Routine Dental Procedures
Tucson, AZ
Routine Dental Procedures
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 Simply Smiles Dentistry in Tucson and the surrounding area. We may be able to help you establish and maintain a dental care routine. Call us today at (520) 368-3351 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Request an Appointment
Dental Check-up
Most routine dental visits involve basic teeth cleanings. During these visits, the dental hygienist uses various metal and ultrasonic tools to scrape off any plaque and tartar buildup on the patient’s teeth and gum line. The hygienist will spend time working on one tooth at a time and may even floss between teeth. During this time, a patient wears a plastic or paper cloth over the chest. The patient may also wear eye shields.
Once the hygienist has finished the cleaning, the dentist will do a thorough exam. During this exam, the dentist looks for any pockets or gaps between the patient’s teeth and gums. Occasionally, patients may get X-rays after a basic cleaning to identify any difficult-to-see or developing problems.
“The hygienist will spend time working on one tooth at a time and may even floss between teeth.”
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 tooth-supporting mineral that strengthens teeth, helps prevent cavities, and fights harmful bacteria. It protects gums and tooth enamel. Professional fluoride treatments provide patients with concentrated solutions that are much stronger than over-the-counter solutions.
The American Dental Association recommends that patients receive professional fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months, depending on the patient’s oral health. Certain groups may be at increased risk for cavities and require more frequent fluoride treatments. These include those who do not seek regular, recommended professional dental care, use drugs or alcohol frequently, have poor oral hygiene, have a poor diet, or have weak enamel.
“Professional fluoride treatments provide patients with concentrated solutions that are much stronger than over-the-counter solutions.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Routine Dental Procedures in Tucson, AZ
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
People Also Ask
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
Questions? Look Here
Q. Will I experience pain after a deep teeth cleaning?
A. Pain may persist for one or two days following a deep cleaning, along with general teeth sensitivity. Gums may bleed and become swollen and tender. Our team will provide you with a treatment plan to manage the discomfort.
Q. How can I maintain my dental hygiene routine at home?
A. Oral hygiene calls for more than regular dental visits and brushing your teeth. It is important to keep a close eye on your health. This involves conducting regular oral self-examinations and updating your dentist on any relevant information. You should floss and rinse daily and eat a balanced diet. Avoid tobacco use, which increases the risk of various cancers, gum disease, bad breath, tooth discoloration, and more.
Q. What happens if I get too much fluoride?
A. Too much fluoride may negatively affect the teeth and bones. They may cause issues with bone homeostasis, staining and pitting on teeth, and white specks on mature teeth. Our team works closely with our patients to prevent this from happening.
Q. Can children get dental sealants?
A. Yes. Dental sealants may help protect your children’s teeth against cavities, which are common among children and teenagers. If left untreated, they may cause problems with eating, speaking, and learning, along with pain and infection.
Q. How long will dental bonding last?
A. The answer to this varies based on the patient’s oral hygiene routine and how much bonding was done. However, most patients find that their dental bonding material lasts from three to 10 years before needing a touch-up or repair.
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Dental inlays and onlays
Root Canal and Crown to Save a Cracked tooth
Routine Dental Procedures
Let Us Help – Click for Directions to Simply Smiles Dentistry
Scan here to view this page, on mobile
Dental Terminology
Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Decay
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental Caries
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Filling
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
Call Us Today
Keeping up with your routine dental treatments may prevent any serious issues before they happen. We at Simply Smiles Dentistry may be able to help. Call us today at 520-368-3351 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2023
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2023
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2023
About our business, license, and website security
- Simply Smiles Dentistry was established in 2013.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Pima County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Tucson, Marana, Catalina Foothills, Vail, Sahuarita and Green Valley
- AZ (License #D7312). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1376738385). View NPI Registry Information
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details