Teeth Cleaning and Oral Exams in Durham, NC

If you want to keep your smile healthy, routine teeth cleanings in Durham are absolutely essential. Without regular dental cleanings and oral exams, you may be at a greater risk of developing cavities or even gum disease. At Max Dental Studio, Dr. Mauro Nunes offers expert preventive care for all ages. Read on to learn more about teeth cleanings, or book your family’s first visit with our dental team today.

Why Are Teeth Cleanings Important?

Because even if you try your hardest and brush two, three, or four times per day, you cannot completely prevent the buildup of bacteria-filled plaque on your teeth. And over time, plaque can harden into tartar, which raises your risk of gum disease and cavities.

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During a professional teeth cleaning, a dental hygienist uses special tools to remove plaque, scrape tartar from your teeth, polish your pearly whites, and leave your smile looking bright. Teeth cleanings are also done alongside oral exams and oral cancer screenings. Routine six-month checkups allow Dr. Nunes and our team to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. And if we do notice any issues, we can take action right away to protect your oral health.

The Benefits Of Routine Dental Cleanings

Wondering if it’s really worth getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist? The answer is “yes, absolutely!” Here are just a few benefits of coming to Max Dental Studio for teeth cleaning services every six months:

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• Fight back against stains – Plaque and tartar don’t just lead to a higher risk of cavities and gum disease. They can also collect stains from coffee, tea, and staining foods like curry and berries. Routine cleanings eliminate these stains and help your smile stay bright.

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• Get personalized guidance – During every visit with the team at Max Dental Studio, you can get feedback on your current oral health, ask questions about your oral hygiene routine, and get tips on how to better maintain a healthy smile.
  
  
• Save time and money – An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And that’s very true when it comes to dental cleanings. During teeth cleanings and oral exams, Dr. Nunes and our team can identify signs of cavities, gum disease, and other common oral health issues early. This often means you can avoid complex, costly dental treatments like fillings,crowns, or root canal treatment. In turn, that saves you both time and money.
  
  
• Enjoy peace of mind – After your visit with Dr. Nunes at Max Dental, you won’t just walk away with a bright, shiny smile. You’ll get valuable peace of mind. You can get back to your daily routine while knowing that your teeth, gums, and mouth are healthy. 

What To Expect From Your Teeth Cleaning

Oral exam & X-rays

Teeth cleanings are always done as part of a routine six-month checkup. This means that you’ll also get an oral exam at Max Dental Studio. We also typically recommend that new patients get dental X-rays when they first visit. Existing patients usually need them every 1-2 years. X-rays let Dr. Nunes and our team look below the surface of your smile and look for hidden oral health issues.

Removing plaque and tartar

After your exam and X-rays, one of our dental hygienists will begin cleaning your teeth. First, they will use special dental tools to gently scrape plaque and tartar from each tooth. This reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease.

Polishing your teeth

Once they’ve removed the plaque and tartar from your teeth, your hygienist will clean your smile with a controlled, slow-speed polishing device and gritty toothpaste. They will carefully clean the top, front, and back surfaces of each tooth. This helps remove surface stains, as well as any remaining plaque or tartar.

Final flossing

Next, your hygienist will floss between each one of your teeth. Flossing removes any remaining food particles, plaque, and other debris from between your teeth. This is also a good chance to check for gum inflammation, since inflamed gums tend to bleed during the flossing process.

Treatment planning and scheduling

Once your teeth cleaning and oral exam are over, you’ll meet with Dr. Nunes to discuss his findings. If you’ve got a clean bill of health, you’ll be sent to our front office to schedule your next six-month visit, then you’ll go home!

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However, if Dr. Nunes does notice any areas of concern, he’ll discuss them with you and go over your treatment options. Together, you can come up with a plan that will restore your oral health and keep your teeth healthy for years to come. 

FAQs About Teeth Cleanings

How much do teeth cleanings cost?

If you have dental insurance, teeth cleanings are typically free! Almost all dental insurance plans cover the cost of six-month visits to the dentist, as well as a yearly set of X-rays. By seeing Dr. Nunes twice per year, you can maximize your benefits.

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Even if you don’t have insurance, the cost of a teeth cleaning is worth it. A cleaning typically costs between $100 and $200. But by getting regular cleanings every six months, you can avoid the need for costly fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment, and more. In the long run, this means you’ll usually end up saving money, even if you have to pay for cleanings out of pocket!

Why should I get a cleaning every six months?

Six-month cleanings are ideal for most patients. This allows Dr. Nunes to keep an eye on your dental health and notice any trends or causes for concern. Six-month cleanings also ensure that you keep the buildup of plaque and tartar under control.

What if I don't get a teeth cleaning?

Your teeth aren't just going to start falling out of your mouth if you skip dental cleanings for six months, a year, or even a couple of years. Your teeth and gums may remain in good shape, especially if you maintain good oral hygiene and live a “tooth-healthy lifestyle” by doing things like avoiding smoking, reducing your intake of sugary snacks and sweets, and so on.

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Even still, skipping teeth cleanings means you’ll have a higher risk of tooth decay, tooth infections, gum disease, and other oral health problems. And worst of all, these issues may go completely unnoticed until they require complex, costly treatment. This is why it’s important to see Dr. Nunes for a dental cleaning in Durham, NC every six months. Book your next visit today. We’re always accepting new patients!

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Affordable Teeth Cleaning at Max Dental Studio in Durham, NC

Whether you’re new to the area, new to our office, or just haven’t gotten a checkup in a while, Dr. Nunes and the team at Max Dental Studio are here to help! We offer affordable teeth cleanings and comprehensive oral exams in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. 

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At our office, you’ll get the personalized care you need to take control of your oral health and keep smiling proudly for years to come. Give us a call or schedule your visit online. We’re always accepting new patients, and we’d love to meet you and your family!

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