Checkups & Cleanings

The Baseline for Your Dental Health

Everybody needs to attend regular checkups and cleanings to keep their smiles healthy for life. That’s because oral bacteria, the main causes of issues like cavities and gum disease, never stop attacking your teeth and gums. They’ll form plaque to cling to your teeth, and any spots of plaque you miss will harden into tartar. Because its insoluble, tartar development can give bacteria the leeway they need to affect your teeth and gums if we don’t consistently remove them.

Why teeth need professional cleaning

When you’re consistent with brushing and flossing your teeth, you can largely stay ahead of the plaque that oral bacteria develop. However, any part of plaque that calcifies into tartar becomes impervious to toothpaste and water. The only way to remove it is with help from your dentist or hygienist, who can use professional equipment to carefully debride your teeth. If you skip a visit, then the bacteria can have enough time to weaken or damage your tooth enamel, or to cause an infection in your gum tissues, before you finally have your teeth cleaned again.

What we thoroughly check for

Professionally cleaning your teeth is essential to keeping them healthy, but things like tooth enamel erosion (which leads to cavities) and gingivitis (which leads to severe gum disease) are still common. These signs may not be noticed until they lead to symptoms such as tooth sensitivity and red, bleeding gums. However, your dentist can detect them in their earliest stages during your routine checkup. Using a keen eye and with the help of advanced imaging technology, including digital X-rays and an intraoral camera, we can thoroughly examine your teeth, gums, and oral tissues to determine if further treatment is needed.

Schedule your next checkup & cleaning

Besides helping you avoid most dental issues, checkups and cleanings also improve your chances of catching concerns early enough to prevent them from becoming more serious. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Pacific Hills Dental in Omaha, NE, today at (402)330-2243.We proudly serve patients who live Omaha, Papillion, Elkhorn, La Vista, and Millard, and all surrounding communities.