Dental Cleanings & Exams in Orem UT

Oral cleaning is a crucial dental procedure and is often practiced as a preventive measure. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar adhered to the surface of the teeth and tooth roots. The two procedures that comprise oral cleaning are scaling and root planing, which is performed on the tooth crown and root, respectively.

Importance of dental cleaning

Dental cleaning helps to get rid of the majority of harmful bacteria from the mouth. This significantly reduces the chances of developing cavities and gum diseases. In fact, root planing is one of the most important treatment procedures in treating gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. Also, they enhance oral aesthetics, reduce bad breath, and improve oral health overall.

How is dental cleaning performed?

The dentist will visually examine the mouth to check for tartar deposits, cavities, and other oral infections. Next, you will be prepared for the procedure. A hand-held scaling device is used for this, which has a metal tip that vibrates at ultrasonic frequencies. This helps to dislodge the tartar deposits, and by combining it with a jet of water, the microbes and debris are washed away. A hook-like scaling tip is used for root planing. Since the procedure could be painful, local anesthesia is usually administered before starting it.

What are the dental exams performed?

Various oral exams are performed by our dental experts to spot the onset of diseases and infections. For instance, we may suggest dental x-rays to get a better view of the teeth, tooth roots, underlying jawbone, etc. Oral scans are taken to spot suspicious growth of tissues, cysts, lesions, map the positioning of the teeth, etc. A bite test would reveal any issues with the bite or the onset of malocclusion. A salivary diagnosis is conducted to determine the onset of oral infections and is known to be quite efficient and helpful in certain critical diagnoses.

Please do reach out to us on call or by scheduling an online consultation with our dental professionals, and we’ll be glad to assist you further.