Routine Dental Procedures Charlotte, NC
Routine dental procedures are crucial to maintaining your overall health. They may be able to prevent any damage to your gums and teeth. You should see a dentist for routine dental procedures at least twice a year.
Routine dental procedures are available at Randolph Dental Care in Charlotte and the surrounding area. We may be able to help you establish and maintain a dental care routine. Call us today at (704) 366-3622 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Importance of Routine Dental Procedures
Biannual routine dental visits generally cover an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning. The dental examination involves assessing the mouth for cavities, plaque, and tartar, before examining the gums. We check the gums using a special tool called a probe to measure the pocket depths between each tooth and the gums. This helps us screen for gum or periodontal disease and assess the overall oral health of the patient. During routine visits, we can also suggest supplemental treatments such as fluoride and sealants to enhance a patient's oral health.
Teeth Cleanings
Plaque is the sticky material that clings onto the tooth's surface, and it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Plaque is the most common cause of cavities and tooth decay with bacteria that eats away at and deteriorates enamel. Professional teeth cleanings thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, keeping the teeth and oral cavity clean and healthy.
“Professional teeth cleanings thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, keeping the teeth and oral cavity clean and healthy.”
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, go one step further by addressing anything below the gumline. This procedure has the potential to treat gum disease. When not properly removed, the bacteria in plaque can inflame your gums and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth.
Consequently, the gums may form "pockets" that trap more plaque. This is dangerous because it could lead to bone and tooth loss. Deep cleaning is effective during the early stages of gum disease when the structures below the gum line have not yet been damaged. If the condition is more advanced, then more intensive treatments may be necessary.
“Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, go one step further by addressing what is below the gumline.”
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural mineral our bodies make that helps protect the teeth from harmful bacteria. Fluoride treatments have long been used to help build stronger teeth and prevent many oral diseases from progressing due to plaque. Patients who are more susceptible to or have a higher risk of developing cavities or other oral conditions are recommended to seek fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months, depending on their age and oral health status. Among those at risk are patients who do not routinely visit the dentist for their six-month professional cleaning.
The Mayo Clinic lists recommended dosage by age as:
- Birth to 3 years of age: 0.1 to 1.5 milligrams (mg)
- 4 to 6 years of age: 1 to 2.5 mg
- 7 to 10 years of age: 1.5 to 2.5 mg
- Adolescents and adults: 1.5 to 4 mg
Fluoride treatments come in many forms, including oral tablets, gels, pastes, and solutions. We generally provide fluoride treatments in the form of a foam, gel, or solution, depending on the patient's age and treatment type.
“Fluoride treatments have long been used to help build stronger teeth and prevent many oral diseases from progressing due to plaque.”
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Dental Sealants & Basic Teeth Whitening
Dental sealants work to prevent tooth decay, usually on the back teeth (or the premolars and molars). When a dentist administers dental sealants, they paint a thin, plastic coating (the sealant) on the chewing surfaces of a patient's teeth. The sealant then bonds into the teeth's depressions and grooves to protect the enamel. While brushing and flossing can clean the surface areas of the teeth, they are often insufficient in removing food and plaque from more vulnerable areas, like the nooks and crannies. Sealants work to close these areas off, making them especially valuable for those who already have or are susceptible to tooth decay. Additionally, adults without tooth decay or those who have fillings may benefit.
Those looking to improve the appearance of their teeth may want to consider basic teeth whitening. Though there are many teeth whitening products available over-the-counter, the most effective options are provided at the dentist's office. These products are medical-grade, meaning they are more concentrated and can achieve better results. In-office whitening can achieve results eight times greater than whitening toothpaste. Generally speaking, this procedure is best suited for patients who have healthy teeth and gums and no fillings. However, our team may be able to help patients determine their best options even if they do not meet these criteria.
“Sealants work to close these areas off, making them especially valuable for those who already have or are susceptible to tooth decay.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What happens during a deep teeth cleaning?
Q. What do dental sealants do?
Q. Can dental bonding improve the look and function of my teeth?
Q. What is the importance of routine dental procedures?
Q. What are fluoride treatments?
People Also Ask
Q. Why might I need a dental crown?
Q. What should patients do if they have sensitive teeth?
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Dental Bonding
Practitioners use dental bonding to restore or improve a patient's smile. The dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to the patient's tooth. This material is hardened by a special light that causes it to "bond" to the teeth. Dental bonding can enhance the smile and improve tooth function. It tends to be easier and more affordable than most other cosmetic dental procedures.
Some of the circumstances in which a dentist may employ dental bonding include:
- Repairing chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth
- Protect tooth root that has been exposed as a result of receding gums
- Lessen the appearance of discoloration on teeth
- Close spaces between teeth or make teeth appear longer
- Change the shape of teeth to make them more aesthetically pleasing
This is not an exhaustive list of uses for dental bonding. Speaking with a dental professional will help you determine if bonding is the best way to treat your dental issue.
“Dental bonding can enhance the smile and improve tooth function.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens after a deep cleaning?
A. It is common for patients to feel some soreness in the gums and teeth after a deep cleaning as a result of the tools and pressure put on them. We recommend avoiding any food or drink for a few hours after the procedure and use a special rinse for the first few days. Tenderness should dissipate within the first few hours.
Q. How often should I get routine dental procedures done?
A. Every routine dental procedure differs in its duration and dosage depending on the patient's age and case. For instance, routine cleanings are recommended for all patients every six months, while deep cleanings can be done every few years. During a patient's first visit, we curate a custom treatment plan that entails all of the patient's recommended and required treatments and their durations, which are subject to change.
Q. Which procedures require anesthesia?
A. Topical or local anesthesia is generally administered in one area of the mouth when using dental tools or drills to provide painless treatment. This can be for fillings, root canals, and deep cleanings. General anesthesia, or sedation, is used for more extensive procedures such as extractions, which are not routinely performed.
Q. Can anybody request routine procedures such as teeth whitening or sealants?
A. Typically, we would recommend procedures such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, sealants, and crowns. In some cases, we find signs of progressing decay that may require a procedure. A patient may also request a procedure, and we can conduct a proper examination to determine whether that would be appropriate.
Q. How long do dental sealants and crowns last?
A. Sealants and crowns are both artificial materials that are subject to wear and tear. Dental sealants can last up to 9 years with proper care and maintenance, and crowns can last up to 15 years. These materials have been refined many times to be as durable as they are today, but they require adequate and thorough cleaning to properly maintain them.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Keeping up with your routine dental treatments may prevent any serious issues before they happen. We at Randolph Dental Care may be able to help. Call us today at 704-366-3622 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
- Randolph Dental Care was established in 2016.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Mecklenburg County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Charlotte, Matthews, Huntersville, Fort Mill, and Pineville Mint Hill
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