Robert Di Carlo

Dr. Robert Di Carlo
Dentist in Woodbridge



Dentist Cleaning in Woodbridge

Professional cleanings at the dentist go far beyond what you can do at home with brushing and flossing. These thorough procedures get rid of plaque and tartar that has built up which can harbour bacteria. This keeps your teeth and gums healthy and prevents tooth decay and gum disease. At Dentistry on the Pines we offer full cleanings that keep your teeth and gums healthy and give you a fresh clean feeling that lasts.

The first step in cleaning your teeth is to look at them and your gums and see how they are and find any areas that need extra attention. Our hygienists use specific tools to remove plaque buildup, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth all the time. Tartar is a mineralized deposit that forms when plaque stays on teeth for a long time. It can only be removed by professional cleaning.

Scaling is the way to get rid of tartar that has built up on the surfaces of the teeth above and below the gumline. Our hygienists clean all the tooth surfaces they can reach with both manual tools and ultrasonic scalers. Ultrasonic devices use high frequency vibrations to break up tough tartar deposits. At the same time they use water to remove dirt and bacteria.

Patients with gum disease may need root planing if tartar and bacteria has built up below the gumline. This deeper cleaning smooths out rough spots on tooth roots where bacteria like to grow. This allows the gums to heal and reattach to the surface of the teeth. The process gets rid of infection and inflammation and stops periodontal disease from getting worse.

After scaling, polishing is done with a revolving brush or rubber cup and special polishing paste to remove stains on the surface and smooth out the teeth. This not only makes your teeth look better but also makes it harder for plaque to build up between cleanings. Your teeth will feel very smooth and look brighter after the polishing.

Fluoride treatment is often the last step of a professional cleaning and gives your teeth even more protection against decay. We use powerful fluoride gels or solutions that make tooth enamel stronger and stop early decay. These treatments are especially helpful for those who are more prone to cavities because of what they eat, their health or the side effects of their medications.

Hygiene includes more than just brushing and flossing. Our hygienists teach each patient how to brush and floss correctly, recommend specific oral care products and talk about how lifestyle choices affect dental health. This part of the lesson gives patients the tools they need to keep their mouth cleaner between professional cleanings.

Different types of cleanings meet different levels of oral health needs. People with healthy gums get prophylaxis cleanings every 6 months. Patients with mild gum irritation need more than just regular cleanings to get rid of tartar. Patients with advanced gum disease may need deep cleanings or periodontal maintenance.

How often you need professional cleanings depends on your own risk factors and oral health. Most people only need to get their teeth cleaned every 6 months, but people with gum disease, diabetes or other risk factors may need to go more often. On the other hand people with very good dental health may be able to go 8 or 9 months between cleanings.

Modern cleaning methods focus on making patients comfortable while still getting the job done. We apply topical anaesthetics when we need to to make deep cleaning procedures less painful. Also our gentle approach and technique help us to make sure even sensitive patients can get the cleaning services they need without too much pain.

Most insurance plans cover preventative cleanings 80% to 100% of the allowed fees which means most patients can have these important services. We deal with many insurance companies and help patients understand their benefits so they can get the most coverage for regular preventative treatment.

Technology makes it easier for us to clean and makes the patient experience better. Ultrasonic scalers get rid of tartar faster and with less pain than just using hand tools. Intraoral cameras let us show patients areas of concern and show them how the cleaning methods work.

General dentistry practices focus on preventative treatment by having frequent professional cleanings that keep your mouth healthy and stop more serious problems from happening. Having a regular cleaning schedule helps you get regular preventative care that protects your investment in your dental health.

Patients can keep the benefits of professional cleaning for as long as possible by following the post cleaning maintenance instructions. We give specific advice on home care products and methods that work well with professional cleaning services. We may also recommend changes to your diet that will help your overall dental health and reduce the amount of plaque that builds up.

Patients with special medical conditions or dental work need to be treated differently. People who take blood thinners may need to clean their teeth differently and people with dental implants need to clean their teeth in a special way to keep the implants healthy. We adjust how we clean based on what each patient needs and what’s going on with them.

To keep our patients safe during all cleaning procedures our Woodbridge office follows the strictest protocols for infection control and sterilization. We have strict rules for cleaning instruments and use disposable products whenever possible to prevent cross contamination.

One of the best ways to take care of your teeth in Woodbridge is to get them cleaned by a professional on a regular basis. Call Dentistry on the Pines today to book your next cleaning. You’ll see how much better your smile will be when you get professional dental care.