Apr
Dental cleaning (medically known as prophylaxis) is an important part of oral health. It helps remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. With the team at Eastland Dental Center of Bloomington, Illinois, patients can obtain cleanings with our dental hygienists to ensure they protect their smiles against problems that may negatively and permanently affect their oral as well as overall health and wellness.
Your dentist may recommend professional teeth cleaning every six months or more frequent if you have gum disease. Gum disease is a condition that may initially require deep cleanings also known as scaling and root planning to bring the teeth and gums back to health and control the infection properly.
During a dental cleaning, the dental hygienist will use a special tool to clean the surfaces of your teeth and remove any plaque or tartar that has built up. They will also floss and polish your teeth. The hygienists may take x-rays of the teeth to be able to view in between the teeth and roots of the teeth that cannot be seen clinically. A gum check or periodontal readings are also done periodically to check the health of the gums and bone that support the teeth. Dr. Mike Milligan or Marisa Milligan will complete an evaluation of the teeth and gums and advise you on the overall health of the mouth.
Many patients believe that as long as they brush and floss as directed at home each day, they do not need to see a dentist for a professional cleaning. However, even the most diligent brushers and flossers may still develop areas of plaque and tartar in hard-to-reach places. Working with a dental hygienist “near me” to have thorough cleaning performed can ensure that there is no plaque left behind that can contribute to the development of disease or decay. The hygienist and dentist will also coach you on what you can do to improve your homecare.
Most patients will find that their dental cleaning and examination appointments are extremely affordable. Patients with dental insurance often find that the cleaning and evaluation are included in full with their plan, as preventative treatments are highly recommended. Patients without dental insurance may want to ask about payment plans and financing options to ensure they can manage the services they need for healthier smiles throughout their lifetime. Talking with our team is the best way to determine the actual cost of treatment for those paying out-of-pocket for dental services.
If you are overdue for a dental cleaning, please call our office today to schedule an appointment. At Eastland Dental Center, we are open to new and returning patients in the community of Bloomington, IL, and beyond. Call us at (309) 663-4711 and request an appointment at our practice, conveniently located at 1404 Eastland Drive, Suite #101.
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.