Regular dental cleanings form the foundation of long-term oral health, yet many people feel fine and decide to skip their appointments. The truth is that dental issues can develop silently, without causing pain or obvious symptoms, until they become serious problems. At Pence Family Dentistry, Dr. Orey Pence serves as your trusted partner in proactive dental care, helping you maintain a healthy smile through consistent preventive treatments.
What Happens During a Six-Month Cleaning
Your dental cleaning appointment involves much more than a quick polish. The dental hygienist performs a thorough removal of plaque and tartar buildup in hard-to-reach places that your toothbrush and floss simply cannot access effectively. After this deep cleaning, your teeth receive a professional polishing for a smooth, clean finish that leaves your mouth feeling fresh.
Dr. Pence then conducts a comprehensive dental exam to detect cavities, gum disease, and other potential issues before they become painful or costly. Many patients also choose to include an oral cancer screening as part of their routine visit, providing additional peace of mind and early detection capabilities.
The Risks of Skipping Cleanings
When you skip regular cleanings, plaque buildup hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by professional dental tools. This buildup leads to cavities, gum disease, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated. Gum disease often progresses painlessly, making it particularly dangerous since patients may not realize they have a problem until significant bone loss has occurred.
Small problems that could be easily addressed during routine visits become major issues when left undetected. What might have been a simple filling can turn into a root canal, crown, or even tooth extraction when caught too late.
The Benefits of Staying on Schedule
Preventive care saves money and dramatically reduces the need for major dental treatments. Regular cleanings help your teeth feel and look cleaner, boosting your confidence and overall comfort. When problems are detected early, treatment becomes easier, faster, and more affordable for you and your family.
Maintaining good oral health through regular cleanings also supports your whole-body health by reducing inflammation and infection risk. Research continues to show connections between oral health and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Who Needs These Cleanings?
Everyone benefits from twice-yearly cleanings, regardless of age or current oral health status. Adults, children, and seniors all need professional dental care to maintain optimal oral health. Patients with dental restorations, braces, or implants should be especially diligent about keeping their cleaning appointments, as this dental work requires additional attention and care.
Even patients with excellent home care routines need professional cleanings to remove tartar buildup that cannot be eliminated through brushing and flossing alone. No matter how thorough your daily oral hygiene routine, professional cleaning remains essential.
Your Partner in Prevention: Pence Family Dentistry
Dr. Orey Pence and the experienced team at Pence Family Dentistry are committed to helping you maintain a healthy smile for life. Each cleaning appointment is quick, comfortable, and tailored to your unique dental needs and concerns.
Proudly serving patients from Fishers, Noblesville, and Indianapolis, the practice makes it easy to stay on top of your oral health with convenient scheduling and comprehensive care. Don’t let a busy schedule compromise your smile—regular cleanings are an investment in your long-term health and well-being that pays dividends for years to come.
Contact Pence Family Dentistry:
317-842-2337
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
9744 Lantern Rd
Fishers, Indiana
46037
