Routine professional teeth cleanings protect your oral health in Phoenix, AZ

Few people can say that they love going to the dentist, but routine care is essential for your wellbeing. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums can protect your smile, and it also reduces your risk for heart disease and other chronic conditions associated with bacteria in your mouth. The team at Life Smiles Dental Care offers thorough, gentle, professional teeth cleanings, and we recommend patients come in at least twice a year to get the full benefits of our care.

Benefits of professional cleaning

While home hygiene is essential, it is difficult to completely clear plaque and oral bacteria from your mouth without the help of a dental hygienist, especially for people who are more susceptible to decay and infection. Our team has the tools and experience to safely and effectively clean out bacteria, plaque, tartar, and other debris from your teeth and the tiny crevices below the gum line. These routine appointments typically take about 45 minutes, but they can save you money and time in the dental chair in the long run by preventing tooth decay and gum disease.  

In addition to the benefits to your oral health, regular care can help keep your teeth brighter and your breath fresher, so you can smile with confidence. Our team will provide education for ways to improve your home care and habits that can reduce your risk of developing stains, discoloration, and cavities.

What to expect during your appointment

During your visit, one of our hygienists will begin by checking the surfaces of your teeth for soft spots or cavities and examine your gums for periodontal pockets around the edge of your teeth. Next, they will use dental tools to remove tartar and plaque from the crown and chewing surface of each tooth. Next, they will use dental floss to reach the areas between your teeth and use polish to smooth the enamel and make it harder for bacteria to adhere. We offer fluoride treatment at every visit to help strengthen teeth and kill any remaining bacteria in the mouth.  

We understand that some patients may struggle with dental anxiety, even during a routine visit. We offer patients options for sedation dentistry that can be combined with patients that have extreme dental phobias. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are safe, effective ways to help patients relax in the dental chair while we work to protect their oral health.

We have two dentists on staff to work with patients on a variety of issues. During each exam, either Dr. Nielson or Dr. Schmidt will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw and review X-rays for oral health issues such as decay, gum disease, and oral cancer. If they do find any issues, we will form a treatment plan that can quickly resolve the problem so you can protect your teeth for years to come. We use durable, quality materials for fillings and other restorations that can mimic the natural appearance of your teeth to blend in seamlessly, as well as withstand the force of your bite so you can still enjoy all of your favorite foods without issue. To learn more about how we can help, contact our office in Phoenix, AZ, today at (602) 786-5484 to set up an appointment.