Amazing service provided with highly professional people. All doctors and nurses were very helpful in explaining everything and were very skilled. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Andrzej B.
Dental Checkup: Exam, Regular Dental Cleaning, & X-Rays
The best possible way to avoid dental problems such as cavities, gum disease, dental pain and other emergencies is to prevent them in the first place. A great at-home oral hygiene routine, plus visits to see your dentist for regular check-ups and dental cleanings every 6 months is an unbeatable combination in prevention.
What are Regular Dental Cleanings?
Regular dental cleanings usually go hand in hand with a comprehensive oral exam or a regular (recall) evaluation. Once the exam has been completed, unless your dentist has diagnosed gum disease, the dentist or hygienist will perform a regular cleaning, or prophylaxis. For individuals with gum disease, your dentist will recommend a deep cleaning to treat the issue and allow your mouth to heal.
During the first part of your regular cleaning, your dental professional will use an ultrasonic scaler to remove debris, calculus, and plaque from between your teeth and around your gum line. If you need a break or experience any sensitivity, please let your dental professional know, so they can adjust settings to make you more comfortable. If needed, they may use a hand scaler as well.
When this portion of the cleaning is done, a hygienist or dental assistant will follow up with a polishing using a special paste, and will polish each tooth one by one. Afterwards, they will floss your teeth using dental floss, and may make recommendations or suggestions about proper flossing technique.
That’s all there is to it! One your cleaning is done, one of our staff members may follow up with you about any treatment the doctor recommended, and make any necessary follow up appointments.
At 1st Family Dental, we recommend that parents bring their children for oral exams and cleanings beginning at 12 months, and every 6 months after that. Bringing your child early and regularly is an important way to establish your child’s confidence and comfort during regular dental visits, and create a positive relationship with the dentist and staff. To learn more about pediatric oral exams and dental check-up and cleaning visits for kids, click [here].
After your oral evaluation or check-up, your dentist may recommend a procedure called “scaling and root planing” in one or more quadrants, or quarters of your mouth, to address an issue with gum disease they have observed. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is relatively common in adults, and is caused by bacteria that has collected under the gum line, causing irritation and inflammation. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which can cause bone loss and even tooth loss.
Learn more about gum disease and the “deep cleaning” or scaling and root planing procedure.
If you have dental insurance, your coverage often includes preventative care including regular exams regular dental cleanings. It is important to stay up to date with your insurance coverage. Our staff is happy to review your coverage with you to ensure you are maximizing your insurance benefits while minimizing any out of pocket expenses.
Where can I get a Regular Dental Cleaning?
All 1st Family Dental locations offer regular dental cleaning services.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)?
Scaling and Root Planing, also known as a deep cleaning, is very different from a regular cleaning. A regular cleaning focuses on the surfaces of the teeth and between teeth above the gum line. During a regular cleaning, the teeth are also polished. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is needed in order to remove bacteria, calculus (tartar), and debris that has collected under the gum line.
During a deep cleaning, your dentist or hygienist will typically numb area to be treated. Next, your dental professional will carefully work under the gum line to clean away the calculus and debris. After this, your dentist will carefully shape, or plane, the root of the tooth, to remove places where bacteria can collect in the future. Scaling and root planing requires post-treatment care, as well as follow up visits to ensure the treatment and home care techniques are successful.
Simple Steps to Getting Started
What Patients are Saying About Us
I have just completed a 16 months orthodontic procedure. Very happy how much of a difference it is! I can smile with confidence! A truly high professional dental and orthodontic services by First Family Dental! Thanks to Dr. Abboud, Dr. Williams and all the staff at First Family Dental and Midwest Orthodontics that showed a genuine patient care…
Sam K.
This has been my go to dentist location since I can remember. I recently took my mom again after her crown fell off and I just can’t rave enough about this location and the dentist that helped us out! If you want the old school family vibe-this is the place to go to. No rip offs if anything they work with you and make you feel comfortable.
Emma M.
My appointment today was outstanding, from being greeted by name by the receptionist upon my arrival, through the cleaning process by Debbie and the dental exam. The equipment is all top shelf and the treatment rooms are very clean and comfortable. I would highly recommend 1st Family Dental in the Burr Ridge Village Center to anyone looking for an exceptional dental experience.
Tony T.
I prepared myself for a life without teeth, and did not think there was anything that could be done to help me. I expected to learn to live out the rest of my years hiding my smile, and living with my digestive problems – until I found 1st Family Dental.
Joe F.
Before I knew it, the assistant came out to tell me they were done and she did well. I was so relieved and happy. My daughter was happy and calm. I asked her about her visit. She now has no fears, and can’t wait for her next cleaning in 6 months.
Stef G.
When I got home and looked at my teeth in the mirror, I was astounded with the job that Dr. Akhikar had done. The new filings were much less noticeable than my previous one. I couldn’t have been more satisfied.
Henry B.
The staff was friendly and one of the assistants even let me hold her hand while the extractions were taking place! The dentist who treated me was very professional and made me feel very comfortable.
Cynthia E.
This dental office has provided me the best care and treatment out of any dentist I have ever visited… I have made them my primary dentist because it has taken me years to find a dentist I can trust.
Brittany M.
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