What to Expect from a Dental Cleaning in Rapid City SD

There’s nothing like the feeling of clean teeth. Brushing your teeth feels good, but a thorough Rapid City SD dental cleaning by Laura Davies, DDS, and the team at Fibonacci Dental Studio feels even better. It even improves your oral health by eliminating harmful hardened bacteria that you can’t remove with a brush. Book your next dental cleaning by calling Fibonacci Dental Studio directly or reserving an appointment online today.

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What is a dental cleaning?

Dental cleanings are an essential step in preventing the complications that can make you wish you didn’t have teeth to deal with in the first place. By getting regular cleanings from the team at Fibonacci Dental Studio, you can maintain the natural luster of your teeth and keep harmful bacteria out of the crevices.

A dental cleaning by a trained hygienist goes beyond the reach of brushing at home. Brushing removes most plaque, the sticky white stuff on your teeth, but dental cleanings remove tartar, plaque that has solidified. Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that create acids. The acids from the bacteria eat away at your teeth and your gums, and can cause:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Tooth decay
• Staining

Dental cleanings happen at the same time as dental exams. After examining your teeth precleaning, the team at Fibonacci Dental Studio can identify issues and help you refine your oral hygiene routine.

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Why Are Dental Cleanings Important?

Regular dental cleanings are more than just about keeping your teeth looking clean; they play a key role in preventing serious dental issues and maintaining overall health. With routine cleanings, we can detect early signs of gum disease, cavities, and other potential problems before they escalate. Our approach is thorough, but always focused on making you as comfortable as possible.

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Step-by-Step Guide to a Professional Dental Cleaning in Rapid City SD

To ease any worries you may have, here’s a breakdown of what typically happens during a dental cleaning at Fibonacci Dental Studio.

1. Initial Oral Exam

Every cleaning session starts with a comprehensive exam by our skilled hygienist. Using a small mirror, they check for any signs of inflamed gums, cavities, or other concerns that may need additional attention. If we spot anything unusual, your dentist may perform a quick follow-up before we proceed.

2. Removing Plaque and Tartar

Over time, plaque can harden into tartar, especially around the gumline and between teeth. Your hygienist uses a metal scaling tool to scrape plaque and tartar off the surfaces of your teeth. This step generally isn’t uncomfortable, but it may take a while if it’s been a long time since your previous cleaning. The more frequently you brush and floss, the less plaque and tartar will build up, making this part of the cleaning even quicker.

3. Deep Cleaning with Gritty Toothpaste

The next step is polishing. Your hygienist selects a gritty toothpaste and uses an electric toothbrush to scrub and shine your teeth. If you do this too often, it can wear down the enamel on your teeth. It’s perfectly safe to do this at your dental cleaning appointments, and it makes your teeth feel especially smooth when you leave the office.

4. Expert Flossing

Your dental cleaning includes expert flossing between each of your teeth and a fluoride rinse. These steps remove any remaining debris and toothpaste from the gaps between your teeth and the gumline.

5. Refreshing Rinse

Next, we’ll have you rinse with a special solution to wash away any loosened particles. Our rinse often contains fluoride to provide added protection against cavities.

6. Fluoride Treatment

You’ll finish the process with a foamy flavored fluoride treatment and a fluoride varnish that protects your teeth against cavities for several months. You can eat and drink as you please right after your appointment since the fluoride varnish hardens right away.

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Additional Services Offered During Dental Cleanings

We tailor each visit based on what our team observes. Sometimes, we may recommend additional services for preventive care, especially for younger patients or individuals with a higher risk of cavities.

Common Additional Services:

• Dental Sealants: Ideal for children and teens, sealants are applied to molars to prevent decay in hard-to-brush areas.
• X-rays: Done annually, X-rays allow us to spot issues below the surface, such as impacted teeth or hidden decay.

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How Often Should You Get a Dental Cleaning?

Dental cleanings should be a regular part of your routine. Starting around age 2, you should get dental cleanings twice a year. You can book them ahead of time and plan on coming to Fibonacci Dental Studio once every six months. Even if you never got cleanings as a child, there’s never a bad time to start making them a habit.

Whether it’s your first dental cleaning or just another one in your routine, call Fibonacci Dental Studio or reserve your appointment online today.

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The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleanings

Beyond the visible benefits of a brighter, cleaner smile, dental cleanings help in numerous other ways. Here’s how routine cleanings can support your overall health:

• Prevention of Gum Disease: Removing plaque and tartar reduces the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
• Cavity Prevention: Early removal of plaque prevents it from hardening into tartar, the primary culprit behind cavities
• Early Detection of Issues: Cleanings give us a chance to catch problems while they’re small and easily treatable.
• Fresh Breath: Consistent removal of bacteria reduces bad breath, leaving you feeling fresh and confident.
• Reduced Risk of Systemic Health Issues: Poor oral health has been linked to other health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Regular cleanings play a preventive role by helping maintain a healthy mouth.

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How to Prepare for Your Dental Cleaning Appointment

While there’s no special prep required, a few steps can help maximize the benefits of your cleaning. Try brushing and flossing right before your visit to give us a clear view of any areas that may need extra attention. If you’re experiencing any pain or sensitivity, let us know so we can tailor the cleaning process to your comfort.

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Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning with Fibonacci Dental Studio in Rapid City SD

Ready for a fresher smile? We’re here to make each visit comfortable, informative, and effective. Whether it’s your first cleaning or part of your routine, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain optimal dental health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!