Achieving a healthy smile starts with regular teeth cleanings and examinations by an experienced dentist. In Waterloo and Kitchener, Dr. Ashraf and his team welcome patients of all ages to visit every six months for routine dental hygiene appointments.
Dental Cleanings
There’s an important reason why you need to see a dentist every six months—you receive specialized care and attention that you can’t get at home. At your dental cleaning, our team will:
- Oral Health Evaluations: Our staff will take digital x-rays and scans of your teeth. With these images, our dentist can help track changes in the movement, alignment, and health of your mouth. This will help Dr. Ashraf catch and monitor potential problems like tooth decay, impacted wisdom teeth, and oral cancer before they grow dangerous. If we notice something out of the ordinary, our Waterloo dentist can provide you with your treatment options and help you select a solution that works for your smile and budget.
- Flossing and Polishing: Even the most diligent daily flossers aren’t immune to plaque and calculus (tartar) accumulation. During your biannual visit, our hygienists will remove any calculus from teeth and check for signs of tooth decay or gum disease. After a thorough cleaning and polishing, you’ll leave our office with a set of beautifully clean pearly whites.
Attending routine dental cleanings also provides the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions about your oral hygiene routine at home, oral health overall, and to express any other concerns you have about your smile. At Dr. Ashraf’s office, we’re committed to providing every patient with the information needed to keep smiles healthy and strong between appointments.
Fillings
Tooth decay happens when bacteria eats away at the enamel, the hard outer shell of your teeth. Tooth decay can cause pain, infections, and weaken the overall strength and structure of your mouth, which compromises your health. That’s why it’s so important to get your cavities filled as soon as you can.
When you come to our Waterloo dentist for a filling, we are committed to keeping the process as painless and comfortable as possible. For added relief, Dr. Ashraf will numb the area around your tooth with the revolutionary Single Tooth Anesthesia System™ (STA System). The STA System removes needles and syringes from the equation, making the experience much less daunting for all patients, including those with dental anxiety. Once your tooth is numb, we will clear out the decay and fill the hole with strong fillings that match the rest of your teeth.
At Dr. K. Ashraf Dentistry, we pride ourselves in using metal-free fillings to restore smiles to their original look and strength. If you have old silver fillings, be sure to ask our Waterloo dentist above amalgam filling removal and replacement with a tooth-colored composite filling.
Schedule your Next Cleaning Today!
Ready to schedule your cleaning? Fill out the contact form or give us a call at 519-725-9585 in Waterloo, ON! Dr. Ashraf and his team look forward to meeting you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cavities are often filled with gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored composite fillings. While silver, gold, and silver fillings are more durable, many patients prefer composite fillings as a more natural-looking, discreet alternative.
During your consultation with Dr. Ashraf, he’ll examine your teeth and recommend which type of filling is most effective for you and your individual case.
How much does a dental cleaning cost?
On average, the cost of a dental cleaning ranges anywhere from $70 to $200. Most insurance companies cover a portion or complete cost of routine dental cleanings. However, we suggest contacting your provider to get a better understanding of your insurance coverage prior to your visit. If you’d like, a member of our staff can contact them for you to ensure you receive the maximum benefits possible.
To get started, contact our Kitchener-Waterloo office by calling (519) 725-9585 and we’ll schedule your free consultation with Dr. Ashraf.
Does it hurt to have your teeth cleaned?
No, professional dental cleanings should not hurt your teeth or cause any discomfort. The process is virtually pain-free and helps maintain healthy teeth and gums to last a lifetime. If you have plaque or tartar build-up, we’ll likely go beyond a routine cleaning and perform scaling and root planing, or a more thorough teeth cleaning. This procedure will remove any build-up and restore your oral health.
Are there any side effects of a dental cleaning?
After a professional dental cleaning, you may experience mild gum and tooth sensitivity, but this should pass in a day or two. Removing built-up plaque and tartar restores and strengthens the health of your teeth and gums, which may initially cause sensitivity. Also, cleaning along the gum line may cause mild irritation and redness.
It’s important not to worry if you’re experiencing mild gum sensitivity following a thorough dental cleaning. It’s completely normal and should subside within a day or two.
Visiting Dr. Ashraf for bi-annual dental check-ups and cleanings will ensure your dental health stays on track.
Are regular dental check-ups and cleanings necessary?
Yes, it’s important to schedule regular check-ups and professional cleanings every six months, or twice a year. This helps us keep track of any future changes, maintain your oral health, and address any issues before they become problematic. Getting a professional teeth cleaning will ensure your teeth and gums are free of tartar and plaque build-up, providing you with a beautiful, healthy smile.
What dental fillings made of?
Cavities are often filled with gold, porcelain, silver amalgam, or tooth-colored composite fillings. While silver, gold, and silver fillings are more durable, many patients prefer composite fillings as a more natural-looking, discreet alternative.
During your consultation with Dr. Ashraf, he’ll examine your teeth and recommend which type of filling is most effective for you and your individual case.
How long does it take to get a filling?
The amount of time it takes to get a filling depends on several factors, such as the type of filling, size, and number of cavities filled. On average, routine dental fillings take about an hour or less but Dr. Ashraf may require you to come in for a second appointment if several teeth need to be treated.
What is a deep dental cleaning?
Similar to a regular cleaning, a deep dental cleaning removes tartar and plaque build-up, as well as give your teeth a thorough polishing. Additionally, a deep cleaning, or periodontal scaling and root planing, is performed to treat different forms of gum disease, restore your oral health, and prevent tooth decay.
Untreated tartar, plaque, or bacteria build-up causes your gums to become infected and results in gum disease. When this happens, Dr. Ashraf performs scaling and root planing to clean hard-to-reach places located below the gum line and in between the teeth. To learn more about deep cleanings, give us a call at (519) 725-9585 and a knowledgeable member of our staff will explain the process in detail.