Maintaining a healthy smile is not just about brushing and flossing at home. Professional dental cleanings are essential for preserving oral health and preventing future issues. If you’re curious about what takes place during these visits, this guide will walk you through a typical dental cleaning process.
Step by Step Breakdown of Dental Cleaning
When you sit in the dental chair, you may notice an assortment of tools laid out. These are part of the routine that dental professionals follow to ensure that your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and checked for any possible problems.
Going to the Dental Office
Your dental cleaning journey begins with a warm greeting from the dental staff. They will typically check your medical history and make note of any concerns or changes in your health since your last visit. It is important to inform them about any medications you’re currently taking and if you have any form of allergies or specific health conditions.
The Initial Oral Examination
Before the actual cleaning begins, your dentist or dental hygienist will perform an initial oral examination. They use a small mirror to check around your teeth and gums for any signs of gingivitis (inflamed gums) or other potential concerns. This is a crucial step, as it sets the stage for the type of cleaning required and flags any areas that may need special attention.
Removing Plaque and Tartar
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A scaler is used to clean around the gum line and between the teeth to remove plaque and tartar.
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You may hear scraping, but that’s normal. The more tartar there is, the more time is needed to scrape a particular spot.
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Regular brushing and flossing at home limit the buildup of tartar and minimize scraping during a dental cleaning.
Plaque that remains on the teeth can harden into tartar, which is too stubborn to be removed with brushing alone. That’s where professional tools come in handy. The dentist or hygienist will use specialized instruments to carefully remove these deposits without damaging the tooth surface.
Professional Toothbrushing and Flossing
After the plaque and tartar have been removed, the next step is a deep clean with a high-powered electric brush and gritty toothpaste. This step usually makes a grinding noise, which might be alarming at first, but it’s part of the process to get a deep clean and remove any tartar left behind from scaling. Additionally, expert flossing ensures the removal of any leftover plaque or toothpaste from earlier in the cleaning process.
Completing Your Dental Cleaning
Fresh from scaling and brushing, your teeth will then receive a fluoride treatment, which helps to fight off cavities for several months. You typically have a choice in flavor, and a foamy gel or a sticky paste is placed into a mouthpiece that fits over your teeth. It’s usually left on the teeth for a minute or so.
Rinsing and Final Inspection
Once the fluoride has done its job, you’ll rinse out your mouth to get rid of any debris. The dental professional will often give you a rinse that contains liquid fluoride to help protect your teeth when you leave the office.
The dentist will perform a final check to ensure your teeth and gums are in good condition and don’t show signs of trouble. After the dentist gives the all-clear, you can head home with a clean bill of dental health.
Additional Considerations and Services
Regular visits to the dentist also enable quick detection and action to fix minor dental issues, such as chipping or slight misalignments, often with simple, non-invasive procedures. A dental cleaning also presents an opportunity to address other oral health needs.
Discussing Further Dental Work
Should there be a need for additional work, like fillings or crowns, your dentist will discuss this with you. They may show you x-rays to explain the condition of your teeth and gums and plan further treatments.
Educating on Proper Oral Hygiene
Additionally, your dental provider may offer advice on proper oral hygiene techniques and suggest improvements to your at-home routine. They can recommend specific products that suit your needs and help you maintain optimal oral health.
Enhancing Your Smile
Regular dental cleanings can maximally preserve your dental health, but there may be other aspects you wish to enhance for a brighter, more uniform smile. For those looking for additional cosmetic procedures to get a perfect smile, options like porcelain veneers can be an effective choice. Such treatments can correct a range of aesthetic concerns and complement the efforts of regular dental cleanings.
Finding a Dental Office
Choosing the right dental office for your needs is crucial. You want to find a place where the team is professional, the office is welcoming, and the services offered meet your oral health goals. To locate a reputable dental provider, you might want to find Shoreline Dental Care on Google Maps or a similar facility in your area. This can give you a good starting point, including information on office hours, available services, and patient reviews.
Closing Remarks
A trip to the dental office for cleaning is much more than just polishing your teeth. It’s an important part of preventive care that helps ensure your mouth stays healthy. By familiarizing yourself with the process, you can walk into your next appointment with confidence. So, keep up with your oral hygiene at home and maintain regular dental cleanings for a healthy, happy smile.
