Professional Dental Cleanings in Lancaster, PA

Dental cleanings are an essential component of keeping your smile healthy and happy. Even if you are brushing and flossing your teeth perfectly at home, it is still highly important to receive professional dental cleanings at least twice each year. Using state-of-the-art equipment, our talented dental hygienists remove built-up plaque and tartar and polish your teeth for a healthier, brighter smile. After each cleaning, our team always provides tips on how to better manage your oral hygiene at home and points out any areas that may need a bit more care and attention. Professional dental cleanings at our Lancaster, PA practice are often paired with dental exams, which give us a chance to identify any issues in the mouth that might need treatment. To schedule a dental cleaning with our trusted, compassionate team, contact LANCO Dental Care today.

Biannual dental cleanings can have several oral health benefits for Lancaster, PA-area patients. Some of the most common benefits of regular dental cleanings include:

• Reduction of plaque and debris buildup
• Prevention of disease that catches cavities or other issues before they progress
• Improvement of overall tooth health and appearance
• Ability to elect for fluoride treatment to strengthen and protect teeth

The ADA (American Dental Association) suggests that individuals receive a professional teeth cleaning at least twice each year. Young children should have a dental exam before they turn a year old to ensure proper development is taking place and acclimate them to the dental environment. Following this initial visit, we can help you determine when your child is ready for their next appointment.

Dental cleanings can minimize your risk of oral disease as plaque and tartar deposits that harbor disease-causing bacteria are removed during professional cleanings. A cleaning will also minimize stains that accumulate from coffee, tea, and other items on the enamel surface. If you want to brighten your smile, freshen your breath, boost your health, and reduce your risk for greater treatment needs, we encourage you to make an appointment for a dental cleaning at our Lancaster, PA practice.

One of our experienced hygienists will begin your teeth cleaning by addressing the plaque and tartar buildup on your enamel. Though plaque is a soft, sticky substance that can be removed with your toothbrush and floss, tartar (hard plaque) adheres to the teeth and must be eliminated with professional techniques. Special instruments are used to carefully scale buildup from the teeth without affecting the enamel. To begin, an ultrasonic device loosens larger areas of plaque and tartar with high-speed vibrations and a water mist. We then utilize handheld instruments to fine-scale and eliminate smaller pieces. Each tooth will be thoroughly treated to remove plaque and tartar. After your teeth are clean, your enamel will be polished to diminish surface stains. If requested or necessary, a professional fluoride treatment may be applied after the cleaning, especially in the case of younger patients.

Our experienced team may suggest cleanings on a more frequent basis if you have other oral health concerns, such as periodontal (gum) disease, or if you are undergoing orthodontic care with braces. After your teeth cleaning, our hygiene team will help you devise a routine for good oral health at home by recommending dental products and demonstrating techniques that can address your concerns. Keeping up with routine dental cleanings and taking good care of your teeth and gums between visits are important for your oral health, a confident smile, and overall wellness.

Does a dental cleaning hurt?
Before we start your dental cleaning, we will analyze your teeth to see how sensitive they are. We will also check and see how much plaque buildup is present on the teeth. In general, a teeth cleaning doesn't hurt. But if you have an advanced case or sensitive gums, it can cause sensitivity. If you have questions about the health of your teeth, contact our office to schedule an appointment.

What foods should I avoid after a teeth cleaning?
You should steer clear of spicy, acidic, or heavily seasoning foods on the day of cleaning. Our team will describe in detail what foods should be avoided and what types you can eat without any worry.

How long does it take to receive a dental cleaning?
A regular dental cleaning usually only takes around an hour to an hour and a half. The time it takes will all depend on the current health of your teeth. We will let you know during your appointment if more extensive cleaning is needed. Contact our team for more information.

How will I effectively keep my teeth clean after my appointment?
To keep your teeth clean after your appointment, you should maintain a daily dental cleaning routine. This means brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily. For more instructions on how to properly brush and floss your teeth, ask us at our next appointment.

Keep your teeth healthy with thorough dental cleanings at LANCO Dental Care. Our highly skilled team treats both adults and children to improve their oral and overall health by removing tartar and plaque buildup through professional dental cleanings. A vital part if a preventive oral health plan, routine professional dental cleanings may save your family from oral health concerns and extensive treatments over time. Contact our Lancaster, PA, dental practice today to reserve dental cleaning visits for you and your loved ones.