Hammond Dental Sandy Springs

Dental Cleanings

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Best Dental Cleanings in Sandy Springs, GA

Hammond Dental is a General Dental practice that also offers specialist dental care. Some of the general dental procedures we offer include teeth cleanings, fillings, dental crowns, dental bridges, and dentures. Our specialized procedures include but are not limited to, root canals, tooth extractions, clear smile aligners, and dental implants. Located in Sandy Springs, GA, we gladly give metro-Atlanta remarkable dental care and while utilizing the most modern dental technology and practices. Bring the whole family and receive quality dental care all under one roof!

We like to ensure that you’re the most educated about your teeth and procedures prior to settling on treatment options. You can find out about our dental strategies and how they are performed by reading about some of our services. Book your appointment and talk to one of our experienced dentists today.

Regular Dental Cleanings

Dental cleanings; also referred to as prophylaxis treatment, are the most effective way for patients to care for their teeth and prevent future problems from developing. At Hammond Dental in Sandy Springs, we recommend that patients attend their regular cleanings twice a year to best care for their oral hygiene. Once a year, usually at one of the cleaning visits, X-rays will be taken of the patient’s entire mouth to evaluate the state of the bones and tooth alignment, especially underneath the gum line. The Dentist will also conduct a comprehensive exam to screen for any pre-existing issues and review the X-rays.

As long as the patient is free of any gum disease, and periodontal disease, the hygienist will then clean the patient’s teeth with a professional electric toothbrush and floss. Occasionally, fluoride will be applied to the patient’s teeth to help prevent cavities, but this is not always necessary and will be administered if the doctor prescribes it. Dental Cleanings are typically considered to be a general dentist procedure but can also be considered restorative dentistry.

Diagram image of Gum Disease

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is a condition when bacteria has started to break down the tooth and gum structure. It is very important that patients with gum disease see the Dentist to prevent any other issues from arising. Depending on the severity of your gums, it can sometimes be difficult to fix the condition.

According to the American Dental Association, gum disease can be indicated by:

  • Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing
  • Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
  • Gums that have receded from teeth
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • Change in the way teeth fit together in bite

Gum disease can be diagnosed at routine dental visits and is highly treatable if found at the proper time. The Hygienist is able to diagnose patients with gum disease by probing the gum pockets next to teeth and by screening for bone loss in the X-rays. Larger pockets in the gums is evidence that the gum has separated from the teeth and indicates that an infection is present. Additionally, if patients experience bone loss, patients should seek treatment immediately in order to prevent further damage or ultimately lose their teeth.

SRP – Dental Deep Cleaning

If patients do have the presence of gum disease, our Hygienist is required by The American Dental Association to perform an SRP Deep Cleaning, a special deep cleaning procedure. Patients should be aware of this to ensure they are getting the proper care they deserve. Likewise, patients should also be aware of SRP scams at dental offices; if you have been told that you require a deep cleaning, we will be happy to give a second opinion at your free consultation to ensure that a deep cleaning procedure is required.

SRP stands for Scaling and Root Planing, and it is the primary procedure performed to treat gum disease. At the visit, the Hygienist will first determine the severity of the periodontal disease to determine the best treatment plan. The process will begin with the hygienist scaling the teeth for any excess plaque and tartar build-up down to the bottom of the pockets in the gums. Next, the hygienist will smooth, or plane, the root surfaces of the teeth to help the gums to reattach to the teeth. Often, this treatment will be spread out over the course of two visits within two weeks of each other due to many insurance plans requiring that only two quadrants of the mouth be treated per visit.

 

After Your SRP

Following the SRP procedure, often the Doctor will prescribe the patient to take antibiotics to help fight off any further bacterial infection from forming while the gums heal. The Doctor may also recommend special toothpastes or mouth rinses to help maintain healthy gums and to prevent any further need for a deep cleaning in the future.

It is important to avoid tobacco products to both prevent gum disease and to slow the progression of it. Additionally, it is important to schedule your regular cleanings and checkups with the Doctor so that gum and tooth infections can be caught before they develop into more complicated procedures.

 

Oral Hygiene Between Regular Dental Cleanings

Sometimes it may be difficult for patients to know how to best care for their oral hygiene outside of going to regular dental cleanings. It is important that patients brush and floss regularly to avoid any more visits to the dentist in addition to routine cleanings. It is recommended that everyone brush their teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed, and floss once a day. Mouth rinse can also be beneficial, but it is not necessary unless specifically recommended by your Doctor or Hygienist.

At your regular check-up, your dentist may also recommend specific toothpaste if you struggle with issues like sensitive teeth or are prone to having thin enamel. It is important to listen to the Doctor’s advice to ensure you take the best care possible of your teeth and prevent any avoidable issues.

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Picture of Brushing Teeth

Good Oral Hygiene is a Lifestyle

Patients should be aware that good lifestyle choices are just as important for oral health as brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. It is important to avoid certain things that may cause or worsen existing issues. First, patients should avoid tobacco products entirely. Tobacco has been proven to cause plaque build up and even gum disease, which can lead eventually to tooth decay, resulting in missing teeth and other complications if not properly treated by your Dentist. Trauma to teeth can also be problematic if not addressed immediately; it can lead to bacteria entering inside the tooth which will eventually cause decay or even loss of your tooth.

It is important that patients see their dentist at least twice every year in order to maintain good oral hygiene. Dental cleanings help prevent periodontal disease, cavities, and other problems that may arise. Your Doctor will also be able to give more specific suggestions for a healthy lifestyle at regular dental visits that will help maintain and keep up good oral health practices.

Picture of Brushing Teeth
Picture of Clean Teeth being checked with a mirror

Regular Cleanings Help Prevent Future Issues

At Hammond Dental, we recommend that patients attend their regular dental cleanings twice a year for prophylaxis treatment, and as prescribed for periodontal maintenance. We also recommend that patients get X-rays once a year to ensure the bone structure underneath the gum line is still healthy. This will help the Hygienist and Doctor to detect any bone loss, while also monitoring any existing concerns from worsening.

Regular visits to the Dentist can help detect issues early to prevent any drastic treatment that would need to be done otherwise. Cavities, while fairly common, can be prevented by regular visits and good oral hygiene maintenance at home. Additionally if cavities are ignored, they can turn into much more daunting procedures in the long run. If tooth decay continues unchecked and untreated, a root canal may be required in order to save the tooth. If teeth are past the point of having a root canal done, the Doctor may recommend that the tooth be extracted. While the Dentist will explore every option available before extracting a tooth, this can be necessary if infection spreads too far within the tooth, resulting in breakage and bone loss in the jaw.

WE WORK WITH MOST INSURANCES

Aetna Dental Insurance accepted at Hammond Dental
United Concordia Dental Insurance accepted at Hammond Dental
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Dental Insurance accepted at Hammond Dental
MetLife Dental Insurance accepted at Hammond Dental
Ameritas Dental Insurance accepted at Hammond Dental
Humana Dental Insurance accepted at Hammond Dental
Delta Dental Insurance accepted at Hammond Dental
Cigna Dental Insurance accepted at Hammond Dental
Guardian Dental Insurance accepted at Hammond Dental

Dental Cleaning Cost

Pricing for dental cleanings will depend on if the patient will be paying for the visit with insurance. For the most part, patients with insurance will have regular preventative visits covered at a high percentage by their insurance company. Depending on the percentage of coverage, the patient portion of the preventative treatment visit will vary. As a courtesy to our patients, Hammond Dental will verify the patient’s specific benefits and coverage before the scheduled visit to ensure that you are properly informed of your costs before coming to the scheduled appointment.

Post Op for a Deep Cleaning

To properly care for your mouth after receiving a scaling and root planing procedure, follow these steps:

  • For tenderness, rinse mouth with warm salt water (1⁄2 tsp of salt in 4 oz of water).
  • Usually there is little bleeding associated with deep cleanings, but slight oozing may Occur.
  • For moderate pain, over the counter pain relievers can be used according to directions on the bottle.
  • For sensitivity, be sure to keep your teeth clean. You can also use toothpaste for sensitive teeth to help alleviate this.
  • For food, soft foods that do not require excessive chewing is ideal for healing.
  • No smoking or use of any tobacco products.
  • Call immediately if experiencing severe pain, excessive bleeding, or if anything unusual develops that you might have a question about. 
Picture of Teeth with Toothbrush

Setting up an Appointment

Hammond Dental has years of experience in dental restorations. Dr. Norris works with her team of experienced and professional dental lab technicians to give patients all the information needed to make the right decision. Patients can schedule their free consultation to discuss their options and pricing with dental implants by calling or texting our office at 770-637-1809. Hammond Dental can also be reached through Facebook Messenger, or patients can fill out the online form, which we will respond to as soon as possible. We look forward to helping you achieve your new, straighter smile!

Picture of Teeth with Toothbrush

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