Cleanings & Check-Ups

Dental cleanings and check-ups are an essential part of preventive dental care. The team of experts at Access Dental, a family and general dentistry practice, provides dental cleanings and check-ups for the residents of Olympia, Washington. If you’re overdue for a professional cleaning and check-up, call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

Why are dental cleanings and check-ups so important? 

No matter how well you brush and floss your teeth, nothing can match the power of professional dental cleanings and check-ups. Having your teeth cleaned by a dental practitioner ensures you leave with a sparkling, healthy smile.

Teeth cleanings occur during the same visit as routine dental exams. These appointments provide an opportunity for your dentist to check for signs of gum disease and dental decay. They’re also an important way to screen for oral cancers.

What happens during professional dental cleanings and check-ups? 

When you come to Access Dental for your cleaning appointment, the process begins with a quick examination of your gum tissue and teeth.

A unique dental tool called a scaler removes tartar and plaque from your teeth, including the area just beneath your gumline. The next step uses a powered brush and a special gritty paste to remove all traces of bacteria and plaque. This step creates the smooth, polished feel of professional teeth cleaning.

The team then performs professional flossing to clean the areas between your teeth. Then, you thoroughly rinse your mouth with water. The team might also discuss whether a fluoride treatment is appropriate.

What are deep dental cleanings?

Deep dental cleanings are also referred to as scaling and planing. This process is necessary if bacteria and plaque have advanced beneath your gumline to create gum disease.

During a deep dental cleaning, the team uses special tools to remove tartar and plaque within gum tissue pockets that have pulled away from your teeth' surface. Planing involves altering the surface of your tooth roots to make it harder for bacteria and plaque to take hold.

During dental cleanings and check-ups, the team checks your gum tissue. If the team notices symptoms of gingivitis or periodontitis, you may need to have a scaling and root planing procedure.

When should I schedule my dental cleanings and check-ups?

At Access Dental, the appointment schedule for dental cleanings and check-ups is open about one week out or so. The team is fast and efficient, so you can return to your daily routine.

Most people benefit from coming in twice a year for professional teeth cleaning and check-ups. This schedule allows for preventive dentistry treatments, which are necessary to ensure that no condition develops beyond the early stages.

If you’re in need of dental cleanings and check-ups, call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today. 

Access Dental accepts Medicaid for this service.