What Happens During a Dental Cleaning?
June 30, 2021 4:42 amBiannual cleanings and exams keep your smile strong and healthy. At these appointments, a hygienist cleans your teeth before the dentist checks for any problems. These visits prevent issues like cavities and gum disease from getting worse.
The Dental Cleaning Process
When you come in for your appointment, we’ll bring you back to a private room. We may take X-rays of your mouth to help us identify tooth decay, infection, and other issues. Next, the hygienist will use special tools to remove bacteria in the form of plaque and tartar, which is hardened plaque. You’ll hear a scraping sound. Once we’ve removed plaque and tartar, we’ll polish your teeth with a special brush and toothpaste. This might tickle a little.
Flossing comes last. If you don’t floss much at home, your gums might bleed. This is a sign of gum disease, so we’ll talk to you about improving your habits and proper flossing technique. We also offer fluoride treatments, which fight tooth decay and keep your smile strong.
Most cleanings take about 30-60 minutes, depending on your oral health. If you’re suffering from gum disease, we’ll need to perform a deeper longer cleaning.
Do Teeth Cleanings Hurt?
Regular dental cleanings can be mildly uncomfortable, but they aren’t painful. If you have sensitive teeth or gums, please let us know and we’ll work more gently. Some people also have sensitive gag reflexes, which makes them dread dental cleanings. Please talk to us about any issues so we can make you as comfortable as possible.
Achieve a Healthy Smile with Southwest Dental Care in Jefferson City, MO!
Dr. Orme and our team are here for all your oral healthcare needs, including dental cleanings. Visiting our office at least twice a year is a great way to fight tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems before they become more serious. If you have any questions about cleanings or want to schedule one, please contact Southwest Dental Care today!
Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0
Categorised in: Oral Hygiene, Preventive Care
