Regular visits allow Dr. Darren Dickson to closely monitor your oral health and catch any problems in their early stages.
Dental Exams and Teeth Cleanings in Plano, TX
What Are Dental Cleanings?
A dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a professional procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from your teeth. Unlike brushing and flossing at home, teeth cleanings use specialized tools to clean areas that are hard to reach, ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy.
Dental cleanings are typically recommended every six months, though some patients with specific conditions may need more frequent visits. These appointments not only keep your smile sparkling but also play a critical role in preventing serious dental issues.
At My Dentist in Plano, we believe every family member deserves exceptional dental care in a welcoming environment. From toddlers to grandparents, we provide comprehensive services tailored to all ages:
- Pediatric Dentistry: Gentle cleanings, sealants, and education to keep kids’ smiles healthy.
- Adult Care: Preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments to maintain your oral health.
- Senior Dentistry: Specialized care for dentures, dental implants, and age-related oral health issues.
Our kid-friendly dental office and compassionate team make dental visits stress-free for everyone. Plus, we offer family block appointments to save you time. Let us care for your family’s smiles!
Let’s improve your dental health! Contact our Plano dentist today at (972) 378-9747! We welcome new patients!
Types of Dental Cleanings
Routine Teeth Cleanings
Routine teeth cleanings are the most common and are recommended for those with good oral health. During a dental cleaning, our dentist or dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildup on the surface of your teeth. The dental cleaning process is quick and shouldn’t take longer than one hour.
This type of cleaning is typically done twice a year as part of routine dental health care.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep dental cleanings, is recommended for those with moderate to severe gum disease. During a scaling and root planing treatment, our dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. They’ll also smooth out the roots of your teeth to prevent future buildup.
In many cases, one or two sessions of scaling and root planing can reverse the effects of gum disease and prevent it from progressing into further stages.
Periodontal Maintenance
A periodontal maintenance cleaning is done after scaling and root planing to maintain the health of the gums. During periodontal maintenance, our dentist will remove any plaque and tartar that has accumulated since your last deep cleaning. This type of cleaning is typically done every three to four months for patients with gum disease.
Gross Debridement
Gross debridement cleaning isn’t your typical dental cleaning. It’s done to remove plaque and tartar that’s built up excessively for routine teeth cleaning. This type of dental cleaning is necessary when there’s so much buildup, making it difficult for the dentist to perform a thorough oral examination. The gums may be swollen, and the buildup must be removed before a prophylaxis or dental exam can be completed.
Enjoy A Thorough Exam and Complete Teeth Cleaning
Your first dental checkup at My Dentist in Plano will usually last about an hour or an hour and a half. Dr. Darren Dickson wants this visit to align perfectly with his vision for our practice, which emphasizes preventive dental care for each patient. He and our team want to help you prevent unnecessary emergencies from toothaches and broken teeth, and help you save money by avoiding more costly dental repairs down the road.
When you come in, one of our front desk team members will help you fill out any needed paperwork, then discuss your desires, goals, and concerns. This person will stay with you throughout your visit to make sure you’re comfortable and that your care is consistent with your needs.
You’ll receive a thorough dental exam, which will include an oral cancer screening, a medical history exam, a hard and soft tissue exam, and a sleep apnea screening. We’ll take our time to carefully inspect areas where decay or periodontal disease could be forming.
Our hygienist will then clean and polish each of your teeth to give them a sparkling, fresh appearance and feel. We’ll make sure to pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas your toothbrush might miss at home.
Afterward, we’ll go over in detail what we found during your exam. We’ll answer any questions you have about recommended treatments and help you choose a course of action to keep your smile bright and healthy for decades.
Regular dental cleanings and exams will keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright! Call our dentist near you today to schedule your next checkup. We also offer sedation dentistry options, including IV sedation, if you suffer from severe dental anxiety.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends professional dental cleanings every six months for most people. However, our dentist may adjust this schedule based on factors like:
- Oral Health Status: Patients with periodontal disease or a history of cavities may need cleanings every 3–4 months.
- Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, heavy coffee consumption, or poor oral hygiene may necessitate more frequent visits.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes or pregnancy can increase the risk of dental issues, requiring closer monitoring.
To schedule your routine cleaning at our dental office in Plano, call (972) 378-9747. Along with dental cleanings, our dentist also offers cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and more!
Aftercare Tips for Dental Cleanings
Post-cleaning care helps maintain the results and keeps your mouth and teeth healthy until your next visit. Follow these tips:
- Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: For 24 to 48 hours, steer clear of coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored foods to prevent staining.
- Stick to Soft Foods: If your gums are sensitive, opt for soft foods like yogurt or soup for a day or two.
- Brush and Floss Regularly: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine to prevent plaque buildup.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps rinse away bacteria and keeps your mouth fresh.
- Follow Dentist Recommendations: If our dentist suggests a specific mouthwash or toothpaste, incorporate it into your routine.
Dental Cleaning Costs
On average, dental cleaning costs between $75 and $200 without dental insurance. The price varies based on several factors, including the type of cleaning, your location, and whether you have dental insurance. If you have any questions, contact our dental office near you today at (972) 378-9747.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing dental issues. Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing can’t eliminate, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss.
Most dental insurance plans cover routine dental cleanings, typically at 100% as a preventive care benefit, with no out-of-pocket costs for patients. Coverage often includes two cleanings per year, but some plans may have limitations or require a copay. It’s best to check with your insurance provider or contact My Dentist in Plano to verify your specific plan’s coverage for dental cleanings and exams.
A dental exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your oral health, typically performed by a dentist during a cleaning visit. It includes:
- Visual inspection: Checking teeth and gums for cavities, wear, or abnormalities.
- X-rays (if needed): Detecting hidden issues like tooth decay or bone loss.
- Gum health assessment: Measuring gum pockets to screen for periodontal disease.
- Oral cancer screening: Examining the mouth for signs of cancerous or precancerous lesions.
- Bite and jaw evaluation: Assessing alignment and function.
A standard dental cleaning takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the patient’s oral health and the extent of plaque or tartar buildup. If a dental exam or X-rays are included, the visit may last up to 90 minutes. At My Dentist in Plano, we streamline appointments to respect your time while ensuring thorough care.
Yes, My Dentist in Plano offers professional dental cleanings and comprehensive exams to keep your smile healthy. Our experienced team uses advanced tools to remove plaque and tartar and conducts thorough exams to detect issues early. Schedule your appointment today at (972) 378-9747 for personalized dental care in Plano, Texas.
Yes, dental cleanings help prevent cavities by removing plaque and tartar, which harbor bacteria that cause tooth decay. Regular cleanings, combined with daily brushing and flossing, significantly reduce cavity risk.
Welcoming New Patients Today!
Professional cleanings can keep your smile beautiful and bright. If you’re looking for a general dentist near you offering teeth cleanings, look no further than Dr. Darren Dickson. Schedule your appointment today by contacting our dentist in Plano by calling (972) 378-9747.
Darren K. Dickson DDS on Exams & Cleanings
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