Infinity Dental Care
Dental prophylaxis is simply the clinical term for a professional dental cleaning. This mainly includes the teeth and gums and is an important part of every patient’s long-term oral health. With routine teeth cleanings, you can stop gingivitis and prevent harmful periodontal disease. It is considered to be of the most effective procedures to keep your mouth healthy.
Dental prophylaxis is regularly performed at our dental office. We recommend that you visit us twice a year, typically once every six months to prevent plaque and tartar buildup. If you suffer from periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease, you’ll need to come in every three to four months. Gum disease cannot be fully reversed, but professional dental cleanings from Dr. Kalluri can prevent it from getting worse and causing permanent damage to your other oral structures.
Dr. Kalluri and our team are eager to welcome you in for your next preventive cleaning! Before you request an appointment, however, it is understandable if you have some questions. That is why we have put together this list of FAQs. If you would like further explanation on anything you read here, please reach out to us directly.
The cost of a dental cleaning varies from practice to practice. Also, periodontal maintenance cleanings might cost more than a routine cleaning. Give us a call to find out how much we charge — we set reasonable fees that are in line with the cost of living in Hillsboro. If you have dental insurance, there is a good chance that your policy will cover 100% of the cost of your bi-annual cleanings, which means you may not have to pay a dime out of pocket.
Your daily at-home oral hygiene habits are absolutely essential to protecting your oral health, and you deserve a big congratulations for caring for your smile with such diligence. However, even the best brushing and flossing habits do not negate the need for professional cleanings. There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that tartar is impossible to remove with at-home tools. Only a professional dentist or hygienist can do that for you.
You can expect us to treat you with respect, dignity, and gentleness. After you are comfortably settled into the dental chair, we’ll begin the process of cleaning your teeth. You may feel some pressure as we remove plaque and tartar, but you should not experience any pain. Once your teeth are cleaned, we will polish them to remove surface stains. We may also use floss to remove debris from between your teeth. Our team might offer you some friendly advice on how to enhance your at-home oral care routine.
A dental cleaning usually takes 30 – 60 minutes. The timeframe varies from patient to patient and depends largely on the stage of an individual’s teeth. Because cleanings are non-invasive and usually do not involve the use of anesthesia, you will be able to resume your normal routine immediately after your appointment.
You may also undergo a thorough oral exam by Dr. Kalluri. In some cases, this involves taking some X-Rays so we can get a look beneath your gumline. Fluoride application and oral cancer screenings are also often part of a routine preventive appointment.