Routine Dental Procedures Costa Mesa, CA
Routine dental procedures are crucial to maintaining your overall health. They may be able to prevent any damage to your gums and teeth. You should see a dentist for routine dental procedures at least twice a year.
Routine dental procedures are available at Brighter Smile Dental in Costa Mesa and the surrounding area. We may be able to help you establish and maintain a dental care routine. Call us today at (949) 220-0198 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Importance of Routine Dental Procedures
Biannual routine dental visits generally cover an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning. The dental examination involves assessing the mouth for cavities, plaque, and tartar, before examining the gums. We check the gums using a special tool called a probe to measure the pocket depths between each tooth and the gums. This helps us screen for gum or periodontal disease and assess the overall oral health of the patient. During routine visits, we can also suggest supplemental treatments such as fluoride and sealants to enhance a patient's oral health.
Teeth Cleanings
Plaque is the sticky material that clings onto the tooth's surface, and it cannot be removed by brushing or flossing. Plaque is the most common cause of cavities and tooth decay with bacteria that eats away at and deteriorates enamel. Professional teeth cleanings thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, keeping the teeth and oral cavity clean and healthy.
“Professional teeth cleanings thoroughly remove plaque and tartar, keeping the teeth and oral cavity clean and healthy.”
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, go one step further by addressing anything below the gumline. This procedure has the potential to treat gum disease. When not properly removed, the bacteria in plaque can inflame your gums and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth.
Consequently, the gums may form "pockets" that trap more plaque. This is dangerous because it could lead to bone and tooth loss. Deep cleaning is effective during the early stages of gum disease when the structures below the gum line have not yet been damaged. If the condition is more advanced, then more intensive treatments may be necessary.
“Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, go one step further by addressing what is below the gumline.”
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride is a natural tooth-supporting mineral that strengthens teeth, helps prevent cavities, and fights harmful bacteria. It protects gums and tooth enamel. Professional fluoride treatments provide patients with concentrated solutions that are much stronger than over-the-counter solutions.
The American Dental Association recommends that patients receive professional fluoride treatments every three, six, or 12 months, depending on the patient's oral health. Certain groups may be at increased risk for cavities and require more frequent fluoride treatments. These include those who do not seek regular, recommended professional dental care, use drugs or alcohol frequently, have poor oral hygiene, have a poor diet, or have weak enamel.
“Professional fluoride treatments provide patients with concentrated solutions that are much stronger than over-the-counter solutions.”
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Dental Sealants and Teeth Whitening
Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to prevent tooth decay. The sealant's coating consists of dental materials that quickly bond to the natural grooves and texture in the teeth, making them feel like another layer of enamel. Sealants are primarily used for children as a preventative measure to protect their teeth against harmful cavity-causing bacteria.
Teeth whitening is often a cosmetic procedure to brighten the teeth but, in some cases, can be a routine procedure that maintains the teeth's health. A professional tooth whitening procedure involves medical-grade materials and solutions that protect the teeth as opposed to over-the-counter kits that may deteriorate natural tooth enamel. Treatments also provide results up to eight shades brighter for up to three years after the last treatment. However, tooth whitening is not for everyone; our team will properly assess patients to determine whether they could be a candidate.
“Sealants are primarily used for children as a preventative measure to protect their teeth against harmful cavity-causing bacteria.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What happens during a deep teeth cleaning?
Q. Can dental bonding improve the look and function of my teeth?
Q. What is the importance of routine dental procedures?
Q. What are dental sealants and tooth whitening treatments?
People Also Ask
Q. What should patients do if they have sensitive teeth?
Q. What is restorative dentistry?
Q. Why might I need dental crowns, dental bridges, or root canals?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Q. What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
Q. What is the importance of having a routine dental checkup?
Dental Bonding
Practitioners use dental bonding to restore or improve a patient's smile. The dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to the patient's tooth. This material is hardened by a special light that causes it to "bond" to the teeth. Dental bonding can enhance the smile and improve tooth function. It tends to be easier and more affordable than most other cosmetic dental procedures.
Some of the circumstances in which a dentist may employ dental bonding include:
- Repairing chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth
- Protect tooth root that has been exposed as a result of receding gums
- Lessen the appearance of discoloration on teeth
- Close spaces between teeth or make teeth appear longer
- Change the shape of teeth to make them more aesthetically pleasing
This is not an exhaustive list of uses for dental bonding. Speaking with a dental professional will help you determine if bonding is the best way to treat your dental issue.
“Dental bonding can enhance the smile and improve tooth function.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens after a deep cleaning?
A. It is common for patients to feel some soreness in the gums and teeth after a deep cleaning as a result of the tools and pressure put on them. We recommend avoiding any food or drink for a few hours after the procedure and use a special rinse for the first few days. Tenderness should dissipate within the first few hours.
Q. How often should I get routine dental procedures done?
A. Every routine dental procedure differs in its duration and dosage depending on the patient's age and case. For instance, routine cleanings are recommended for all patients every six months, while deep cleanings can be done every few years. During a patient's first visit, we curate a custom treatment plan that entails all of the patient's recommended and required treatments and their durations, which are subject to change.
Q. Which procedures require anesthesia?
A. Topical or local anesthesia is generally administered in one area of the mouth when using dental tools or drills to provide painless treatment. This can be for fillings, root canals, and deep cleanings. General anesthesia, or sedation, is used for more extensive procedures such as extractions, which are not routinely performed.
Q. Can anybody request routine procedures such as teeth whitening or sealants?
A. Typically, we would recommend procedures such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, sealants, and crowns. In some cases, we find signs of progressing decay that may require a procedure. A patient may also request a procedure, and we can conduct a proper examination to determine whether that would be appropriate.
Q. How long do dental sealants and crowns last?
A. Sealants and crowns are both artificial materials that are subject to wear and tear. Dental sealants can last up to 9 years with proper care and maintenance, and crowns can last up to 15 years. These materials have been refined many times to be as durable as they are today, but they require adequate and thorough cleaning to properly maintain them.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Keeping up with your routine dental treatments may prevent any serious issues before they happen. We at Brighter Smile Dental may be able to help. Call us today at 949-220-0198 to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
- Brighter Smile Dental was established in 2015.
- We accept the following payment methods: Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Orange County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Irvine, and Newport Beach
- CA (License #43909). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1699857185). View NPI Registry Information
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We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Costa Mesa, CA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, General Dentist, Family Dentist, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges, Dental Fillings, Teeth Whitening and Gum Disease Treatment.
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