Dental cleanings begin with a quick exam. Your Snikeris Family Dentistry professional starts with a visual examination of your teeth and gums, looking for any apparent abnormalities. X-rays may be considered if you're due and, after X-rays, the actual cleaning process starts. The dentist or hygienist will use a small instrument, called a scaler, to remove tartar and plaque from your teeth. Depending on the level of tartar buildup, this part of the cleaning process may take some time.

After the plaque and tartar have been carefully scraped from your teeth, the hygienist or dentist brushes and polishes your teeth using a high-powered brush and special toothpaste. This is followed by professional flossing and a fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth until your next visit.

A professionally made night guard protects your healthy smile by preventing your teeth from scraping or grinding against each other as you sleep. Grinding or clenching your teeth while sleeping is very common. Approximately 30-40 million children and adults suffer from bruxism — the official term for tooth grinding.

Untreated bruxism can damage your teeth, causing cracks and chips. Grinding or clenching your teeth together can gradually wear away the outer layers of enamel, potentially making your teeth more sensitive and brittle.

Without a night guard to protect your teeth, you may eventually need restorative dentistry, such as fillings or crowns, to maintain the healthy shape and size of your teeth.

Root planing is a deep cleaning below your gum line. The dental team at Snikeris Family Dentistry performs this treatment to prevent a buildup of plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease. This protects your healthy smile and avoids the progression of gum disease that can lead to bone and tooth loss.

Your deep cleaning occurs in two stages. First, your mouth is numbed and your hygienist uses a manual or ultrasonic device to remove all the plaque and tartar above and below your gum line, cleaning deep into the pocket. Then, the hygienist smooths out your teeth roots. This encourages your gums to reattach to your teeth and promotes a healthy smile.