Many people wonder, "Does teeth cleaning remove cavities?" This question arises from the desire to fully grasp the benefits and limitations of routine dental cleanings. While professional teeth cleaning is essential for oral health maintenance, its role in addressing cavities may not be widely understood.
In this detailed guide, we'll explore the relationship between teeth cleaning and cavities, clarifying misconceptions and providing valuable insights into these fundamental aspects of dental care. Understanding this connection is key to ensuring effective oral hygiene practices and promoting long-term dental wellness.
What is Teeth Cleaning?
Teeth cleaning, also called dental prophylaxis, is a preventive dental treatment that removes plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth. It is a routine procedure recommended by dental professionals every six months to maintain oral health.
During this in-office appointment, your dental hygienist thoroughly cleans your teeth, assesses their health, and applies preventive measures to keep your mouth healthy. Using tools like mirrors and scalers, your dentist removes plaque from all areas of your mouth, ensuring a thorough cleaning.
The Formation of Cavities:
Cavities, also known as dental caries or tooth decay, develop when bacteria in the mouth generate acids that gradually wear away the enamel, the outer layer protecting the teeth. If left untreated, cavities can worsen, causing discomfort, infections, and potentially even tooth loss.
Typically, dentists address cavities by removing the decayed part of the tooth and then filling it with a suitable material to restore its structure and function. So, does teeth cleaning remove cavities? Let's find out.
Can Teeth Cleaning Remove Cavities?
Despite common misconceptions, teeth cleaning cannot remove cavities that have already formed. While professional teeth cleaning is vital for oral hygiene and cavity prevention, its primary focus is on eliminating plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and gumline. However, once a cavity has developed, it necessitates specific treatment to address the decay and restore the affected tooth's health.
Treatment for Cavities:
The treatment for Cavities is given below-
Fillings:
The most common treatment for cavities includes removing the decayed portion of a person's tooth and filling the resulting space with a filling material such as composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain. This helps restore the tooth's structure and function while preventing further decay.
Crowns:
For larger cavities or those that have weakened the tooth structure, a dental crown could be necessary. A crown is a custom-made cap used to cover the complete tooth to provide strength and protection.
Root Canal Therapy:
If the decay has reached the inner pulp of your tooth and is causing infection or severe pain, root canal therapy may be required. During the root canal procedure, the infected pulp is extracted, the root canal is thoroughly cleaned and sealed, and then the tooth is restored with either a filling or a crown.
Extraction:
If a cavity has caused significant damage to the tooth that cannot be repaired, extraction may be required. This process entails removing the entire tooth from its socket.
Preventive Measures:
To prevent cavities from forming or recurring, dentists may suggest some preventive measures such as fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and maintaining good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing regularly. Regular dental checkups are also essential for early detection and treatment of cavities.
Conclusion
So, Does teeth cleaning remove cavities? While teeth cleaning is an essential preventive measure for maintaining oral health and preventing cavities, it does not remove cavities that have already formed. Cavities require specific dental treatments tailored to the individual's oral health needs. By understanding the role of teeth cleaning and seeking timely dental care, individuals can maintain a healthy smile and avoid any dental issues in the long run.
Ready to prioritize your dental health? Schedule a teeth cleaning appointment at Shahbazyan DDS Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Fresno, CA. New patients can call us at (559) 295-8977, while current patients can call at (559) 435-5660. Don't wait, book your appointment today!
FAQ
It's advisable to have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental professional every six months to ensure optimal oral health and reduce the risk of cavities.
Treatments for cavities include fillings, crowns, root canal therapy, and, in severe cases, tooth extraction. Prevention measures like fluoride treatments and dental sealants are also important.
In most cases, if you're having a regular dental checkup or a routine cleaning, your dentist will likely schedule a separate appointment if you need a cavity filled. Dentists usually don't perform both services during the same visit due to time constraints. However, this can vary depending on the dentist's schedule and workload.
