Check ups and Cleanings

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting a dentist at least twice a year for checkups and regular cleanings, and dental hygienists will say the same. On the contrary, a lot of people will skip their bi-annual dental cleaning, assuming that it’s unnecessary because they brush regularly or floss more than average.

This is an unhealthy assumption and couldn’t be further from the truth. Dental cleanings are performed by licensed dental hygienists who are fully trained and skilled to remove tartar, plaque, and stains that are impossible to remove on your own. 

Still not convinced? Don’t worry. We are here to help!

We have outlined five stellar benefits of scheduling regular dental cleaning appointments and how to get started with the best dentists in “The Electric City.” So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

The 5 Undeniable Benefits of a Regular Checkup With Oral Cleanings 
Dental visits can not only catch issues with your oral health, but they can also improve your smile cosmetically, improve your overall well-being, and surprisingly save you money in the long run . Here are the core benefits of scheduling regular dental cleanings at Pettinato Dental Care in Scranton, Pennsylvania. 

1. Earlier Detection of Oral Health Issues
Around 80% of Americans will experience dental cavities and/or some type of gum disease before they reach the age of 17. While a majority of common dental issues can be self-diagnosed with classic symptoms like toothaches and infection, most dental problems can only be detected by a dental professional using x-rays.

Untreated tooth decay will certainly lead to dental cavities and an unwanted root canal or dental implant. By ignoring one’s dental visits, you are allowing issues like tooth decay and gum disease to get worse over time. By scheduling regular dental cleanings, you can stop gum disease and tooth decay before it becomes a serious problem.

2. A Whiter and Brighter Smile
It’s no secret that everyone wants a smile that shines white and bright! This can be accomplished with a simple teeth cleaning procedure. Tartar, plaque, stains, bacteria; all of which are now a problem of the past, and when your teeth are cleaned and polished, you’ll notice the cosmetic benefits immediately. 


• Contrary to popular belief, teeth whitening procedures with a dental professional do not cause any lasting damage to your teeth


• Some patients will experience a small amount of tooth sensitivity after the session is completed, but that is expected and quite normal 


• For the removal of difficult and hard-to-reach stains, it may take 2-3 separate sessions in total



3. Say Goodbye to Bad Breath and Bacteria
The formation of bad breath is often due to different types of bacteria in the mouth, and even with routine brushing and flossing, a majority of the bacteria will hide in unreachable spots. A thorough teeth cleaning will ensure that all the tartar and bacteria is removed, ultimately improving the odor experienced from bad breath. Here’s a bit more on bad breath: 

• Studies show that an estimated 1 in 4 people globally experience bad breath odor


• Halitosis, the leading cause of bad breath, is usually due to bad oral hygiene


4. A Healthier Wallet and Mouth—Thanks to Reduced Costs 
Trying to save a penny, or two, when it comes to dental costs is important to most patients and we understand that! This may be a surprise, but by maintaining your oral health with scheduled dental checkups, you are realistically reducing your overall dental expenses. A vast number of dental insurance plans cover preventive care services and the ability to catch dental issues early is guaranteed to reduce the cost of treatment in the long run—let’s take a closer look at this below:


• The treatments used for gum disease can range anywhere from $500 to a whopping $10,000 depending on the stage of the disease and how severe the damage is


• On the other hand, tooth filling and preventive dental care costs are undeniably low in comparison; the most complicated treatments and procedures (like crowns) reach a price point of $600 to $1000 max


5. Prevent Tooth Loss and Gum Diseases: Why Wait? 
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the primary cause of tooth loss. The bacteria hiding in plaque and tartar is responsible for the deterioration of the gum/bone tissue, ultimately leading to tooth loss. Schedule your routine dental cleanings to detect bacteria and prevent these types of diseases from growing—This is a different story for older patients, let’s take a look:

• Over one quarter (26%) of adults over the age of 65 have eight or fewer teeth and 17 % of adults aged 65 and up have lost all of their teeth


• We have good news though! With recent advancements in dental technology and preventative care, the total tooth loss among adults aged 65 or older decreased by more than 30% in the past 5 years


What Exactly Will Happen During My Dental Checkup?
We get it! It can be quite intimidating going to the dentist and most people are not sure what to expect each visit. This rational fear is what keeps a lot of patients from coming in the door regularly. 

That’s what we are here for!

We are going to explain the process so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. Here’s how most dental checkups and cleanings will go—your dentist or dental hygienist will: 


• Perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums


• Ask any questions about your overall health and or chronic dental issues


• Ask questions about tobacco use and your current diet


• Discuss oral hygiene and general teeth-cleaning habits



Recommend treatment or additional appointments

Regardless of whether additional cleanings or treatments are needed, your dentist or their clerical team will schedule your future visit based on your specific dental needs. Most commonly, if no extra attention is needed, you will be scheduled for every 4-6 months. 

Experience the Benefits of Dental Cleaning at Dr. Pettinato’s Office in Scranton, PA
Well, there you have it! Visiting the dentist has plenty of incredible benefits and avoiding a dental cleaning can have a negative impact on your health. Keeping up with your regular dental cleanings and visits will ensure a healthier smile that costs much less to maintain. 

With Dr. Scott J. Pettinato in Scranton, PA, we welcome the opportunity to care for your teeth and gums. We are your source for excellent dental care for kids, teens, and adults – call us today to schedule your next checkup and cleaning to enjoy the benefits of routine dental care.