Teeth Cleaning and Hygiene in Cameron Park, CA

There is nothing like having your teeth cleaned! At Cameron Park Family Dentistry, we can’t stress enough the importance of regular dental hygiene appointments. Regular teeth cleaning schedules are essential to keeping your mouth healthy and preventing cavities and gum disease.

Your mouth is connected to your overall health, and our bodies and lives change constantly. Most Cameron Park, CA, families need a dental cleaning every six months to check for oral cancer, prevent gum disease, and monitor the health of their teeth. Read on to learn why Regular dental cleanings are essential throughout your lifetime.

Professional Teeth Cleaning for a Healthy Smile

It could be tempting to skip your next check-up, but professional teeth cleanings in Cameron Park are essential to maintaining overall health! These cleanings give you a beautiful smile and remove plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other harmful oral health issues.

The Importance of Routine Dental Cleanings in Cameron Park, CA

Dental prophylaxis, or “regular cleaning,” involves removing plaque and tartar deposits from the surfaces of the teeth above the gumlines and along the edges of the gums. Cleaning your teeth helps prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to gum disease and cavities. Most people need regular cleanings every six months.

Regular Cleanings vs. Deep Cleanings

There are two main types of dental cleanings: regular cleanings and deep cleanings.

• Regular dental cleanings are designed to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gums. These non-invasive procedures keep teeth clean and healthy. Our Cameron Park hygienist will discuss home care techniques to reverse or improve those issues when minor buildup and mild gingivitis are present before the next cleaning.
• Deep dental cleanings (periodontal therapy) are more invasive procedures used to treat gum disease. They go deeper beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of the tooth roots, where gums have detached from the teeth and the bone is deteriorating. These deep cleanings help prevent gum disease and are often recommended for those with gum issues. Without this deep cleaning, bacterial pathogens continue gum and bone deterioration, eventually leading to tooth loss and affecting your body’s health.

What to Expect During a Deep Dental Cleaning

A deep cleaning in Cameron Park, or scaling and root planing, can make all the difference in oral health. While regular cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, they don’t reach below the gumline. Deep cleanings are needed when plaque and tartar build up beneath the gum line, leading to inflammation caused by bacterial pathogens and gum disease.

During a deep cleaning, special instruments are used to clean below the gum line, removing bacteria from the deeper pocket and roots of your teeth and allowing your gums to heal. While you may feel some minor discomfort during the procedure, your gums will quickly return to normal. Local anesthetic can also be used to increase your comfort during the procedure.

Are Dental Cleanings Covered by My Insurance?

When it comes to dental cleanings, most insurance plans will cover the cost of regular cleanings (healthy gums)  twice a year (every six months). Regular cleanings are important in preventing cavities and gum disease, as well as ensuring healthy gums and teeth, so it’s beneficial for both you and your insurance carrier to have these visits included under your benefits package.

In some cases, a deep cleaning may be necessary. Deep cleanings focus on the area between your gums and teeth where gum disease already exists. If you have gum disease, a deep cleaning is necessary to get rid of bacteria and reduce inflammation, and a preventative cleaning will not be appropriate. This involves the hygienist scaling down into the pockets around the teeth and roots, removing tartar and bacteria from the area. Deep cleanings are usually partially covered by most insurance plans, though there may be some out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your policy, you may have a copay or deductible to meet in addition to the patient percentage not covered by your insurance policy.

To find out if your insurance plan covers dental cleanings, Cameron Park Family Dentistry will contact your insurer to check your policy details. Knowing whether or not your regular dental cleanings are covered by insurance and by how much can help you budget for your visits and stay on top of your oral health.

Is it Time for Your Next Cleaning?

When you visit Cameron Park Family Dentistry for your exam, Dr. Nah and the dental hygienist will determine the type of cleaning needed based on your gum health. If it’s been six months since your last check-up, or you suspect you have gum disease, please call our office today to schedule your next appointment!

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On This Page

• Professional Teeth Cleaning for a Healthy Smile
• The Importance of Routine Dental Cleanings in Cameron Park, CA
• Regular Cleanings vs. Deep Cleanings
• What to Expect During a Deep Dental Cleaning
• Are Dental Cleanings Covered by My Insurance?

Related Topics

• Preventative Dentistry
• Dental Exams & X-Rays

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Hear From Our Patients

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Helpful links: WebMD (Dental Care) | ADA (Glossary of Dental Terms)