Cleanings And Exams

Your oral health is important to not only your teeth but to your whole body. Part of your oral hygiene routine should include having a dental cleaning with a professional hygienist, such as ours at Posh Dental, which is then followed by an examination with Dr. Gabriel. These appointments are designed to ensure that your oral health is on a good path and redirect it if it is not. Our preference is to see our patients for a dental cleaning and exam at least twice a year.

Scheduling your hygiene appointments twice a year allows Dr. Gabriel to note changes as they occur. We may look at the possibility of decay, infection, the accumulation of plaque or tartar, the development of gum pockets and if there are signs of gum recession. Your biannual dental

Dental Cleaning

Your dental cleaning is performed by our professional hygienist. During your time in the chair with the hygienist, they will:

Measure Your Gum Pockets

The first step in your dental cleaning will be the examination and measuring of your gum pockets. Using a simple probe, you may hear the hygienist call out numbers ranging from 1-5mm. Measurements that exceed 3mm is an indication of gum disease, and that the gums are actively pulling away from the source of infection, while also moving away from your teeth. We will want to specifically address these areas to remove the source of infection.

Cleaning and Debridement:

our dental cleaning is the removal of a plaque and hardened tartar or calculus from the surface of your teeth and along the gum line. Most adult cleanings include the removal of hardened calculus through scaling and root planing. Using an ultrasonic scaler, we use its quick vibrating tip, along with a blast of oxygenated bubbles to remove bacteria filled material and damaged or dead tissue, this is known as debridement. Scaling and root planing will remove the infected material which will help close any gum pockets that have developed.

Brushing and Flossing

Our hygienist will review proper brushing and flossing with you. They may recommend flossing using a “c” formation with the floss as you do it, or they may recommend incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash to your daily routine.

Remove Stains and Polish

Part of your dental cleaning includes the removal of surface stains and polishing. Our hygienist will use a gritty toothpaste along with a rotary brush to help you achieve a sparkly clean smile.

Dental Examination

Your dental exam with Dr. Gabriel is to note changes that have occurred as well as looking for indications of decay or disease, both visual and hidden. We will begin with digital x-rays and then use our intraoral camera and probe; we will exam your entire mouth. This examination includes a simple oral cancer screening.

We will check your teeth, cheeks, lips, gums, and tongue. We may make recommendations as needed, which may include the need for tooth restoration due to a cavity or decay, or we may recommend taking a further look at an area of interest. Barring any indications of problems, your examination is complete.