Ever wonder what goes down during a dental cleaning? Well, you’re in the right place!
Many people have a phobia of visiting a dentist for routine dental cleaning. However, it is one of the simplest and most effective dental treatments for people of all ages. By getting a dental cleanup, you can save yourself from oral complexities and painful dental treatments in the future.
This article will help you understand what happens during your dental cleaning appointment and why routine dental cleanups are important for your overall oral health.
What is Routine Dental Cleaning?
Routine dental cleaning is the primary element in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. During this process, a dentist removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria building up on teeth surfaces. This may also involve other preventive actions, including dental sealant or fluoride treatment.
If you are anxious about dental procedures, discuss with your dentist beforehand. In such cases, your dentist may also provide sedation to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during the visit.
What are the Types of Teeth Cleanings?
Depending on your case, there are different types of teeth cleanings. Regardless of the type, the main goal of teeth cleaning is to get rid of harmful bacteria and plaque.
Below are the most common types of dental cleanings:
1. Prophylaxis
This is the most common type of dental cleaning. It is suitable for people with healthy teeth and gums and is a preventive and routine procedure.
2. Gross Debridement
A gross debridement is suitable for people who seldom visit a dentist or have extensive plaque buildup. It is very similar to prophylaxis but takes more time.
3. Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep teeth cleaning, is a procedure aimed at reaching beneath your gum line to remove bacteria and tough tartar around your teeth roots. This extensive procedure is ideal for individuals with periodontitis or gum disease.
What are the Steps of Routine Dental Cleaning?
Routine dental cleaning involves the following steps:
1. Physical Examination
Dental hygienists perform dental cleanings. Before starting the actual cleaning process, the dentists conduct a physical examination of your mouth. This is done with the help of a small mirror to check around your teeth and gums for the presence of gum diseases.
In case of major problems, the dental hygienist may proceed with the cleaning.
2. Removing Plaque and Tartar
With a small mirror, the hygienist uses a dental cleaner or scaler to remove plaque and tartar around the gum line and between your teeth. This involves the sound of scraping, which is normal and does not cause pain. The more tartar buildup in your mouth, the more time you need to scrape.
3. Gritty Toothpaste Cleaning
Once your teeth are free of tartar, the dentist brushes them with a high-powered sonic brush, which makes a grinding noise. The grinding sensations are minor as they involve vibrations. However, it is the best way to deep clean and remove tartar left behind from the scaler, which is completely normal.
Professional cleaning usually involves toothpastes that feel like regular ones. These toothpastes, however, are somewhat gritty when scrubbing your teeth thoroughly. If performed by an expert, this polishing can last you a year.
4. Expert Flossing
Even if you floss every day, professional flossing during a routine dental cleaning, is effective and required for a healthy mouth. A dentist penetrates deep between your teeth with a flosser to identify any potential spots where it may cause bleeding in the gums.
5. Rinsing
After flossing, your mouth will be thoroughly rinsed to remove any debris. The dentist will give you a rinse containing liquid fluoride to remove plaque and tartar.
6. Application of Fluoride Treatment
The last step of cleaning involves using a fluoride treatment. This is done to protect your teeth and help fight against cavities for months.
Your dentist will apply a foamy gel to your teeth and leave it on for one minute. In addition, a fluoride varnish may also be painted to deep-clean your teeth.
How Often Should You Get a Routine Dental Cleaning?
The American Dental Association suggests routine dental cleaning be performed at regular intervals as suggested by the dentist. In general, this should be done once every six months.
What are the Advantages of Teeth Cleaning?
A routine dental cleaning provides a lot of benefits, including:
1. Reduced risk of critical health issues, including cavities and gum diseases.
2. Improved body health, including reduced risk of stroke, dementia, and other heart diseases.
3. Prevention of bad breath caused by plaque and tartar.
4. Reduced cost of other dental care.
Book Your Dental Cleaning Appointment Today!
Routine dental cleaning is crucial to maintain healthy teeth and gums. At most, you can aim for dental cleaning twice a year, that is, between 6 months. If you have a dental concern, discuss it with your dentist beforehand.
If you are looking for an expert in dental cleaning, you can contact our dentists at Osseo Family Dental.
Our experienced professionals are committed to ensuring that your dental cleaning experience exceeds all expectations. From our meticulous attention to detail to our dedication to your comfort and satisfaction, you can trust us to provide a dental cleaning experience like no other.
Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference firsthand!
You can also Call us at 7634252626