Routine Dental Procedures Des Plaines, IL
Routine dental procedures are basic treatments typically done at least twice a year or as necessary. These procedures greatly enhance your oral health and prevent many diseases from developing. Routine procedures account for many preventative treatments, from professional cleanings to supplemental fluoride treatments.
Routine dental procedures are available at Apple Family Dental in Des Plaines and the surrounding area. We can help you prevent dental issues while protecting and maintaining a healthy oral cavity through various dental health procedures. Call us today at (847) 553-4848 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Importance of Routine Dental Procedures
Biannual routine dental visits generally cover an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning. The dental examination involves assessing the mouth for cavities, plaque, and tartar, before examining the gums. We check the gums using a special tool called a probe to measure the pocket depths between each tooth and the gums. This helps us screen for gum or periodontal disease and assess the overall oral health of the patient. During routine visits, we can also suggest supplemental treatments such as fluoride and sealants to enhance a patient's oral health.
Teeth Cleanings
Plaque is the sticky material that clings onto the tooth's surface, and it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Plaque is the most common cause of cavities and tooth decay with bacteria that eats away at and deteriorates enamel. Professional teeth cleanings thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, keeping the teeth and oral cavity clean and healthy.
“Professional teeth cleanings thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, keeping the teeth and oral cavity clean and healthy.”
Deep Cleanings
Deep cleanings are primarily done to treat or prevent gum disease in a procedure commonly known as scaling and root planing. When plaque is left untreated, the buildup of bacteria can infect and inflame the gums, causing gum disease and, in severe cases, periodontal disease. Routine dental cleanings twice yearly and a deep cleaning can help prevent plaque buildup and, hence, gum disease.
A deep cleaning consists of two parts: scaling and planing. During scaling, we use a special scraping tool to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and the gumline. During planing, we smooth out the tooth's roots so that the gums can reattach naturally to the teeth. In many cases, the patient is put under a local anesthetic to keep them comfortable during the procedure. They will also be given after-care instructions.
“Routine dental cleanings twice yearly and a deep cleaning can help prevent plaque buildup and, hence, gum disease.”
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural tooth-supporting mineral that strengthens teeth, helps prevent cavities, and fights harmful bacteria. It protects gums and tooth enamel. Professional fluoride treatments provide patients with concentrated solutions that are much stronger than over-the-counter solutions.
The American Dental Association recommends that patients receive professional fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months, depending on the patient's oral health. Certain groups may be at increased risk for cavities and require more frequent fluoride treatments. These include those who do not seek regular, recommended professional dental care, use drugs or alcohol frequently, have poor oral hygiene, have a poor diet, or have weak enamel.
“Professional fluoride treatments provide patients with concentrated solutions that are much stronger than over-the-counter solutions.”
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Dental Sealants and Teeth Whitening
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent tooth decay. The sealant's coating consists of dental materials that quickly bond to the natural grooves and texture in the teeth, making them feel like another layer of enamel. Sealants are primarily used for children as a preventative measure to protect their teeth against harmful cavity-causing bacteria.
Teeth whitening is often a cosmetic procedure to brighten the teeth but, in some cases, can be a routine procedure that maintains the teeth's health. A professional tooth whitening procedure involves medical-grade materials and solutions that protect the teeth as opposed to over-the-counter kits that may deteriorate natural tooth enamel. Treatments also provide results up to eight shades brighter for up to three years after the last treatment. However, tooth whitening is not for everyone; our team will properly assess patients to determine whether they could be a candidate.
“Sealants are primarily used for children as a preventative measure to protect their teeth against harmful cavity-causing bacteria.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Can dental bonding improve the look and function of my teeth?
Q. What is the importance of routine dental procedures?
Q. What are dental sealants and tooth whitening treatments?
People Also Ask
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Q. What is restorative dentistry?
Q. Why might I need dental crowns, dental bridges, or root canals?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
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Q. What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
Q. What is the importance of having a routine dental checkup?
Dental Bonding
Practitioners use dental bonding to restore or improve a patient's smile. The dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to the patient's tooth. This material is hardened by a special light that causes it to "bond" to the teeth. Dental bonding can enhance the smile and improve tooth function. It tends to be easier and more affordable than most other cosmetic dental procedures.
Some of the circumstances in which a dentist may employ dental bonding include:
- Repairing chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth
- Protect tooth root that has been exposed as a result of receding gums
- Lessen the appearance of discoloration on teeth
- Close spaces between teeth or make teeth appear longer
- Change the shape of teeth to make them more aesthetically pleasing
This is not an exhaustive list of uses for dental bonding. Speaking with a dental professional will help you determine if bonding is the best way to treat your dental issue.
“Dental bonding can enhance the smile and improve tooth function.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens after a deep cleaning?
A. It is common for patients to feel some soreness in the gums and teeth after a deep cleaning as a result of the tools and pressure put on them. We recommend avoiding any food or drink for a few hours after the procedure and use a special rinse for the first few days. Tenderness should dissipate within the first few hours.
Q. How often should I get routine dental procedures done?
A. Every routine dental procedure differs in its duration and dosage depending on the patient's age and case. For instance, routine cleanings are recommended for all patients every six months, while deep cleanings can be done every few years. During a patient's first visit, we curate a custom treatment plan that entails all of the patient's recommended and required treatments and their durations, which are subject to change.
Q. Which procedures require anesthesia?
A. Topical or local anesthesia is generally administered in one area of the mouth when using dental tools or drills to provide painless treatment. This can be for fillings, root canals, and deep cleanings. General anesthesia, or sedation, is used for more extensive procedures such as extractions, which are not routinely performed.
Q. Can anybody request routine procedures such as teeth whitening or sealants?
A. Typically, we would recommend procedures such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, sealants, and crowns. In some cases, we find signs of progressing decay that may require a procedure. A patient may also request a procedure, and we can conduct a proper examination to determine whether that would be appropriate.
Q. How long do dental sealants and crowns last?
A. Sealants and crowns are both artificial materials that are subject to wear and tear. Dental sealants can last up to 9 years with proper care and maintenance, and crowns can last up to 15 years. These materials have been refined many times to be as durable as they are today, but they require adequate and thorough cleaning to properly maintain them.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Keeping up with your routine dental treatments may prevent any serious issues before they happen. We at Apple Family Dental may be able to help. Call us today at 847-553-4848 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
- Apple Family Dental was established in 1994.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Cook County and Lake County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Des Plaines, Niles, Glenview, Morton Grove, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Wheeling, Skokie, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, and Prospect Heights
- National Provider Identifier Database (1558090167). View NPI Registry Information
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