Teeth cleaning at the dentist, or so-called professional teeth cleaning, is a process of cleaning the teeth at the dentist that includes removing food debris stuck and accumulated between and on the teeth, along with eliminating dental tartar.
But does teeth cleaning at the dentist remove and treat decay? Dr. Mohammad Khaled Nofal, specialist in dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants, explains the answer to us in this article.
Does teeth cleaning at the dentist remove decay?
No, teeth cleaning on its own cannot remove decay that has already formed. Although professional teeth cleaning is essential for oral hygiene and the prevention of decay, its primary focus is on removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and the gum line.
Therefore, once decay appears, it requires specific treatment to restore the health of the affected teeth, as the available options include the following:
Fillings
The most common treatment for decay involves removing the decayed part of the tooth and filling the resulting gap with a filling material such as composite resin or porcelain.
This helps restore the structure and function of the tooth while preventing further decay.
Crowns (dental restorations)
For large cavities or those that have weakened the structure of the tooth, a dental crown may be necessary.
A crown is a cap that closely resembles a tooth, made specifically to cover the entire tooth to provide strength and protection.
Root canal treatment (tooth nerve extraction)
If the decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth and causes an infection or severe pain, root canal treatment, also known as tooth nerve extraction, may be needed.
During this procedure, the dentist removes the infected pulp, and the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and sealed, and then the tooth is restored with either a filling or a crown.
Read also: Immediate dental implants.
Tooth extraction
If the decay has caused significant damage to the tooth such that it cannot be repaired, a tooth extraction may be needed, as this process involves removing the tooth entirely from its socket.
Why is teeth cleaning at the dentist considered essential?
Even for people who practice good oral care by brushing and flossing their teeth regularly, it is still essential for them to visit the dentist for regular professional teeth cleaning.
This is because there are places inside the mouth that are difficult to reach through daily oral care, which makes it necessary to undergo routine teeth cleanings in order to enjoy a healthy mouth.
Benefits of teeth cleaning at the dentist
There are many benefits that can be gained from teeth cleaning at the dentist, including the following:
Prevention of tooth decay
People who undergo routine and regular teeth cleanings are less likely to develop decay.
Teeth cleaning helps prevent the formation of cavities because part of the cleaning process is removing any buildup of tartar or plaque on or between the teeth.
Eliminating plaque and tartar
The buildup of plaque and tartar is among the main causes of decay in patients of all ages. Plaque usually forms as a result of consuming a lot of sugars that accumulate on the teeth, and when they are not cleaned effectively, they harden and turn into tartar.
These conditions are ideal for the growth of bacteria and for causing tooth decay, and this is where the benefit of professional cleaning at the dentist lies, as the hardened tartar can be removed before cavities form.
Targeting hard-to-reach areas
It can be difficult to reach certain areas in the mouth while brushing the teeth with a toothbrush and toothpaste, especially the areas between the teeth, which allows plaque and tartar to form more easily.
But with teeth cleaning at the dentist, there are many tools that make it easier to clean these areas to obtain healthy, clean teeth.
Strengthening the enamel
Tooth enamel, the thin, hard outer layer of the teeth, plays an important role in protecting the teeth from decay, fractures, and cracks.
Some bad habits such as smoking, consuming sugary or acidic foods, poor dental hygiene, and others can weaken the enamel and expose the teeth to the risk of decay.
But with teeth cleaning, the dentist often uses fluoride to strengthen the enamel against decay.
Smoothing the surfaces of the teeth
Sometimes bacteria can grow in the uneven areas of the tooth, and teeth cleaning at the dentist helps smooth the surfaces of the teeth and thus reduce the buildup of bacteria.
Other benefits of teeth cleaning
These include all of the following:
Improving oral health and giving it freshness.
Eliminating the color changes that occur on the teeth.
Eliminating the harmful bacteria that are trapped in the layers of plaque.
Eliminating bad breath resulting from the buildup and growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Preventing gum inflammation, recession, and bleeding.
How often will I need to undergo teeth cleaning?
The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist at least once a year for a routine examination and cleaning.
But those who suffer from gum problems should visit the dentist more frequently, that is, every three months or every six months.
Is decay treated in the same session as teeth cleaning?
In most cases, if you are having a regular dental examination or a routine cleaning, the dentist is likely to schedule a separate appointment if you need decay treatment. However, the dentist may be able to perform both treatments in the same session.
While teeth cleaning is an essential preventive procedure for maintaining oral health and preventing tooth decay, it does not remove cavities that have already formed, as cavities usually require specific dental treatments designed to meet the individual's oral health needs.
By understanding the role of teeth cleaning and obtaining timely dental care, a healthy smile can be maintained and any long-term dental problems can be avoided.
If you have any question, do not hesitate to consult Dr. Mohammad Nofal or visit the clinic.
References:
Admin. (2023a, April 18). Does teeth cleaning remove cavities? Stonebrook Dental. https://stonebrookdental.com/blog/does-teeth-cleaning-remove-cavities/#:~:text
How Routine Dental Cleanings from Your Dentist Prevents Cavities. (n.d.). Drclemente. https://drclemente.com/blog/how-routine-dental-cleanings-from-your-dentist-prevents-cavities/
Dentistry, S. S. F. (2022, October 24). Does getting your teeth cleaned prevent cavities? Shining Smiles Family Dentistry. https://www.shiningsmilesga.com/dental-care-blog/does-getting-teeth-cleaned-prevent-cavities/
Does teeth cleaning remove cavities? | Shahbazyan DDS. (n.d.). Dentist of Fresno. https://shahbazyandentalstudio.com/blog/does-teeth-cleaning-remove-cavities/
