What About Dental Cleanings & Sealants?
We often hear questions from our patients about cleanings and sealants—and we’re always happy to help! Dr. Durkin and our team take a personalized approach to your care, creating a plan that helps you keep a healthy, happy smile for life. Your plan is based on the health of your gums and bone (also called periodontal health), so it’s truly tailored just for you.
Here’s a simple overview of the cleaning services we offer:
Prophylaxis (Routine Cleaning)
This is a standard cleaning for patients whose gums and bone levels are in great shape—perfect for maintaining a healthy smile.
Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
For patients with signs of gum disease, we may recommend a deeper cleaning. This is often done with anesthesia to keep you comfortable and helps restore your gum health.
Recare Visits
Everyone’s needs are a little different. Depending on your gum health, we’ll recommend follow-up visits every two, three, four, or six months to keep everything on track.
Additional Periodontal Support
Systemic Antibiotics: In some cases, a prescribed course of antibiotics can help manage gum disease more effectively.
Local Antibiotics (Arestin): This is a time-released medication placed directly in areas of concern to help control bacteria and support healing.
Sealants
Our teeth go through a lot every day—from chewing to exposure to sugary or acidic foods. Even with great brushing and flossing habits, some hard-to-reach areas can still be vulnerable.
Sealants are a simple way to give your teeth extra protection. They’re a thin, protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars). Once applied, they bond into the grooves of your teeth, creating a shield that helps keep out plaque and food particles—reducing the risk of cavities.
At Carlsbad Family Dentistry, we’re here to help protect your smile and make dental care feel easy and comfortable for the whole family.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We always love hearing from our patients! Thank you.