PROPHYLAXIS Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles CA.
Healthy teeth through professional dental cleaning in Sherman Oaks.
One of the focal points of our dental practice in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA, is professional teeth cleaning, through which common dental diseases such as caries or periodontitis can be effectively prevented. We support our patients beyond home dental care to ensure that their teeth remain healthy and radiant for a long time.
Why should a professional dental cleaning be performed?
Do I really need professional dental cleaning if I pay attention to thorough oral hygiene at home? The answer is: Yes, because even with diligent oral care, it's usually not possible to remove all plaque, especially from the spaces between your teeth.
Throughout the day, bacteria accumulate on and between teeth, which over time can lead to plaque formation. Even with intensive cleaning and rinsing at home, this buildup cannot be completely removed. The risk for cavities and periodontitis increases. Professional dental cleaning can remove both soft and hard deposits from the tooth surfaces and eliminate pathogenic agents.
After the cleaning, your teeth are sealed to prevent bacteria from easily resettling. By repeating this process of professional dental cleaning at regular intervals, your teeth receive effective prophylaxis.
What happens during a professional dental cleaning?
A professional dental cleaning at our dental practice in Sherman Oaks Los Angeles includes the following services:
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Assessment of current oral hygiene
In the first step, we examine your current oral hygiene status. We make any plaque visible using a disclosing tablet.
2. Removal of dental plaque on the teeth and in the interdental spaces
This is followed by mechanical cleaning and the removal of both soft and hard deposits on the teeth and tooth roots. Using the so-called Airflow method, we can eliminate plaque even in hard-to-reach areas. Hardened deposits are gently removed with a mixture of powder, water, and air. Tartar is removed using a special ultrasonic device.
3. Polishing the teeth
After all deposits have been removed from the teeth, we rinse and dry your mouth and polish the roughened tooth surfaces and interdental spaces. Your teeth will immediately feel smooth again.
4. Fluoridating the teeth for cavity prevention
Subsequently, a fluoride-containing gel is applied to the teeth. This acts like a protective film intended to effectively prevent the formation of new deposits.
5. Tips for home dental care
Afterward, we provide you with tips on how to properly use dental hygiene products and maintain good oral hygiene status.
How often should dental cleaning be performed by a dentist?
We recommend undergoing professional dental cleaning at least 2 or 3 times a year. However, it is important to us to provide each patient with a personalized recommendation on the intervals at which dental cleaning is advisable in their individual case.
Why is prophylaxis so important?
Individual prophylaxis is a preventive package tailored specifically to the patient. Not every preventive measure makes sense for every patient. That's why we offer services in our practice that are customized to you and your dental health. We determine your personal risk of disease and recommend appropriate countermeasures.
For patients with a high risk of cavities, for example, more frequent check-ups and shorter intervals between professional dental cleaning appointments are beneficial. Components of individual prophylaxis in our practice also include personalized dietary advice and tips for optimal oral hygiene. Individual prophylaxis is a perfect complement to professional dental cleaning.
How much does a professional dental cleaning cost?
Professional dental cleaning is not a standard service covered by health insurance, so patients typically have to pay the costs themselves. However, some insurance companies now contribute towards the cost of professional dental cleaning through subsidies and bonus programs. For privately insured patients, coverage depends on the terms of the insurance contract. We cannot provide flat rates here, but we are happy to offer you a cost estimate based on the time and difficulty involved.
Is professional dental cleaning painful?
We can perform professional dental cleaning painlessly. The removal of dental plaque may involve a slight pressure. If you suffer from periodontitis with exposed tooth necks, we can locally numb the sensitive gum pockets with pain medication at that spot.