Brighten Your Smile with Scale and Clean
in Atwell & Cockburn

The recommended frequency of getting a scale and clean can vary depending on individual factors. The general guideline is to schedule this procedure every six months. Regular teeth cleanings help prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. Failure to have these deposits removed can lead to various dental issues, including gum disease and cavities.

The frequency of dental scaling and cleaning appointments can be adjusted to accommodate your specific dental needs. Your dentist will determine a suitable schedule for you after a comprehensive assessment of your oral health.

Factors that can influence the frequency of scale and clean appointments may include the following:

• Oral hygiene habits
• Risk of developing dental problems
• Presence of crowns, bridges or ongoing orthodontic treatment

Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings if you have a history of periodontal disease and dental decay, a higher risk of developing cavities, prosthetic work, like crowns and bridges, or if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

One way to get advice regarding the frequency of scale and clean appointments is to consult with your trusted dentist. At Atwell Smiles Dental, our team will tailor recommendations to your unique needs, aiming to keep your beautiful smile healthy.

The scaling and cleaning procedure is generally not as painful as many people perceive it to be. You may hear noises from the dental scaler, which are often scraping sounds as plaque and tartar are dislodged. You might also feel some vibrations or pressure during the procedure. While these sensations can be unfamiliar and may cause minor discomfort, they are less likely to cause severe pain.

The discomfort experienced during a scale and clean is usually mild and temporary. The degree of discomfort can vary depending on individual factors, mainly the severity of tartar buildup. For patients with more significant tartar deposits, there may be a slightly greater sensation of pressure.

If you have concerns about discomfort or specific needs during the procedure, don’t hesitate to communicate with your dentist. They can make adjustments to maintain your comfort.

You can still undergo dental cleaning even if you have sensitive teeth. Our goal at Atwell Smiles Dental is to keep you comfortable and address any specific needs you may have.

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Communication is key.
  If you have sensitive teeth, it’s essential to communicate this with your dentist before the cleaning begins. This allows them to take extra care and make necessary adjustments to minimise discomfort.
• Gentle techniques.
  The scale and clean dentist at Atwell Smiles Dental is skilled in using gentle techniques during the cleaning procedure. This includes modern scalers to wash away debris efficiently without causing pain. We may also provide numbing agents when necessary. Such techniques help prevent potential discomfort associated with sensitive teeth.
• Desensitising agents.
  In some cases, desensitising agents or toothpaste can be applied to your teeth to help reduce sensitivity during the scaling and cleaning process.
• Regular cleanings are important.
  If you have sensitive teeth, it’s particularly important to maintain regular dental cleanings. Reducing plaque and tartar buildup is essential in preventing further dental issues that can exacerbate sensitivity.
• Oral care at home.
  Your dentist can guide you on suitable oral hygiene practices to manage and alleviate tooth sensitivity.

The average period of a professional teeth cleaning is approximately 30 to 60 minutes. The specific time can vary based on factors like your oral health status and the amount of deposits between your teeth and gums. Having thick plaque and tartar deposits, as well as additional dental treatments, such as fluoride application, can prolong the procedure.

We highly suggest consulting your dentist at Atwell Smiles Dental regarding the duration of your teeth cleaning procedure so you can prepare before your appointment.

Yes. There are some essential aftercare steps you need to practise after undergoing a scaling and cleaning treatment. This includes the following:

• Maintain good oral hygiene.
  Continue your regular oral hygiene routine at home, including brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. Proper oral care helps prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar.
• Observe for sensitivity.
  It’s common to experience mild sensitivity after a dental cleaning. If you experience it, use anti-sensitivity toothpaste and avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks for a few days.
• Stay hydrated.
  Drinking water helps flush away any residual debris and bacteria. Also, being hydrated helps promote a clean and healthy mouth.
• Follow the recommended post-op instructions.
  Your dentist will provide specific instructions tailored to your needs. We encourage you to follow the recommendations they provide.
• Attend regular check-ups.
  Schedule your next dental check-up in accordance with your dentist’s recommendations. Regular teeth cleanings are essential for maintaining optimal oral health.
• Keep an eye on your gum health.
  Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist if you notice any unusual changes, bleeding, or discomfort in your gums.
• Quit smoking.
  If you smoke, give thought to quitting. Smoking habits can cause adverse effects like dry mouth, gum bleeding, and tooth stains that can affect your oral health and overall well-being.

Remember, aftercare following a dental cleaning is crucial for preserving the benefits of the procedure and preventing future dental issues. Our friendly team of dentists at Atwell Smiles Dental is here to provide you with guidance and support.

You can eat relatively soon after getting your teeth cleaned. However, it’s advisable to limit the type of food you eat to maximise the benefits of the procedure. Listed below are some of the foods you may enjoy following your scale and clean treatment:

• Soft foods.
  Opt for soft foods like yogurt, pudding, and applesauce. These are gentle on your teeth and won’t cause any discomfort.
• Soup.
  A warm bowl of soup, specifically broth-based varieties, can be a soothing and nutritious choice after a dental cleaning.
• Scrambled eggs.
  Eggs are a good source of protein and can be prepared in a soft and easily consumable form like scrambled eggs.
• Smoothies.
  Smoothies made with fruits, yogurt, and milk can provide essential nutrients while being easy on your teeth.
• Mashed potatoes.
  Creamy mashed potatoes are soft and comforting, making them a suitable option for post-cleaning meals.
• Oatmeal.
  Oatmeal is a nutritious and soft breakfast option that can be customised with your favourite toppings.
• Cottage cheese.
  Cottage cheese is a protein-rich food that is gentle on your teeth.
• Avocado.
  Avocado can be mashed and spread on soft bread or used in smoothies for a healthy option.
• Pasta.
  Soft pasta dishes, such as macaroni and cheese, can be a satisfying choice.
• Bananas.
  Bananas are not only soft but also rich in vitamins and minerals.

It’s essential to avoid very hot or cold drinks and foods that are very sticky or hard. Such foods can potentially cause discomfort and cause damage to your teeth.

While dental cleaning is a routine and generally safe procedure, it’s essential to be aware of possible side effects that may occur:

• Tooth sensitivity.
  It’s quite common to notice mild tooth sensitivity after a professional dental cleaning. This may happen if there is a significant buildup of plaque and tartar. This uncomfortable sensation usually lasts for a short period, within a day or two, and can be managed with desensitising toothpaste.
• Gum sensitivity and bleeding.
  Your dentist will gently remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gumline during the dental cleaning. This process may result in mild pain and bleeding, particularly if your gums are inflamed. The bleeding is temporary and often subsides right after the procedure.

Proper oral care, such as regular brushing and flossing, can help minimise the discomfort associated with dental cleaning and contribute to its overall benefits. If pain and bleeding persist, immediately call your dentist at Atwell Smiles Dental for appropriate management of these side effects.

The average cost of teeth cleaning may range between $265 and $350. This amount can vary depending on several factors, such as the dental clinic’s location and the condition of your teeth.

Please note that these are approximate figures, and the actual cost of cleaning teeth can differ from one dental clinic to another. If you have dental health funds, it’s advisable to check your cover as it may offset some of the expenses associated with your treatment.

For a more accurate estimate of the cost of dental cleaning, we encourage you to contact our team at Atwell Smiles Dental. We will discuss the details and cost of your treatment with you so you can prepare your budget.

Health funds provide cover for general dentistry services, including scale and clean. However, the extent of dental cover can vary depending on the policy and the level of dental extras you have.

To help you get an idea, we’ve provided the information you need to keep in mind regarding how health funds work with dental treatments:

• Check your policy.
  Review your health fund policy to understand the extent of dental cover it offers. Different policies may provide different levels of cover for family dental health services, including scale and clean procedures.
• Waiting periods.
  Some health funds may have waiting periods before you can claim benefits for dental treatments. Be aware of these waiting periods so you can access your benefits when needed.
• Annual limits.
  Health funds often set an annual limit or the maximum amount that you can claim for your dental treatments within a calendar year.
• Preferred providers.
  Some health funds have preferred provider networks, where you may receive higher benefits. It’s worth checking if your dentist is one of your health fund’s preferred providers.
• Gap payments.
  Depending on your policy and the cost of the procedure, there may still be out-of-pocket expenses, known as gap payments. Having an idea of these costs in advance can help you plan accordingly.

Atwell Smiles Dental accepts several health funds, such as HBF, HCF, and CBHS. Our staff will help you get more information about how you can use your benefits to manage the cost of your dental cleaning.

Yes, you can still undergo a scale and clean procedure even if you have braces or dental implants. Here’s what you should know:

• Braces.
  When you have dental braces, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent plaque and tartar buildup around the brackets and wires. Dentists use specific dental tools to clean your teeth thoroughly, even with braces in place. They pay extra attention to cleaning around the brackets, wires, and gumline so that your teeth and gums stay healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment.
• Dental implants.
  Dental implants require regular maintenance to prolong their longevity. Professional dental cleaning is a crucial part of this maintenance. During the cleaning, your dentist will use specific instruments to clean the implant crown and surrounding gum tissue. This helps prevent complications like peri-implantitis and helps the implant remain in optimal condition.

Whether you have braces or dental implants, regular scale and clean appointments are vital to prevent complications such as gum disease or tooth decay. Your dentist at Atwell Smiles Dental can tailor your teeth cleaning procedure to address your specific needs.

Regular dental cleanings and deep cleanings serve different purposes and are essential components of maintaining good oral health. Deep cleaning is more extensive compared to regular teeth cleaning. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

Regular cleaning (prophylaxis):

• Frequency.
  Regular cleanings are generally performed every six months as part of your routine dental check-up.
• Purpose.
  These cleanings primarily target the removal of surface-level plaque and tartar, concentrating on the visible parts of your teeth and the gumline.
• Instruments.
  Dentists use tools such as scalers and polishers to clean and smoothen tooth surfaces efficiently.
• Benefits.
  Regular cleanings help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, keeping your teeth and gums in good health.

Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing):

• Frequency.
  Deep cleanings are recommended when there is evidence of gum disease (periodontitis) and are performed as needed based on the results of your oral health assessment.
• Purpose.
  Deep cleanings go beyond the surface and involve cleaning the roots of your teeth and the pockets between your teeth and gums.
• Instruments.
  Dental professionals use specific instruments to remove plaque and tartar, minimise bacteria from below the gumline, and smoothen the tooth roots.
• Benefits.
  Deep cleanings are vital for managing gum disease and preventing its progression. They help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and prevent tooth and bone loss.

It’s important to note that while regular cleanings are preventive in nature, deep cleanings are a therapeutic intervention for addressing gum disease. Your dentist will recommend the appropriate type of cleaning based on your oral health condition.