“We’re not only fans of Dr. Lodding and his staff, but also his patients."
Dental exams and cleanings are an essential part of maintaining exceptional oral health and preventing more serious dental issues over time. At Smile For Life Dental in Elgin, Il, our skilled and compassionate team offers general and preventative dental care for patients of all ages. To learn more about the cleaning and exam process, we invite you to explore the informative sections below. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
Good oral hygiene habits are crucial for maintaining both dental health and overall health, preventing conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Maintaining a healthy mouth can also reduce the risk of infections that can spread to other parts of the body. Dr. Dean Lodding and his team believe in the importance of educating patients about the mouth-body connection, which refers to the scientifically-founded links between oral health and general wellness. At Smile For Life Dental, we aim to help patients understand their health on a holistic level, which is why we offer expansive preventative and diagnostic services, including oral DNA testing.
Exams and cleanings are routine preventative services performed during regular dental appointments. During these exams, your dental team will have a chance to assess your teeth, gums, and other oral structures, enabling them to proactively diagnose and treat any potential concerns. Professional cleaning services help remove more stubborn plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be addressed through brushing and flossing alone, reducing the risk of gum disease and other conditions.
During a dental exam, a dentist or hygienist inspects your teeth, gums, and mouth for signs of decay, gum disease, and other oral issues. They may take X-rays to detect problems not visible to the naked eye. Following the exam, a dental cleaning is performed to remove plaque and tartar buildup. This involves scaling to remove hardened deposits and polishing to eliminate surface stains. Regular exams and cleanings help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems, ensuring your teeth and gums remain healthy. These visits are typically recommended every six months to maintain optimal oral health.
A dental cleaning typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. The duration often depends on the amount of plaque and tartar buildup and the patient’s oral health. Regular cleanings and good at-home maintenance help ensure the process remains quick and efficient. Patients with significant tartar accumulation or signs of gum disease may require a longer appointment to thoroughly clean all areas of the mouth. Conversely, those who maintain excellent oral hygiene habits may find their cleanings are completed on the shorter end of the timeframe.
At-home oral hygiene routines should be a regular part of every patient’s life, and Dr. Lodding encourages patients to brush and floss at least twice a day—especially after waking up in the morning and before going to bed—to remove bacteria and food particles. Twice yearly dental visits should also be scheduled so that a dental professional can do a more thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums with professional equipment.
It is generally recommended that patients visit the dentist for a cleaning every six months. This frequency may vary based on factors such as age and whether a patient has any outstanding dental or orthodontic conditions. Some individuals, such as those with gum disease and a history of cavities, may benefit from more frequent cleanings every three to four months. Regular professional cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be eliminated with brushing and flossing alone, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Lodding can recommend a personalized cleaning schedule based on your unique oral health needs.
Dental cleanings are considered a form of preventative care, and most insurance plans will cover all or most of the associated costs. Depending on the nature of your dental coverage, more advanced procedures—such as gum disease treatment or dental fillings—may incur an additional charge. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to assist you in navigating your coverage.
A regular dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar to maintain overall oral health. In contrast, a deep cleaning—also called scaling and root planing—targets plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gumline and along the tooth roots. Deep cleaning is typically recommended for patients with gum disease or significant tartar buildup, as it helps reduce inflammation and promote healing of the gums. While regular cleanings can be preventive and routine, deep cleanings are generally a more intensive treatment aimed at addressing active periodontal issues.
Skipping regular dental cleanings can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, increasing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Over time, untreated gum disease may progress to periodontitis, causing gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Additionally, oral health issues can worsen without early detection, potentially requiring more extensive and costly treatments later. Regular cleanings also allow dentists to monitor for signs of oral cancer and other health concerns, making them essential for maintaining both dental and overall health.
A dental cleaning is typically not painful, especially for patients with healthy gums and minimal plaque buildup. You may feel mild pressure or slight sensitivity during scaling, particularly if there is significant tartar or if your gums are inflamed. For patients with sensitive teeth or gum disease, discomfort can be minimized with gentle techniques or the use of a numbing gel. Regular cleanings help reduce sensitivity over time by keeping gums healthy and preventing inflammation. If you’re concerned about discomfort, discuss your options with Dr. Lodding before your cleaning.
Children should start getting dental cleanings as soon as their first tooth erupts or by their first birthday, whichever comes first. Early dental visits help monitor tooth development, identify potential issues, and establish healthy oral care habits. Regular cleanings every six months allow dentists to remove plaque, apply preventive treatments like fluoride, and educate parents on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Starting early also helps children become comfortable with dental visits, reducing anxiety and promoting a lifetime of good oral health.
To learn more about dental cleanings and exams, contact Smile for Life Dental today.