Dental Cleanings in Lakewood CO

Woman in Chair Ready for dental Cleaning
Man Smiling

Our Preventative Approach

We are proud to provide dental cleaning services in Lakewood. We are committed to a preventive program, which is a cooperative effort between patient, dentist, and dental staff that focuses on preserving a patient’s natural teeth and maintaining their oral health. Teeth cleaning prevents the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. They aim to maintain great oral health over a patient’s entire lifetime.

Preventing dental disease starts at home. Good oral hygiene and a balanced diet keep teeth healthy and strong. Dental care is continued in the dental office by the efforts of your dentist and dental hygienist to promote, restore, and maintain your oral health.
Prevention also includes regular dental exams, cleanings, and x-rays. Sealants and fluoride are great additional treatments that help protect the teeth.
Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, and beautiful smile.
Keep reading below to learn about the dental cleanings, x-rays, and at-home care that make up our preventative program!
healthy teeth
Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, and beautiful smile. Keep reading below to learn about the dental cleanings, x-rays, and at-home care that make up our preventative program!

Dental Exams & Dental Cleanings

Are you looking for teeth cleaning near you? Good news: our office provides dental cleanings in Lakewood CO! If you’ve never come to see us before, you can expect a full dental exam when you come in for your first appointment. For returning patients, we perform regular check-up exams. At a check-up exam, your dentist and hygienist will include the following:
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Examination of diagnostic x-rays

These x-rays are essential for identifying decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions. All of this information helps us plan the best treatment for your unique smile.

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Oral cancer screening

We always check our patients’ face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

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Gum disease evaluation

We check the gums and bone around the teeth for any signs of periodontal disease.

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Examination of tooth decay

Your dentist will check all of your teeth for decay using special dental instruments. If you are experiencing tooth decay, we will recommend treatments to address this.

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Examination of existing restorations

If you have any fillings, crowns, or other restorations, we will check them to make sure that they are in good condition.

dental equipment

Professional Dental Cleaning

Once we’ve completed your dental exam, it’s time for your teeth cleaning. Our professional dental cleanings are usually performed by Registered Dental Hygienists. We’re proud to offer some of the most comfortable and thorough teeth cleaning in Lakewood CO. Your cleaning appointment will include the following:
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Removal of calculus (tartar)

Calculus is hardened plaque that has been left on the tooth for some time and is now firmly attached to the tooth surface. Calculus forms above and below the gum line and can only be removed with special dental instruments.

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Removal of plaque

Plaque is a sticky, almost invisible film that forms on the teeth. It is a growing colony of living bacteria, food debris, and saliva. The bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums. This inflammation is the start of periodontal disease! By removing plaque, we protect your mouth against gum disease and help you maintain great oral health.

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Teeth polishing

Polishing includes removing stains and plaque that are not otherwise removed during tooth brushing and scaling. This step leaves your mouth looking and feeling great.

Dental X-Rays

Our office offers professional dental x-rays in Lakewood, CO. In addition to dental cleaning, x-rays are another important part of our preventative care plan.
X-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during your regular dental exam. Our dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan. Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected. That’s why we recommend regular x-rays as part of your preventative dental plan.
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What Does My Dentist Look for in an X-Ray?

When your dentist analyzes your x-rays, they are on the lookout for any problem areas or abnormalities that might cause issues in the future or indicate a larger problem. Things that they look for include:

  • Abscesses or cysts.
  • Bone loss..
  • Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors..
  • Decay between the teeth..
  • Developmental abnormalities..
  • Poor tooth and root positions..
  • Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line..

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage can save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth! Problems like poor tooth positions or hard-to-see decay could go unnoticed without the help of dental x-ray images. It’s best to catch these issues early so that they can be quickly and safely taken care of!

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Are Dental X-Rays Safe?

Dental x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered safe. We always take necessary precautions to limit our patient’s exposure to radiation when taking x-rays. These precautions include using lead apron shields to protect the body and using modern, fast film that cuts down the exposure time of each x-ray.

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment. The amount of radiation exposure from a full mouth series of x-rays is equal to the amount a person receives in a single day from natural sources.

We consider it more dangerous to opt out of x-rays. They could show you something very important about your oral health, and missing out on that information is something we never want to risk!

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How Often Should Dental X-Rays be Taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs. Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based on their review of your medical and dental history. They will also take into account your dental exam, any signs and symptoms you are experiencing, your age, and your risk for certain diseases.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for all new patients. Along with a dental exam, this x-ray gives us a complete picture of your oral health and helps us create an oral health plan that is tailored to your specific needs. A full mouth series of dental x-rays is usually good for three to five years.

Bite-wing x-rays, which are x-rays of your top and bottom teeth biting together, are taken at check-up visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect any new dental problems.

What Happens If I Am Experiencing Tooth Decay?

If you are experiencing tooth decay, don’t panic! Our preventative visits are meant to keep your teeth healthy, but we can also help you repair any damage that has already occurred. Our dentists and dental hygienists are skilled and have experience handling all kinds of oral health concerns, from tooth decay to periodontal disease. Our top priority is getting you comfortable and effective treatment that will leave you feeling great.

If you are suffering from tooth decay, we will assess the situation and provide the best solution for your specific needs. 

If the decay is extensive or the tooth is significantly weakened, you may be a good candidate for a crown.

Man with Toothache
Family Brushing Teeth

Home Care

We’re happy to be a top pick for teeth cleaning in Lakewood, CO. But visiting our office for your regular cleaning is only one step on your journey to great oral health. A beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime is our ultimate goal when treating patients. Your personal home care plays an important role in achieving that goal.
Personal oral care starts by eating balanced meals and reducing the number of snacks you eat. A healthy diet helps to support your whole body, including your mouth! Foods that are high in fiber and nutrients are great for your oral health. These include things like leafy greens, fish, and dairy. On the other hand, sugary and acidic foods can wreak on your teeth. Try to manage the amount of soda, candies, and acidic foods like pickles or citrus foods that you are consuming.
In addition to a healthy diet, having an effective at-home oral care routine will help you keep your smile bright and healthy. Various dental aids like toothbrushes and floss can help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

How to Properly Brush & Floss

Brushing and flossing are of paramount importance to oral hygiene. Though bi-annual professional dental cleanings remove plaque, tartar and debris, excellent home care methods are equally valuable. Proper brushing and flossing can enhance the health of your mouth, make your smile sparkle, and prevent serious diseases. Why is proper oral hygiene so important? Here are some of our top reasons:
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Prevention of tooth decay

Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of tooth loss, and its treatment often requires complex dental procedures. Tooth decay occurs when the acids found in plaque erode the natural enamel found on the teeth. This phenomenon can easily be prevented by using proper home hygiene methods. Brushing and flossing helps to clean your teeth and protect your enamel, keeping it healthy and strong.

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Prevention of periodontal disease

Periodontal disease is a serious, progressive condition which can cause tooth loss, gum recession and jawbone recession. Periodontal disease is caused by the toxins found in plaque, and can lead to serious health problems in other parts of the body. Removing plaque and calculus from the surface of the tooth using a toothbrush, and from the interdental areas using dental floss, is an excellent way to stave off periodontal problems. By taking these simple steps every day, you can protect yourself from serious issues down the road.

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Prevention of halitosis

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is usually caused by old food particles on or between the teeth. These food particles can be removed with regular brushing and flossing. This leaves the mouth healthier and breath smelling fresher. No more worrying about bad breath!

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Prevention of staining

Staining or yellowing of the teeth can be caused by a wide variety of factors, including smoking and drinking coffee or tea. The more regularly these staining agents are removed from the teeth with brushing and flossing techniques, the less likely it is that the stains will become permanent. If you enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning, regular brushing and flushing are essential to keeping your teeth bright and beautiful.

Tooth brushing

Tooth brushing

Tooth brushing is an absolutely vital habit for a healthy mouth! Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.
The perfect toothbrush is small in size with soft, rounded-end bristles. Your toothbrush should be no more than three months old. The head of the brush needs to be small enough to access all areas of your mouth, and the bristles should be soft enough so as not to cause undue damage to your gum tissue. To get the most out of your brushing, make sure that you are using the proper technique. Follow the steps below:
  • 1. Place the brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums and gently brush using small, circular motions. Make sure that you always feel the bristles on your gums.
  • 2. Do not scrub or apply too much pressure to the teeth, as this can damage the gums and tooth enamel.
  • 3. Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth. Place special emphasis on the surfaces of the back teeth, which can be harder to reach.
  • 4. Use the tip of the brush to clean the inside of the front teeth.
  • 5. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
We recommend electric toothbrushes for an even better clean. They are easy to use and can remove plaque more efficiently than some traditional toothbrushes. The American Dental Association (ADA) has given electric toothbrushes their seal of approval. The ADA also states that electric toothbrushes with rotating or oscillating heads are more effective than other toothbrushes.
To use an electric toothbrush, simply place the bristles of the brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time. It’s an easy-to-use and efficient tool for your oral health needs!
Flossing

Flossing

Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline. Flossing helps clean these spaces and dislodges any food debris that is stuck between your teeth.
It also disrupts plaque colonies and prevents them from building up, which helps to prevent damage to the gums, teeth, and bone. Flossing is an especially important tool for preventing periodontal disease and limiting the depth of the gum pockets. The interdental regions are difficult to reach with a toothbrush and should be cleansed with dental floss on a daily basis. The flavor and type of floss are unimportant; choose floss that will be easy and pleasant for you to use. To floss, follow these steps:
  • 1. Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands
  • 2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between your teeth. Use a sawing motion to move the floss back and forth.
  • 3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline. Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.
  • 4. Do not pop the floss in and out between the teeth as this will inflame and cut the gums.
Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss. These tools make it much easier to grip your floss and can help you floss more thoroughly and efficiently.
If you have any questions about the correct way to brush or floss, please ask your dentist or dental hygienist. We’re happy to help you perfect your flossing routine!
Rinsing

Rinsing

It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing. You should also rinse your mouth after meals if you are unable to brush.
If you are using an over-the-counter mouthwash product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you. We’re happy to review the products you use and let you know if they are the best fit for your mouth! Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist. Depending on your needs, we might recommend:
  • interdental brushes, which clean between the teeth
  • rubber tip stimulators, which help strengthen the gums
  • tongue cleaners, which can help reduce bad breath
  • irrigation devices, which use water to help remove plaque from between the teeth
  • fluoride, which strengthens the teeth
  • medicated rinses, which reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth
All of these tools can play a role in keeping your mouth healthy. Ask us about any dental aids that you’re curious about and we’ll let you know if they are right for you!
To use an electric toothbrush, simply place the bristles of the brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time. It’s an easy-to-use and efficient tool for your oral health needs!

Find a routine that works for you

Committing to oral hygiene will greatly benefit you over the course of your life. At CK Family Dental, we love helping our patients find the treatments that work for them. We send every patient home with a preventative plan that includes home care so that they can take their health into their own hands. Feeling great about your smile starts with you!

Contact us today for more details about Lakewood CO dental cleaning near you. We’ll welcome you into our office, take good care of your smile, and teach you how to keep it bright and beautiful for years to come.
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