Dental cleanings & consultations are two ways that modern dentistry aims to preserve your oral health by preventing a number of dental issues. Regular trips to Ace Dental Care ensures that Dr. Sachdeva is able to closely monitor your dental health and identify any possible signs of trouble early-on. In fact, regular dental cleanings & consultations can decrease your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Did You Know?
Dental hygiene is extremely important to maintain your dental health. In fact, those who skip daily flossing miss cleaning 40% of their tooth surfaces. Additionally, most people only brush for 45-70 seconds, when it is recommended to brush for 2-3 minutes. At a dental consultation, these habits can be addressed and Dr. Sachdeva can go over the proper brushing and flossing technique.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do I need a dental cleaning and consultation?
Yes, everyone from ages 6 months to 106 can benefit from a dental cleaning and consultation. This is because dental cleanings and consultations are preventative dental services, meaning that even if you are currently in good dental health, they can benefit you. If you are in good dental health, they will simply help to maintain this health, and if you have dental issues, they will help you to address these issues.
How often should I have a dental cleaning and consultation?
On average, you should visit Ace Dental Care every six months for a dental cleaning and consultation. Once Dr. Sachdeva has assessed your oral health, she may make more specific recommendations about how often you come in. For example, if you have the beginnings of tooth decay or gum disease, she may have you come in more often than twice a year.
Is there anything I can do to prepare for my dental consultation and cleaning?
Yes! To prepare for your dental cleaning, you simply need to brush your teeth before your appointment. To prepare for your dental consultation, we recommend making a list of questions and/or concerns to discuss with Dr. Sachdeva at your appointment. Some examples of questions to ask during a dental consultation include:
- How can I improve my oral health?
- Am I using the proper brushing and flossing technique?
- What dental products should I be using?
- Why are my gums bleeding?
- Why are my teeth sensitive?
What can I expect during my dental cleaning and consultation?
At Ace Dental, our general dental appointments consist of dental x-rays, a dental exam, and a professional teeth cleaning. Depending on your individual case, you may or may not need to have dental x-rays at every consultation, however they will be taken at your initial consultation. However, every six months, you will need to have a dental exam and professional teeth cleaning.
At your first appointment, our dental hygienist will take dental x-rays for Dr. Sachdeva to evaluate. Dental x-rays are taken intraorally or extraorally, meaning they can be taken of the inside or outside of the mouth. Intraoral x-rays, or x-rays taken inside the mouth, are used to evaluate the teeth and bone under the gums. They can also be used to identify structural anamolies, an uneven bite, impacted wisdom teeth, and possible tooth decay between teeth.
Extraoral x-rays, or those taken outside of the mouth, will instead focus on the anatomy and function of the jaw. Because this type of x-ray focuses on the outside of the mouth, it will produce an image of your jaw and how it connects to your skull, rather than focusing on your teeth.
No matter what type of image is being obtained, dental x-rays are quick, easy, and painless. To obtain a dental x-ray, you will first have a lead vest placed over your chest and lap. Although this vest can feel heavy, it is important to block excess radiation from being absorbed into your body. Once the vest has been placed, our hygienist will “pose” your mouth and have you hold still while the image is processed. You will have a number of images obtained, but the whole process should take no more than 15 minutes.
Once your dental x-rays have been completed, you will be escorted to an exam room where Dr. Sachdeva will perform an oral examination. She will review your medical history and current medications, as well as ask you if you have been experiencing any dental symptoms. Then, she will examine your teeth, gums, and bite. This will consist of using a small metal probe to check for signs of decay, measuring your gum pockets to check for signs of gum disease, and asking you to bite to ensure your jaw is functioning properly. She will also evaluate your oral soft tissues for any signs of swelling, tenderness, or discoloration that could indicate oral cancer.
After your dental exam is complete, your teeth will then be professionally cleaned. This cleaning starts by using a flat dental tool called a scaler to scrape off the plaque and tartar from the surface of each tooth. Then, your teeth will be brushed with a gritty toothpaste and rinsed with water to get rid of smaller debris. Finally, your teeth will be polished with fluoride to prevent future plaque development.
To keep you comfortable at ease during your teeth cleaning, Ace Dental Care provides sound blocker ear plugs and Cinemizers. Ear plugs block out any unpleasant sounds, while Cinemizers allow you to watch videos to provide entertainment while your teeth are cleaned.
Regular teeth cleanings are essential to prevent the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Although plaque can be removed by a toothbrush, if it is not removed it will turn into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. In the meantime, accumulations of plaque and tartar provide an environment that supports that growth of thousands of bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Regular teeth cleanings decrease the amount of bacteria in your mouth and reduce the risk of developing dental issues.
Dr. Pushpa Sachdeva has been providing some of the best dental care in Nairobi for over 33 years. For comprehensive, family-friendly dental care for all ages, schedule a consultation at Ace Dental Care today!
