Procedures

Cleanings and Prevention to Protect Smiles | Castaic Dental Center

Cute young daughter on a piggy back ride with her mother.When you visit the dentist, our goal is to help you enjoy your healthiest and most beautiful smile. To achieve this, we focus not only on finding effective treatments but on helping you avoid dental problems in the first place. At Castaic Dental Center, we provide tailored preventive care to protect your teeth and help you enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. Our dental team conducts thorough exams, cleanings, and other important services to keep your teeth, gums, and oral health in good shape.

Whether you’re looking for quality dental care for yourself or a loved one, our team is here for you. We welcome individuals and families from Castaic, CA, Santa Clarita, CA, and nearby communities to our dental practice. Let us help you support your future smiles!

CALL US: (661) 257-2300 REQUEST APPOINTMENT


What is Preventive Dentistry?

Image of dad showing little girl how to brush teeth at homePreventive dentistry is the broad term for any services, techniques, and treatments designed to protect you from future oral health problems. The most common examples are dental exams, which look for signs of current and potential issues, and cleanings, which remove risk factors like bacteria and plaque.

As a family dentist, most of the services we provide are preventive. We offer regular exams and cleanings for patients of all ages and take the time to educate you on how to care for your smile at home. With consistent preventive care combined with at-home hygiene, you can help keep your smile healthy and avoid common issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

What If I Haven’t Had a Cleaning in a While?

Image of smiling male patient sitting in dental chairAt Castaic Dental Center, we believe it’s never too late to start getting the care you need! If you haven’t seen a dentist in a while, it’s even more important to schedule an exam and cleaning. We’ll examine your smile, explain your current oral health situation, and discuss whether any kind of treatment is needed.

Our team always uses a compassionate approach, and will never make you feel embarrassed or judged about your dental history.

Our focus is on helping you work toward your healthiest smile – nothing more, nothing less.


Getting a Dental Exam near Santa Clarita, CA

Image of male patient looking at dental x-ray in dental officeThe purpose of an exam is to evaluate the condition of your smile inside and out. We start with a visual examination of your whole mouth, including your teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues. Your jaw and neck are also examined to check for any abnormalities.

After the visual exam, we may order digital x-rays of your mouth. This looks below the surface to show us your tooth roots, jaw, and facial structure. It can also reveal signs of tooth decay that can’t be seen with the eye. X-rays are typically taken once a year unless there is a specific need for them to plan treatment or diagnose an issue.

If you’re looking for family dentistry services in Santa Clarita, contact us today.


4 Steps to a Dental Cleaning

Dental cleanings are gentle treatments designed to remove harmful bacteria and substances, leaving your teeth clean and fresh. Dental cleanings include four simple yet effective steps:

Plaque Removal – Using special tools, we eliminate any harmful substances from the surfaces of your teeth. This includes bacteria, plaque, hardened tartar, and food debris. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar from your teeth, which makes it even more important to have your cleanings regularly.


Flossing – A professional flossing treatment can accomplish much more than the standard flossing you do at home. We have the skill, training, and the vantage to get between teeth, where it would be difficult for most people to floss, ensuring a more thorough cleaning.


Polishing – We take a flavored polish and run it over the surfaces of your teeth. This smooths out the enamel and can remove minor surface stains, which leaves your teeth looking and feeling new and fresh.


Fluoride – Finally, we finish with a fluoride treatment. This mineral is important for promoting strong, healthy teeth, especially in children whose smiles are still developing.

During a child’s dental cleaning, we may also provide sealants. These are special coatings placed over their first and second molars, protecting them from bacteria and reducing the chances of cavities.


Why Gum Disease Matters

Image of woman brushing teeth at homeGum disease is one of the most common oral health problems – yet most people who have it don’t even realize it. Early signs of gum disease can be subtle and easy to overlook. It’s essential to pay attention to the early warning signs because symptoms can quickly get worse and lead to serious consequences.

In the later stages, gum disease can lead to receding gum lines, exposed tooth roots, jawbone shrinkage, and eventually, even tooth loss. Moreover, gum infections can travel through the bloodstream, causing secondary infections in the heart or even the brain. Catching gum disease in the early stages, when it’s still reversible, can help to prevent these outcomes and preserve your oral and overall health.

Identifying Gum Disease

Gum disease symptoms may be subtle, but they aren’t hard to spot if you know what to look for. Common signs of gum disease include:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Tenderness
  • Receding gums

Gum Disease Treatment

Very early gum disease – also called gingivitis – can potentially be turned around with regular dental cleanings and consistent oral hygiene at home. If it has progressed, pockets of bacteria may form below the gum line around the tooth roots. This requires treatment with a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing.

Image of senior man looking at dental x-ray in dental officeUsing specialized tools, we remove all traces of plaque and tartar (scaling) from the tooth roots. We use an antibacterial rinse to eliminate any bacteria. Then, we smooth out the enamel on the root surface. This makes it harder for bacteria to stick while also making it easier for gums to reattach, securing the tooth in place.

If the infection has advanced significantly, you may need more advanced treatment from a specialist. Once your gum disease has been addressed, we’ll continue to protect your gums and reduce the risk of reinfection with periodontal maintenance cleanings every three months or as needed.


Keep Your Smile Healthy 

Whether you need special treatment for gum disease or just want to protect your family’s smiles, our team is here for you. Contact Castaic Dental Center today to schedule your visit and take the next step to a healthy smile!

CALL US: (661) 257-2300 REQUEST APPOINTMENT


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