Routine Dental Procedures Houston, TX
Routine dental procedures are basic treatments typically done at least twice a year or as necessary. These procedures greatly enhance your oral health and prevent many diseases from developing. Routine procedures account for many preventative treatments, from professional cleanings to supplemental fluoride treatments.
Routine dental procedures are available at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles in Houston and the surrounding area. We can help you prevent dental issues while protecting and maintaining a healthy oral cavity through various dental health procedures. Call us today at (713) 979-4127 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Dental Check-up
Most routine dental visits involve basic teeth cleanings. During these visits, the dental hygienist uses various metal and ultrasonic tools to scrape off any plaque and tartar buildup on the patient's teeth and gum line. The hygienist will spend time working on one tooth at a time and may even floss between teeth. During this time, a patient wears a plastic or paper cloth over the chest. The patient may also wear eye shields.
Once the hygienist has finished the cleaning, the dentist will do a thorough exam. During this exam, the dentist looks for any pockets or gaps between the patient's teeth and gums. Occasionally, patients may get X-rays after a basic cleaning to identify any difficult-to-see or developing problems.
“The hygienist will spend time working on one tooth at a time and may even floss between teeth.”
Deep Cleanings
Deep cleanings are primarily done to treat or prevent gum disease in a procedure commonly known as scaling and root planing. When plaque is left untreated, the buildup of bacteria can infect and inflame the gums, causing gum disease and, in severe cases, periodontal disease. Routine dental cleanings twice yearly and a deep cleaning can help prevent plaque buildup and, hence, gum disease.
A deep cleaning consists of two parts: scaling and planing. During scaling, we use a special scraping tool to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and the gumline. During planing, we smooth out the tooth's roots so that the gums can reattach naturally to the teeth. In many cases, the patient is put under a local anesthetic to keep them comfortable during the procedure. They will also be given after-care instructions.
“Routine dental cleanings twice yearly and a deep cleaning can help prevent plaque buildup and, hence, gum disease.”
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 dental check-up?
Q. What are dental sealants and tooth whitening treatments?
People Also Ask
Q. Why might I need a dental crown?
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Q. Why is preventative care important?
Q. What is the power of dentist-provided fluoride?
Q. What is restorative dentistry?
Q. What is the importance of having a routine dental checkup?
Dental Bonding and Crowns
Dental bonding is a routine procedure that involves bonding a composite material to the teeth for restoration purposes. We apply a tooth-colored composite resin material to the teeth, adding natural-looking grooves and texture before "bonding" it with a special light. This procedure is primarily done for patients with chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth and helps enhance the appearance while preserving the tooth's function. There are various other conditions that we can treat through dental bonding, and we may discuss these possibilities with a patient during a routine dental visit.
Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that cover a patient's tooth, typically when the tooth has been compromised due to extensive decay. They are most commonly used after a root canal or extraction procedure to act as a natural tooth. Crowns help prevent the spread of bacteria and decay to surrounding teeth, gums, and bone. We will likely discuss a crown placement in cases of a root canal, extraction, or implant procedure.
“Dental crowns are tooth-colored caps that cover a patient’s tooth, typically when the tooth has been compromised due to extensive decay.”
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
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Keeping up with your routine dental treatments may prevent any serious issues before they happen. We at Midtown Dental - The Gallery of Smiles may be able to help. Call us today at 713-979-4127 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
- Midtown Dental – The Gallery of Smiles was established in 2001.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Harris County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Aldine, Missouri City, Pasadena, Fresno and Baytown
- National Provider Identifier Database (1881807758). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
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