Dental Cleaning in State College, PA

Even if you maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine at home, it is still important to schedule professional dental cleanings at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County at least twice each year. Through the use of advanced equipment, our experienced dental hygienists perform biannual dental cleanings in State College, PA, to eliminate built-up tartar and plaque deposits while polishing the teeth to eliminate surface stains from your teeth for a healthier, brighter smile. After your dental cleaning (also called a prophy or prophylaxis), we can offer tips on how to better clean your teeth at home and point out any areas that may benefit from additional attention. During professional cleaning visits, our general dentists can also perform a dental exam to check for any issues in the mouth that might need care. Receiving routine dental cleanings is an important step in maintaining your oral hygiene and a beautiful smile. Get in touch with our friendly State College, PA office today to reserve your dental cleaning visit with our hygiene team!

The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests that patients schedule professional dental cleanings at least two times each year. Infants should visit the dentist for the first time before their first birthday. After this initial appointment, our dentists can help you determine when your child's next visit should be scheduled. Routine dental cleanings are essential to your oral health as these services can help to lessen your risk of cavities and gum disease. Dental cleaning in State College, PA, will also remove stains from the enamel and minimize bacteria that contribute to halitosis (bad breath). If you would like to brighten your smile, freshen your breath, improve your overall health, and save money in the long run, schedule a cleaning appointment at Advanced Dentistry.

Dental cleaning in State College, PA, generally begins by addressing the tartar and plaque buildup on your teeth. Tartar is plaque that has hardened to the teeth and typically cannot be removed on your own no matter how often you brush and floss. While many plaque deposits can be eliminated from the teeth through daily home care, our instruments can get into hard-to-reach areas where your brush and floss do not reach. Our skilled hygienists utilize special equipment for teeth plaque removal and to eliminate tartar buildup without harming the tooth structure. To begin, we use an ultrasonic scaler (which emits high-speed vibrations) to remove larger areas of plaque and tartar while a lubricating mist flushes these deposits away. Hand instruments, such as a scaler or curette, will then be used to eliminate and fine-scale any remaining buildup. After the teeth have been cleaned, your enamel will be polished to remove surface stains and help brighten your smile. If requested or needed, a fluoride treatment can be applied at the end of your cleaning visit.

Dental cleanings in State College, PA, are generally performed on a biannual basis. However, our dentists may suggest more frequent cleanings for some patients, including those with concerns, like periodontal disease, or when maintaining oral hygiene becomes a challenge. During your dental cleaning visit, our hygienists will help you design a good home oral hygiene routine by demonstrating techniques that will address your specific concerns and recommending any adjunct products that may enhance your oral health. Keeping up with dental cleanings as recommended by our team can help you enjoy the long-term advantages of a healthy, brilliant smile!

Professional cleaning is considered a preventive treatment and is typically covered by most insurance plans every six months. Advanced Dentistry is a provider for the Nittany Dental Network and accepts several other insurance plans. If you do not carry dental insurance, please talk with us about the Healthy Smiles Program and flexible payment solutions available at Advanced Dentistry.

How do I keep my teeth clean after my appointment?
After your dental cleaning in State College, PA, you will likely be motivated to keep your teeth clean — so the results of your cleaning can last as long as possible. We urge all of our patients to brush their teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. You can also brush your teeth and use a water rinse after each meal or any time you eat. We encourage you to use a bacteria-killing fluoride mouthwash once a day as well.

How long should teeth cleaning at Advanced Dentistry take?
If you have healthy and clean teeth, your professional teeth cleaning should only take about a half-hour. However, if you have cavities, tartar buildup, or poorer teeth health, it could take close to an hour. The cleaner and healthier your teeth are, the less time your cleaning will take.

What happens if I don’t get my teeth cleaned?
If you don’t get your teeth cleaned by a dentist, you might find yourself with issues such as tooth decay, tooth discoloration, periodontal (gum) disease, or even lost teeth. Our professional teeth cleanings are designed to eliminate the harmful bacteria that accumulate in the mouth and on the teeth that can be hard to get rid of at home — these bacteria release acids that will cause enamel erosion and gum inflammation.

Help keep your teeth bright and healthy with dental cleanings at Advanced Dentistry of Centre County. Our dental hygienists look forward to helping your family boost their oral hygiene with professional dental cleanings to remove tartar and plaque buildup. A vital part of any preventive oral health plan, routine dental cleanings can aid in keeping your family's smiles healthy and happy year after year. Contact State College, PA practice today to schedule a visit with our team!