What Happens During Your Cleaning
Our dental hygienist starts by examining your teeth and gums to assess your oral health. They’ll note any areas of concern like bleeding gums, heavy tartar buildup, or suspicious spots that need Dr. Ryan Kent’s attention.
The cleaning process removes plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing miss. Plaque is the sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth, and it hardens into tartar within 24-48 hours if not removed. Once tartar forms, you can’t brush it away at home—professional instruments are necessary to scrape it off without damaging your enamel.
Your hygienist uses specialized tools to gently remove these deposits from above and below your gum line. You might hear scraping sounds or feel some pressure, but the process shouldn’t hurt. If you have sensitive areas, let them know so they can adjust their technique or offer numbing gel.
After removing all the buildup, they’ll polish your teeth with a gritty paste that smooths the enamel surface. This polishing makes it harder for plaque to stick and leaves your teeth feeling slick and clean. Finally, they’ll floss between each tooth to remove any remaining debris and demonstrate proper flossing technique if needed.
The Comprehensive Exam
Dr. Ryan Kent performs a detailed examination of your entire mouth, not just your teeth. He checks each tooth for signs of decay, cracks, or failing restorations that need repair. Early cavities often appear as small dark spots or areas of demineralization that we can sometimes reverse with fluoride treatment before drilling becomes necessary.
Your gums get examined for signs of periodontal disease. Healthy gums are pink and firm, while diseased gums appear red, swollen, and bleed easily. We measure the depth of pockets around each tooth to track gum health over time. Pockets deeper than 3-4 millimeters indicate gum disease that requires treatment.
An oral cancer screening checks your tongue, cheeks, throat, and other soft tissues for abnormal growths or color changes. Catching oral cancer early dramatically improves treatment outcomes, and many people don’t realize their dentist performs this potentially life-saving screening during routine exams.
We evaluate your bite and jaw function to identify problems like teeth grinding, TMJ disorders, or alignment issues. These conditions can cause headaches, worn teeth, and jaw pain if left untreated.
How Often Should You Come In?
Most people benefit from dental cleanings & exams in Yuma every six months. This schedule catches problems early and removes tartar before it causes significant damage. Some patients need more frequent visits based on their risk factors.
Heavy tartar buildup, active gum disease, or a history of frequent cavities might require cleanings every 3-4 months. These appointments give us closer monitoring and prevent your oral health from deteriorating between visits.
People with excellent home care and low cavity risk might stretch to annual visits, though most dentists still recommend twice-yearly checkups. Going longer than a year between cleanings allows tartar accumulation and gives problems more time to develop undetected.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Brush and floss before your appointment if possible, though your hygienist will clean your teeth regardless. Being honest about your home care habits helps us give you better guidance—we’re not here to judge, we want to help you improve.
Bring a list of any medications you’re taking, including supplements. Some medications cause dry mouth or gum overgrowth that affects your oral health. Others require special precautions during dental procedures.
Ask questions about anything you don’t understand. We’d rather explain something thoroughly than have you leave confused about your treatment needs or oral health status.
Dental Cleanings & Exams in Yuma
Prevention costs far less than treatment. A routine cleaning and exam might find a small cavity that needs one filling, while skipping checkups could let that decay spread until you need a root canal and crown. Contact Avenue B Dentistry in Yuma, AZ, to schedule your next cleaning and exam. Keeping up with regular visits protects your teeth, saves you money, and gives you peace of mind about your oral health.