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DENTAL SERVICES

Fortson Dentistry Logo | Lathrup Village, MI

CLEANINGS

Routine dental cleanings are essential, not just to have clean teeth, but a healthy mind and body too.

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recommends cleaning your teeth at least twice a year to improve your oral health. Professional cleanings offer an opportunity to locate areas in your mouth that may need specialized attention. We at Fortson Dentistry, are dedicated to providing you with a comfortable experience and to keeping you smiling all the way!

WHY ARE CLEANINGS NECESSARY?

Teeth cleanings are necessary to maintain your oral health, to prevent gum disease and tooth loss, and also to keep you healthy. They have been shown to decrease the risk for gingivitis, tooth decay, periodontal disease, bleeding gums, and bad breath.

Teeth cleanings eliminate the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can result in gum disease. Gum disease happens when your body’s immune system responds to the tartar buildup with inflamed and bleeding gums. As gum disease advances it results in damage to the bone and tissues in your mouth.

Your immune system is designed only to fight off infection for a short time. Any chronic activation of the immune system means it can get worn out and it will not be as effective in fighting off illness, resulting in diseases developing in your body. Preventing gum disease has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease, and more. Prevention is the safest way to maintain your overall health and keep your teeth beautiful for a lifetime.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DENTAL CLEANINGS?

The type of teeth cleaning you receive will depend on how healthy your gums are. This will be determined by your dental hygienist using diagnostic tools.

Preventative or regular cleanings are done on a healthy mouth to prevent diseases such as gum disease or bone loss. We recommend that you do this cleaning every six months, in addition to keeping up with your oral hygiene at home.

Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing is a deep cleaning done to treat gum disease before it progresses. The primary cause of gum disease is the presence of plaque, which hardens into tartar or calculus if left on the teeth. Deep cleanings remove the tartar buildup from between your gums and teeth, and from the roots of your teeth. Symptoms that you may need a deep cleaning are bleeding gums when you floss or brush, red, puffy gums, pockets between your teeth and gums, receding gums, loose teeth, and bad breath. Periodontal maintenance therapy is the treatment you will receive every three to four months once scaling and root planing has been completed.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT FROM A DENTAL CLEANING?

Fortson Dentistry performs thorough dental exams at every cleaning. We will:

  • Discuss your dental and overall health since your last visit
  • Check for tooth decay, cracks, and chips
  • Evaluate your bite and jaw
  • Examine your existing restorations
  • Screen for periodontal disease
  • Conduct a TMJ examination
  • Screen for oral cancer
  • Clean teeth thoroughly, removing plaque and stains
  • Take x-rays as prescribed based on the need of each patient

After each comprehensive dental exam, we will discuss our findings, and our dentist will make plans for any specific treatments needed.

During your cleaning, your hygienist will begin by removing the plaque and tartar. Our dental hygienist uses a scaler to remove the buildup deposited around the gum line and between your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing at home prevent plaque from building up and hardening into tartar. Taking care of your oral health means that you won’t have as much tartar to remove.  Once you have tartar, you can only have it removed at a dentist’s office.

After your teeth are entirely tartar-free, our hygienist will polish them with a high-powered device to give your teeth a smooth feel and remove any small stains left behind. The toothpaste used has a gritty consistency that gently scrubs your teeth clean.

After polishing your teeth, our hygienist will floss between your teeth. This flossing session removes any leftover plaque or toothpaste from the earlier steps of the cleaning process. In the final stages of cleaning, you will rinse out your mouth to get rid of any debris. If indicated, our hygienist will apply a fluoride treatment to protect your teeth and fight cavities.

CARE AT HOME

Make sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly. It’s important to remember that responsible dental care will maintain clean teeth, a healthy mouth and a confident smile.

HOW MUCH IS TEETH CLEANING?

If you have questions about the price of teeth cleaning or questions about how much a dental cleaning costs without insurance, just contact us and our friendly staff will walk you through the costs.

AREAS WE SERVE

If you’re looking for someone to provide teeth cleanings near you, Fortson Dentistry is an excellent option with three locations. We offer dental cleanings in Oak Park and both of our Lathrup Village offices. We serve patients throughout Southeast Michigan including SouthfieldLathrup VillageBerkleyOak ParkHuntington WoodsBirminghamMadison Heights, and Royal Oak.

CALL US TODAY!

Call Fortson Dentistry to schedule a comprehensive exam today. When you come in for your regular checkups and cleanings, we will find any potential problems, reducing the chance of more complex and costly procedures later. Take care of your teeth and oral health to maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime!