Routine Dental Procedures Federal Way, WA
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 Smile Center Dental Care in Federal Way 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 (253) 336-0023 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Dental Check-up
Most routine dental visits involve basic teeth cleanings. During these visits, the dental hygienist uses various metal and ultrasonic tools to scrape off any plaque and tartar buildup on the patient's teeth and gum line. The hygienist will spend time working on one tooth at a time and may even floss between teeth. During this time, a patient wears a plastic or paper cloth over the chest. The patient may also wear eye shields.
Once the hygienist has finished the cleaning, the dentist will do a thorough exam. During this exam, the dentist looks for any pockets or gaps between the patient's teeth and gums. Occasionally, patients may get X-rays after a basic cleaning to identify any difficult-to-see or developing problems.
“The hygienist will spend time working on one tooth at a time and may even floss between teeth.”
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, go one step further by addressing anything below the gumline. This procedure has the potential to treat gum disease. When not properly removed, the bacteria in plaque can inflame your gums and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth.
Consequently, the gums may form "pockets" that trap more plaque. This is dangerous because it could lead to bone and tooth loss. Deep cleaning is effective during the early stages of gum disease when the structures below the gum line have not yet been damaged. If the condition is more advanced, then more intensive treatments may be necessary.
“Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, go one step further by addressing what is below the gumline.”
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. What happens during a dental check-up?
Q. What happens during a deep teeth cleaning?
Q. What are dental sealants and tooth whitening treatments?
People Also Ask
Q. Why might I need a dental crown?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Dental Bonding and Crowns
Dental bonding is a routine procedure that involves bonding a composite material to the teeth for restoration purposes. We apply a tooth-colored composite resin material to the teeth, adding natural-looking grooves and texture before "bonding" it with a special light. This procedure is primarily done for patients with chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth and helps enhance the appearance while preserving the tooth's function. There are various other conditions that we can treat through dental bonding, and we may discuss these possibilities with a patient during a routine dental visit.
Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that cover a patient's tooth, typically when the tooth has been compromised due to extensive decay. They are most commonly used after a root canal or extraction procedure to act as a natural tooth. Crowns help prevent the spread of bacteria and decay to surrounding teeth, gums, and bone. We will likely discuss a crown placement in cases of a root canal, extraction, or implant procedure.
“Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that cover a patient’s tooth, typically when the tooth has been compromised due to extensive decay.”
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 Smile Center Dental Care may be able to help. Call us today at 253-336-0023 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
- Smile Center Dental Care was established in 2005.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: King County and Pierce County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, Des Moines, Tacoma, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, SeaTac, and Algona
- National Provider Identifier Database (1770035289). View NPI Registry Information
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