Richardson Dentist: Learn About the Benefits of Dental Cleanings with Today’s Quiz

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People often underestimate the importance of a dental cleaning. This routine procedure helps safeguard your smile against serious dental issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease. At Viva Dental Family Dentistry, we offer comfortable and thorough cleanings using the latest dental technology. In today’s blog, your Richardson dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, uses a fun quiz to illustrate the advantages of receiving regular dental cleanings.

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Learn the Types of Dental Cleanings from Your Dallas, TX Dentist

people smilngNot all dental cleanings were created equal. In fact, the varying degrees of cleanings allow dentists to treat patients according to their needs. For example, a patient who has healthy teeth and gums won’t need a deep scale cleaning. However, a patient suffering from gum disease requires more in-depth care to rid their mouth of oral illnesses and infections.

To help her patients understand the key differences, Dr. Diep Truong, your Dallas, TX dentist, explains the classifications of dental cleanings.

Each Dental Cleaning Serves a Different Purpose

  • Prophy. This is the standard dental cleaning that includes plaque and tartar removal, alongside a light tooth buffing. Patients with a clean bill of health during their dental examinations receive a prophy (prophylaxis) cleaning. Additionally, this cleaning is covered by insurance, since it counts as preventative care.
  • Full mouth debridement. If you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis—the reversible form of gum disease—then a full mouth debridement is in order. With this cleaning, the hygienist needs to remove the excess build-up before the examination is performed. Once your gingivitis clears up, the dentist will perform prophy cleanings again.
  • Scaling and root planing. For patients who have the more advanced stages of gum disease, none of the aforementioned cleanings will prove beneficial. The dentist must access above and below the gum line in order to provide effective treatment.

    Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. During the procedure, your Dallas, TX dentist smooths out the tooth roots to remove the disease-causing bacteria. Afterward, Dr. Truong applies antibiotics onto the root to help quicken the healing process. SRP usually takes several visits before the treatment is complete.

Viva Dental Provides Excellent Preventative Care to Patients

If you’re unsure of which type of dental cleaning will prove most effective for you, visit Dr. Truong. During an examination she can determine which treatments or cleanings your require. To schedule an appointment with our Dallas, TX dental practice, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.

Your Dallas, TX Dentist Explains a Typical Dental Cleaning Appointment

dental cleaningDo you know what happens during a dental cleaning and examination? Most patients know the routine for a dental visit. However, patients who don’t quite know the ins and outs of an dental exam, Dr. Diep Truong, your Dallas, TX dentist, gives her patients a rundown of a typical visit.

Expect the Following During Your Check-Up

  • Thorough inspection. Before the doctor begins the actual cleaning, she first conducts an inspection of your mouth. With a dental probe, she checks for any weaknesses (or soft spots) in your enamel. These soft spots often mean demineralization, which is the onset of tooth decay. In those instances, the dentist uses the DIAGNOdent laser to measure for decay from the inside of the tooth.
    Additionally, your
    Dallas, TX dentist will also check for periodontal pockets (a depth of more than 3 mm could indicate gum disease) alongside an oral cancer screening. Should you not require any immediate treatment, Dr. Truong continues onto the cleaning.
  • Plaque and tartar removal. A sticky, film-like substance called plaque clings onto your teeth throughout the day. Plaque is teeming with bacteria that feed off the lingering sugars left behind by food. While plaque is water-soluble, tartar—the hardened version of plaque—is not. After the dentist performs the examination, a hygienist uses a specialized tool to remove the presence of plaque and tartar from your teeth. Proceeding this comes the remainder of the dental cleaning.
  • Cleaning. The rest of the visit is simple. The hygienist cleans your teeth with electric toothbrush, of sorts, that removes many surface stains. Afterward, the receptionist schedules your next six-month visit to ensure your mouth stays healthy.

Visit Viva Dental for Bi-Annual Dental Examinations and Check-Ups

Part of maintaining a healthy mouth means going to the dentist for regular dental cleanings. With visits twice-a-year, Dr. Truong can detect oral illness and diseases before the damage becomes too severe. To schedule an appointment with our Dallas, TX dental practice, call us at (214) 337-7800. Also, visit our website for services, reviews, and to learn more about our dental team. We happily serve new and existing patients in North Oak Cliff, Kessler Park, Duncanville, Grand Prairie, Richardson, Carrolton, Garland, Addison, Farmers Branch, and nearby suburbs.

Richardson Dentist Improves Smiles with Crowns

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Did you know that your tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the human body? The outer protective layer of your tooth safeguards your smile against injury and bacteria. Unfortunately, a variety of factors can weaken enamel, allowing bacteria to reach your inner tooth structure. When this happens, you may develop tooth decay or gum disease, threatening the stability of your smile. In order to restore a tooth damaged by injury, decay, or periodontal disease, we offer dental crowns. In today’s blog, your Richardson dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, explains how dental crowns can return a tooth to full function and appearance.

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Dallas Dentist: Learn About Teeth Whitening with Today’s Quiz

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Do you suffer from unsightly teeth stains? Due to a variety of factors, our teeth may become discolored over time. Fortunately, at Viva Dental Family Dentistry, we offer an array of cosmetic whitening solutions. In today’s blog, your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, uses a fun quiz to illustrate the benefits of our teeth whitening procedures.

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Dallas Dentist Answers Questions About Dental Crowns

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At Viva Dental Family Dentistry, we offer a method of dental restoration that addresses tooth decay, damaged teeth, and even aids in the replacement of missing teeth. Crowns can help return your tooth to full function and appearance. In today’s blog, your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, addresses frequently asked questions about the restorative capabilities of dental crowns.

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Richardson Dentist Discusses Toothaches

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A toothache can run the gamut from mild irritant to intense pain. What causes toothaches? What treatment options are available to relieve the discomfort of tooth pain? In today’s blog, your Richardson dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, explains what can cause a painful toothache and recommends simple treatment.

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Dallas Dentist: Try Our General Dentistry Quiz

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Do you want to learn more about the importance of general dentistry? In today’s blog, your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, provides a fun and informative quiz to illustrate the benefits of our general dental procedures.

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Dallas Dentist Answers FAQs About Gum Disease

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According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 50% of adults exhibit symptoms of gum disease. This serious dental issue affects millions of Americans. Over time, gum disease can even lead to tooth loss, hindering the appearance and stability of your smile. Thankfully, at Viva Dental Family Dentistry, we offer procedures to diagnose and treat periodontitis. In today’s blog, your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, answers common questions about gum disease.

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Dallas Family Dentist Provides a Summer Sedation Deal

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The kids are home for break and the temperature outside is rising, summer is officially here. In addition to neighborhood BBQs and trips to the beach, summer offers plenty of time for you and your family to visit the dentist. At Viva Dental, we offer the latest care to ensure healthy teeth and gums for the entire family. In today’s blog, your Dallas dentist, Dr. Diep Truong, discusses our approach to family dentistry and offers your family a summer sedation special.

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