Both dental cleanings and dental fillings are important parts of your oral health routine. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
What to expect during a dental cleaning
Dental cleanings are the first step in maintaining proper oral health. They are simple and painless but have major payoff: They help to prevent gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and tooth loss.
Dental cleanings are usually done by your dental hygienist. Using special tools, they carefully clean the teeth and gums by gently removing plaque and tartar build-up along all surfaces of the teeth as well as the gum line. Dental cleanings clean the areas of the teeth that normal brushing and flossing cannot reach.
How dental fillings improve your oral health
If you do experience tooth decay or other minor damage to the teeth, dental fillings offer one of the most effective solutions. They are commonly used to address cavities in both adult and pediatric patients, although advanced cases may require a root canal, tooth extraction, or inlays/onlays.
At Maitland Ave Smile Co., we use composite resin fillings to provide a natural-looking solution to our patients. These fillings, also called “white fillings,” are color matched to easily blend with your existing smile. Better yet, they create a superior bond with the tooth structure, which prevents future infection and decay. Our team can also replace old, dark fillings for an instant smile makeover that improves your long-term dental health.
This procedure can be completed in just one visit. Your dentist first numbs the area with a local anesthetic. The infected tooth is carefully cleaned, and all decaying tissue is removed. The filling is then applied to the tooth and hardened into place with a special light. Finally, it is shaped and polished for a natural shine.
Let Maitland Ave Smile Co. help you
At Maitland Ave Smile Co., we work with our patients to help them develop and maintain healthy oral habits. To minimize your risk of tooth decay and thus the need for filings, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and receive regular dental cleanings.
You can expect your biannual appointment to include a comprehensive dental exam, advanced screenings for potential dental problems, and a professional dental cleaning. This is also a great time to discuss any concerns you have, including medical conditions that may affect your oral health. If tooth decay or a cavity is identified, your dentist can complete a dental filling during this visit.
Call us at 407.834.0330 to schedule your appointment today! Check out our Dental Blog to learn more about topics like restorative dentistry, dental anxiety, and more.