General dentistry
A cleaning at Hyattsville Dental Care is not a rushed polish. Our hygienist works around the whole mouth, removing plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, then polishes the surfaces so film has a harder time building back up.
The visit is also the single best chance to catch trouble early. While we clean, we are looking at gum color and texture, checking for bleeding points, and noting anything that has changed since your last visit. Small problems found at a cleaning are almost always cheaper and easier to fix than the same problems found six months later.
Most patients do well on a cleaning every six months. If you have a history of gum disease, smoke, or tend to build tartar quickly, we may suggest coming in more often. We will tell you which category you are in and why.
Step by step
A quick check of gums and teeth so the hygienist knows what she is working with and where to spend extra time.
Hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler lift plaque and hardened tartar from tooth surfaces and just under the gum line.
A gritty paste smooths the enamel and removes surface stain from coffee, tea, and tobacco.
Everything loosened during scaling gets cleared from between the teeth.
Dr. Harding goes over anything worth watching and answers whatever you want to ask.
Worth knowing
Bleeding is not normal, and it is usually the first sign of gum inflammation. It often clears up within weeks of a proper cleaning and better home care.
If your tongue catches on something hard near the gums, that is tartar. Once it hardens, brushing will not remove it.
Bacteria trapped in tartar and between teeth produce odor that mouthwash covers but does not fix.
Common questions
For most patients it does not. If your gums are inflamed or you have sensitive roots, tell the hygienist and we can numb the area first. There is no reason to sit through discomfort.
Every six months suits most people. If you have had gum disease, we may recommend a shorter interval to keep it from returning.
Polishing removes surface stain, so teeth often look brighter afterward. To change the actual shade of the enamel you need whitening, which we also offer.
New patients welcome
We want to help you keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. Contact us today and we will find a convenient time.