Visiting Gene Hassell, DDS for your regular dental cleaning in Pflugerville is essential not only for maintaining a dazzling smile but also for ensuring oral health. Let’s dive into the intricacies and importance of dental cleaning.

What is Dental Cleaning?

A dental cleaning is a routine yet essential procedure often performed by either a dentist or a dental hygienist. Its main goal? To tackle those hard-to-reach areas of the gums and teeth. These elusive spots can become hotbeds for bacteria and leftover food particles, both of which can lead to a slew of dental issues if left unattended.

But here’s the catch: even if you’re diligent with your at-home oral care routine, brushing and flossing can only do so much. Scheduling regular dental cleanings ensures the removal of plaque and tartar – stubborn substances that cling to your teeth. Tartar is essentially hardened plaque and can’t be removed by regular brushing alone. Excess accumulation of these can pave the way for gum diseases and other teeth-related complications.

This is where Gene Hassell, DDS, comes into play. With specialized tools and expertise, our team ensures that every nook and cranny of your mouth is free of plaque and tartar, giving you that refreshing feeling of truly clean teeth.

Unmasking Dental Plaque and Tartar

To truly appreciate a dental cleaning, we first need to understand our adversaries: plaque and tartar.

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria. It’s that slimy feeling you sense when you run your tongue over your teeth after a long day. Tartar, on the other hand, is hardened plaque. Once formed, it can’t be removed with standard brushing and requires professional attention.

The Link to Gum Disease

Unchecked plaque and tartar buildup don’t just jeopardize the aesthetics of your smile. They’re the primary culprits behind gum disease, which begins as gingivitis. Symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed easily. If left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.

Deep Cleaning

While regular dental cleanings focus on the surface of your teeth and the space between your teeth and gums, sometimes a deeper cleaning is necessary, especially when there’s significant gum separation. Scaling removes tartar from above and below the gum line, and root planing smooths the tooth root and helps the gums reattach to the tooth.

The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

  1. Disease Prevention: Regular cleanings can prevent gum disease, which, if unchecked, can lead to tooth loss and impact your overall health.
  2. Brighter Smiles: Over time, certain foods and drinks can stain our teeth. A dental cleaning can help remove these stains, resulting in a whiter, brighter smile.
  3. Early Detection: Regular visits can lead to the detection of potential issues before they become major problems.
  4. Financial Savings: Preventive care, like cleanings, can be more cost-effective in the long run than addressing major dental issues.

The Procedure: What to Expect

During your dental cleaning in Pflugerville, the dental professional will meticulously clean between your gums and teeth, accessing those elusive areas you might miss during your daily routine. For those with early signs of gum disease or existing gum disease, the procedure might delve deeper. Deep cleanings like periodontal scaling or root planing could be advised. These procedures involve cleaning the pockets formed between the teeth and gums—pockets deeper than 4 mm usually warrant such attention.

But, what’s periodontal disease? Simply put, it’s a severe gum infection that can damage soft tissue and destroy the bone that supports your teeth. If you’re diagnosed with periodontal disease, you might find yourself visiting us more frequently than the standard annual visit.

Children and Dental Cleanings

Introducing children to regular dental cleanings early on is pivotal. It fosters good habits, lessens dental anxieties, and ensures the early detection of potential dental issues. Our team at Gene Hassell, DDS, is trained to provide a kid-friendly environment, making dental cleaning in Pflugerville an adventure rather than a chore.

FAQs on Dental Cleaning

Typically, it’s advised to get a dental cleaning at least once a year. However, depending on your oral health status, you might need more frequent visits.

Most patients find dental cleanings straightforward and painless. However, those with sensitive teeth or gums might experience slight discomfort. Always communicate any discomfort to your dental professional.

After a regular dental cleaning, you can eat whenever you feel like it. However, if you’ve had fluoride treatment, it’s best to wait at least 30 minutes.

No worries! It’s never too late to start. Schedule an appointment with Gene Hassell, DDS, and we’ll guide you through the process.

Continue brushing twice daily, flossing, and consider using an antimicrobial mouthwash. Regular dental checkups are also key.

Most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes to an hour. The exact time can vary depending on individual needs and the amount of tartar or plaque build-up.

If you have sensitive teeth, it’s essential to inform your dental hygienist before starting. They can take extra precautions to ensure your comfort, such as using desensitizing toothpaste or adjusting the water temperature.

No, there’s no specific downtime after a regular dental cleaning. You can return to your daily activities immediately. However, if you’ve undergone a deep cleaning or had fluoride treatment, you might be advised to wait for a while before eating or drinking.

Regular dental cleanings are designed to be gentle and should not damage existing dental work. However, if you have concerns or have recently had dental procedures, it’s a good idea to inform your dentist or hygienist.

Mild bleeding can occur if there’s inflammation in the gums, usually from gingivitis or periodontal disease. Regular cleanings and proper at-home care can help reduce this inflammation over time.

Call Us Today to Schedule an Appointment!

If you’ve been searching for thorough and professional dental cleaning in Pflugerville, look no further than Gene Hassell, DDS. Contact us today at (512) 251-7503 or through our contact form. Please follow this driving direction to get to our dental clinic. Our commitment to patient care ensures that you’ll leave with not only a cleaner mouth but also a comprehensive understanding of your oral health.

Remember, dental cleanings are more than just about aesthetics; they’re a crucial step in ensuring your oral health is in peak condition. So, brush, floss, rinse, repeat, and see us at least once a year. Your teeth will thank you!

Dentist examining a patient teeth

Our Location

200 West Main Street
Pflugerville, TX 78660
(512) 251-7503
New Patients Only: (512) 900-4160