13
Nov
Dr. Milligan describes the purpose of dental cleanings and examinations for Bloomington, IL area patients
Many patients in the Bloomington, IL area might wonder about the purpose of dental cleanings. They may brush and floss their teeth after every meal and wonder if dental cleanings and routine examinations are truly necessary. They are! With regular visits to the dentist, patients can have their teeth cleaned thoroughly and enjoy the benefits of having a trusted team monitor their dental health and wellness.
What happens during basic teeth cleaning?
During a dental cleaning, patients will have a professional dental hygienist address plaque and tartar build-up as well as the health of the tissues and the overall wellness of the patient . Even patients who take great care of their teeth may still have tartar that is difficult to remove on their own or areas of inflammation that must be addressed. During this time, the hygienist will also improve the appearance of the teeth by removing surface staining. All these issues can contribute to an unhealthy state of the oral cavity which is also connected to overall health. Drs. Mike and Marisa Milligan of Eastland Dental Center find that professional cleanings at minimum every six months or the interval that we establish for you specifically are crucial to good oral hygiene and can greatly reduce the development of issues such as dental decay and periodontal disease.
Why does it work?
The tools used by dental professionals during a cleaning are designed to remove hard-to-address tartar and plaque deposits that naturally build up over time onto the surfaces of the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that can contain millions of bacteria which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay if not removed properly each day. Hard calcified deposits such as tartar can contribute to these issues as well. With the specialized instruments used by the dental team, these deposits can be easily removed without harming the surfaces of the gums and teeth. Our team ensures all instruments are properly cleaned and sterilized for safety. With the use of ultrasonic instruments, our team can loosen even larger pieces of tartar, something that cannot be done at home with traditional brushing and flossing. This means that the cleanings achieved in the dental office will far surpass the cleaning achieved at home with a toothbrush and floss.
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Is a dental cleaning painful?
Most patients find that routine dental cleanings are virtually painless. There may be some pressure felt when the hygienist is scraping with specialized instruments, but this does not generally equate to pain. The entire process typically takes less than an hour, depending on how much cleaning needs to be done and how long it has been since the last visit.
What happens during an examination?
During a routine visit to the dentist, patients will also undergo an evaluation. Dental examinations are done in the dental chair, though we may have patients go into another room for dental x-rays. X-rays allow our dental team to see beyond what is physically visible. A dentist can evaluate how a child’s adult teeth are coming in or can spot decay beneath the gum line that may require treatment. Additionally, x-rays can be used to monitor the health of the jaw bone and may be done in preparation for certain dental treatments such as the placement of dental implants. The dentist will review the x-rays and complete a thorough clinical exam. We will then review the health of the mouth and go over any treatment that is recommended. Treatment as soon as possible can keep the condition from becoming a more serious problem.
Benefits of routine visits
- Monitoring of any oral health concerns
- Thorough cleaning to remove stains, plaque, and tartar
- Evaluation of the tissues
- Oral cancer screening
- Building a positive relationship with the dental team
- Reducing dental anxiety that comes with long-delayed appointments
Schedule your visit today!
Drs. Mike and Marisa Milligan provide patients in the Bloomington, IL area with the solutions they need to achieve healthy and beautiful smiles for life. Connect with the team by calling (309) 663-4711 or by visiting the office located at 1404 Eastland Drive, Ste. 101 to book your consultation appointment. Our professionals are here to assist new and current patients with trusted dentistry!
Eastland Dental Center
Eastland Dental Center is owned and operated by the father-daughter duo, Dr. Mike Milligan and Dr. Marisa Milligan.
Dr. Mike completed his doctor of dental medicine degree from Southern Illinois University in 1978. Dr. Marisa completed her doctor of dental medicine degree from Midwestern University in 2015. Both doctors have logged hundreds of hours of continuing education to stay on top of the latest technologies in dentistry as well as the most current research on the oral-systemic, mouth-body connection to benefit their patients. Dr. Mike and Dr. Marisa are active members and in excellent standing with the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, McLean County Dental Association, American Academy of Oral Systemic Health, and numerous other societies.
Both doctors are avid golfers and have won several national golf tournaments over the years. They are the only father-daughter team in the state to have won the Illinois State Amateur Golf Championship. Dr. Mike in 1974 and Dr. Marisa in 2005.