Dental Services
Dental Checkup & Cleaning in Naperville, IL | Professional Teeth Cleaning
Enamel Theory offers full-service dental checkups and professional dental cleaning in Naperville, IL, to help patients of all ages maintain good oral health and detect potential issues in the earliest stages. A dental checkup involves a full clinical exam of your mouth, including the teeth, gums, and surrounding structures. Additionally, you will receive a dental cleaning during the appointment so that plaque and tartar buildup can be removed from your teeth to prevent dental problems in the future.
The combination of a dental exam and teeth cleaning provides the foundation that you need to maintain a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. This professional dental cleaning is a preventive strategy since dental plaque removal helps to minimize complications such as gum disease and tooth decay.
When it’s time for your routine checkup and cleaning, reach out to our team at Enamel Theory. These appointments are recommended every six months for patients of all ages. We offer preventive care and proactive treatments at our dental clinic located near you in Naperville, IL. Partner with a dental team you can trust to protect your smile.
What Happens During a Dental Checkup and Cleaning?
When you arrive at our office for a dental checkup, we start with a clinical exam to look at the health of your teeth, gums, bite alignment, and soft tissue structure. The goal is to identify any signs of decay or disease that might need to be treated. In addition to a visual checkup by our teeth cleaning dentist, our team also uses digital X-rays to see what is happening under the surface.
Next, your teeth are cleaned to remove plaque from the teeth. This teeth scraping is done with a scaler that breaks up the hardened tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. Then, dental polishing paste is applied so that we can smooth the surfaces and remove stains from teeth.
Finally, we have a detailed conversation with you about the findings and any follow-up treatments that might be necessary. One of the benefits of maintaining regular checkups at a nearby dental office is that potential issues can be identified in the earliest stages. Minimally invasive treatments can be used proactively to reduce the need for more invasive interventions in the future.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: Which Do You Need?
What Is the Difference Between a Routine Cleaning and a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
A routine teeth cleaning appointment is recommended for all patients every six months, and it involves plaque removal on the visible surfaces of the teeth (above the gumline). These routine appointments are sufficient for patients who have healthy gums.
But if you have any signs of gum disease, then it might be recommended that you come back for a dental deep cleaning appointment. This treatment is more intensive and involves dental scaling and root planing below the surface of the gumline so that infection and buildup can be removed. If you have pockets of infection, then deep teeth cleaning is essential to avoid the risk of severe gum disease.
Some of the signs that you might need a dental deep cleaning include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, and pockets of infection in your gums. Our local team at Enamel Theory will evaluate your oral health and offer personalized recommendations about the type of cleaning that is most appropriate for your unique smile needs.
What Dental Plaque and Tartar Removal Prevents Long-Term
-
Regular dental cleaning appointments are one of the best things that you can do to protect your smile and minimize the risk of complications in the future. If you have tartar buildup, it can only be removed with professional dental instruments (a toothbrush isn’t sufficient). It’s important to remove tartar from the teeth before it reaches below the gumline to prevent gum disease.
-
The unfortunate reality is that untreated gum disease can lead to more intensive dental treatments in the future, such as root canals or even tooth extraction. Taking a proactive approach right now with your dental checkups and cleanings can preserve your natural teeth and save you money in the long run.
When to Schedule a Teeth Cleaning Appointment at Enamel Theory
We recommend that every patient schedule a dental checkup every six months at our office located close to you in Naperville, IL. Patients who have a history of gum disease or other complications might need more frequent dental checkups, and we’ll offer the ideal frequency for your unique needs.
Additionally, if you notice any complications between appointments, then it’s a good idea to contact our local team to schedule an exam and cleaning. For example, bleeding gums or tooth sensitivity could be an indication that you need to see a dentist soon instead of waiting for your routine checkup.
The Dental Cleaning Process at Enamel Theory: Step-by-Step
We begin with a conversation about your medical and dental history.
A full clinical exam is completed, including a review of your teeth, gums, and soft tissue.
Digital X-rays are often used to improve diagnostics.
During the cleaning, dental scaling is performed to remove plaque from teeth.
Next, we use dental polishing to smooth tooth surfaces and remove staining.
Our hygienist will floss around your teeth to address buildup between the teeth. If desired, you can have a professional fluoride treatment for cavity prevention.
Finally, we discuss the findings and provide follow-up treatment recommendations if needed.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Checkups and Cleanings
According to the American Dental Association, most patients need a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. If you have gum disease, then our team at Enamel Theory might recommend appointments every 3 to 4 months.
A routine teeth cleaning is not painful for most patients. You might experience a bit of sensitivity, especially if you have significant tartar buildup that needs to be removed.
Routine dental scaling is done on the visible surfaces of the teeth. On the other hand, a dental deep cleaning reaches below the gumline to smooth the tooth roots and treat active gum disease.
Skipping a dental checkup can increase the risk of dental complications in the future (including tooth decay and gum disease) because it allows plaque and tartar to accumulate.
Schedule a Dental Checkup and Cleaning in Naperville, IL
Preventive care starts with a routine dental checkup, and our team at Enamel Theory is here to help. We serve patients in Naperville and all of the surrounding communities. Call our office or book your teeth cleaning appointment using our online form.