It only takes 24 hours for plaque that is not removed from your teeth to turn into tartar!  Daily home cleaning helps control plaque and tartar formation, but those hard to reach areas will always need special attention. Los Angeles dentists like Dr. Kamran Sahabi understand the importance of regular maintenance in order to keep their patients’ teeth as healthy as possible.

Once your periodontal treatment has been completed, your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend that you have regular maintenance cleanings (periodontal cleanings), at their general or cosmetic dental office usually four times a year.  At these cleaning appointments, the pocket depths will be carefully checked to ensure that they are healthy.  Plaque and calculus that is difficult for you to remove on a daily basis will be removed from above and below the gum line.

In addition to your periodontal cleaning and evaluation, your appointment will usually include:

• Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs): Essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions and will show if you are a candidate for Lumeneers in Los Angeles or other corrective measures to straighten your teeth.

• Examination of existing restorations: Check current fillings, crowns, etc.

• Examination of tooth decay: Check all tooth surfaces for decay.

• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

• Oral hygiene recommendations: Review and recommend oral hygiene aids as needed. (Electric toothbrushes, special periodontal brushes, fluorides, rinses, etc.)

• Teeth polishing: Remove stain and plaque that is not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling. Your dentist might also discuss receiving a dentist whitening if you are interesting in making your teeth look as bright as possible.

Good oral hygiene practices and periodontal cleanings are essential in maintaining dental health and keeping periodontal disease under control! If you live in Southern California, visit Dr. Kamran Sahabi and his staff today. They operate one of the top dental clinics in Los Angeles and can help you improve your dental hygiene.