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Teeth Cleaning Fort Collins - A Complete Tooth Care

Dr. Livingston • Mar 23, 2022
teeth cleaning fort collins

Teeth Cleaning Fort Collins

One of the underrated techniques dentists employ every day is teeth cleaning. Based on various research studies, it has been observed that many people do not brush their teeth properly. Many people ask what causes dental problems despite thorough cleaning. The majority of the time, the techniques and patterns used to clean can cause more harm than benefit. 


The "build-up" from your teeth is removed by a dental cleaning treatment. "Build-up" is not only food particles that most people remove each day. However hard you brush your teeth, plaque and tartar will continue to build up and require cleaning off by dentists. 


A regular tooth cleaning, often referred to as prophylaxis, is an established dental procedure. Special instruments are used to eliminate calculus, plaque, and stains from the surface of teeth over the gumline. 


Preventive Dentistry in Fort Collins 

The importance of maintaining your dental hygiene is to ensure that your teeth are healthy throughout your entire life. But, it's much, not just that. Dental health is an aspect that can impact your general health and the reverse. Dental treatments that assist in maintaining good oral health. This is the outcome of frequent dental exams and establishing healthy habits like brushing and flossing. The practice of keeping your teeth should be done at the start of your child's first year and continues throughout your life. 


What Is Involved in Preventive Dentistry? 

If you are careful to maintain a healthy dental routine, it will help you minimize or even avoid the unfavorable adverse effects of: 

  • cavities 
  • gingivitis 
  • enamel loss 
  • periodontitis 


Everyone can benefit from preventive dental. Children are among the most vulnerable. Dental sealants and treatments with fluoride on their surfaces help stop the decay of children's teeth.


Dental health is linked to the general well-being of the body in general. This is because the mouth is the perfect place to grow harmful microbes. Regular cleaning your mouth is beneficial for your overall well-being. 


Setting up healthy habits for your dental health at an early age in your life can help you avoid gum diseases, cavities, and gingivitis. The following are the essentials of good oral hygiene: 


  • Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice each day, typically in the evening and morning. Use a simple bristled brush along with fluoride toothpaste. 
  • Floss frequently to get rid of food particles between your teeth. 
  • Make use of mouthwash for washing away food particles after flossing. 
  • Avoid eating foods that contain acidic ingredients that could damage the enamel on the teeth. 
  • Do not smoke or use tobacco products as they may cause oral cancer or other dental problems. 
  • Be sure to wear an appropriate mouthguard while playing specific sports. 
  • If you are a regular grinder that grinds during the nighttime, talk to your dentist about a nighttime mouthguard to keep your gums from slipping. 

Dental Exams With Our Fort Collins Dentist 

Dental exams involve the most thorough exam of your gums and teeth. Most adult and child patients require an exam at least every six months. The primary purpose of these exams is to ensure that your oral health is maintained. Oral health problems can be painful and severe if they are not dealt with promptly. 


A dentist and a dental hygienist usually perform dental exams. Although dentists can treat patients of all ages, children are the most frequent patients to pediatric dentists. Dental professionals who treat children have been specially trained to focus on dentistry. 


Gum Disease Prevention Treatment 

Gum disease is a problem that must be treated in the earliest possible time, from minor bleeding gums to a painful gum recession. 


Treatment for Gingivitis 

The dentist or the hygienist you visit will provide you with oral prophylaxis, also known as "prophy." This is also called professional cleaning. It includes supragingival (above the gum line) and subgingival (below the gum line) removal of plaque, calculus, and staining. 


Brushing twice per day for two minutes each flossing at least once a day and attending regular dental checks will allow you to return to a beautiful, healthy smile. 


Treatment for Slight to Moderate Periodontal Disease 

At this stage, the infection has spread deep enough within the tissues that prophylactic flossing, brushing, or even brushing is not sufficient to treat it. In this instance, your dentist can provide a non-invasive procedure referred to by the term scaling and root planning procedure (SRP for short). "Scaling" is when your dentist removes periodontal toxins out of your pockets. "Root planing" is when the dentist smooths the surface of your gums to assist in the process of reattaching your gums. 


An SRP sometimes referred to as deep cleaning, is a procedure that can be done in just one appointment. However, based on the severity, it is generally divided into sessions per quarter (a one-quarter of the mouth) or in half. 


Treatment for Advanced Periodontal Disease 

Alongside regular SRPs, appointments with your dental professional, and an eating program to improve your dental health. Other procedures can be considered when gum disease has advanced to stages III and IV. 


Flap Surgery 

At this stage, the bones and supporting tissues are significantly damaged. The goal of having surgical flaps is to reduce the periodontal pockets' size and regenerate those PDL fibers. 


After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, your dentist will create an incision that looks like the gums' flap. The flap is sewn by a secure seal, permitting the gums to remain securely positioned around teeth. The gums will then be pulled back to clean the affected tissue by the inflammatory disease thoroughly. Then, the process of healing begins. 


After the procedure, you will have fewer pockets, making it easier to maintain your dental health. A combination of professional treatment and regular home care to maintain your dental health can protect your teeth from developing a recurrence disease. 


Bone Graft 

If your teeth are lost because of gum illness, the bone around the teeth will also go away. Because there's no support for the area, the skin's elasticity will reduce and make you appear older. 


The positive side is that bone grafting can repair any lost bone due to gum disease. 


The dentist inserts a synthetic bone that works alongside your body's ability to create new bone. Tissue-stimulating growth factors proteins can be used to assist in helping your body develop bone. 


Your dentist might suggest a tissue transplant if you've got exposed teeth. After an effective bone graft procedure, the healing process varies for each patient; however, the complete healing process could take between 4 and 6 months. 


Pinhole Surgery 

The procedure hasn't been used for a long time. Some doctors believe that pinhole surgery can assist in the growth of gum tissue. This is an innovative procedure, and the initial results look positive. But, the process is still in the beginning stages and hasn't proven to be a sustainable solution. 


Teeth Cleanings Fort Cleaning With Our Hygienist 

Examining your teeth physically begins by conducting a physical exam which dentists carry out. The dentist uses an instrument of a tiny size to check your teeth. Then, they will examine the gums and the teeth. 


Sounds of scraping could accompany the removal of plaque and tartar on the gum line, which is normal. Regular flossing at home is an excellent way to stop the build-up of tartar. Dental professionals utilize scalers to remove plaque and tartar accumulated in the gums. The more tartar there is, the more scraping is needed to eliminate it. 


  • Flossing: The dentists use flossing to get rid of tiny particles which could be floating in the spaces between your tooth. 
  • Rinsing the mouth: The dentist advised cleaning your mouth using water to eliminate any impurities building up. 
  • Fluoride Treatment: The treatment with fluoride will be offered according to your preference for flavor, like mint or strawberry. Then, the fluoride is inserted into the mouth. 


Preventive Dentistry Works in Fort Collins 

Regular dental exams that are preventive offer the following benefits to the health of your mouth: 


  • Lowers the risk for developing gum disease or other dental problems that are serious. 
  • Promoting healthy dental hygiene practices, like brushing your teeth each day or flossing. 
  • Early detection of dental problems can reduce the cost of treatment. 
  • It permits your dentist to conduct thorough examinations of your mouth, jaw, and neck. 
  • Reduces the chance of developing dental problems caused by many chronic medical illnesses. The conditions of diabetes and osteoporosis and specific diseases and eating disorders could impact the health of your mouth and teeth. Regular preventive dental care is vital to the overall well-being of those suffering from chronic diseases. 


What We Look For On Routine Dental Xrays 

Dental x-rays could provide details regarding the condition of the enamel of your teeth and the inner chambers of your tooth, and others. Although oral exams are an essential part of your dental exam, the x-rays allow dentists to "fill in the blanks" and see what they are not capable of seeing with their eyes on their own. 

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Dr. Livingston will provide detailed instructions and guidance, but here are some general tips to help you maintain good oral health and maximize the success of your treatment: 1. Rest and Be Gentle: Give yourself ample time to rest following the procedure, and be gentle when brushing or flossing around the treated area to avoid disturbing the sutures. 2. Manage Discomfort and Swelling: To alleviate any pain or discomfort, you may use over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by Dr. Livingston. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek in a 20-minutes-on, 20-minutes-off pattern can help to reduce swelling. 3. Maintain a Soft Diet: Stick to a soft diet for the first few days following the procedure, avoiding crunchy or hard foods that could irritate the treatment site or cause damage to the sutures. 4. Keep the Area Clean: It's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene during recovery. However, avoid using mouthwash containing alcohol, as it could impede the healing process. 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